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DI David Vogel #1
Deadly Dance
This compelling novel of psychological suspense is the first in an intriguing new series featuring Bristol detective, DI David Vogel.
The discovery of the partially-clothed body of a teenage girl in the heart of Bristol's red light district indicates a tragic yet familiar scenario. But this marks the start of a baffling murder investigation where nothing is as it first appears. Fourteen-year-old Melanie Cooke told her mother she was visiting a school friend. Who was she really going to meet?
Detective Inspector David Vogel is led towards three very different principal protagonists, each of whom grows increasingly chilling. But are they what they seem? And is any one of them capable of murder?
A darkly complex secret lies behind Melanie's death - and its ultimate revelation will shock Vogel and his team to the core.
The discovery of the partially-clothed body of a teenage girl in the heart of Bristol's red light district indicates a tragic yet familiar scenario. But this marks the start of a baffling murder investigation where nothing is as it first appears. Fourteen-year-old Melanie Cooke told her mother she was visiting a school friend. Who was she really going to meet?
Detective Inspector David Vogel is led towards three very different principal protagonists, each of whom grows increasingly chilling. But are they what they seem? And is any one of them capable of murder?
A darkly complex secret lies behind Melanie's death - and its ultimate revelation will shock Vogel and his team to the core.
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2017
23 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Bonner
36 books30 followersHilary Bonner is an English crime novelist, best known for her psychological thrillers.
Almost all Bonner’s novels are inspired by real life events, often drawing on her journalistic past with The Sun, The Mail on Sunday, and Daily Mirror. The Times described her as ‘keeping on the public agenda the stories our masters would prefer buried.’
She shares her life with her partner, the actress Amanda Barrie, and, with their dog Coco. She divides her time between her house in rural Somerset and her flat at the heart of Covent Garden.
Almost all Bonner’s novels are inspired by real life events, often drawing on her journalistic past with The Sun, The Mail on Sunday, and Daily Mirror. The Times described her as ‘keeping on the public agenda the stories our masters would prefer buried.’
She shares her life with her partner, the actress Amanda Barrie, and, with their dog Coco. She divides her time between her house in rural Somerset and her flat at the heart of Covent Garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 8, 2017
4.5 Stars
DI David Vogel has his hands full being first called to investigate the death of a young female teenager. Although Vogel knows this is just a child, it's nothing out of the ordinary ..so he thinks. The girl was supposed to be seeing a school friend, but she was dressed more for a date. Who was she really meeting?
The evidence ..or lack of ... leads him to suspect three different protagonists. But who are they ...and is any one of them capable of cold blooded murder?
This is a dark, compelling crime thriller / psychological thriller. The excellent story line includes three suspects. The reader learns who they are though alternating chapters. Saul, Leo, and Al all have their secrets ...and their secret lives.
This is the first in an intriguing new series featuring Bristol detective, DI David Vogel. Looks like this will be a most interesting and compelling series.
Many thanks to the author / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of DEADLY DANCE. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DI David Vogel has his hands full being first called to investigate the death of a young female teenager. Although Vogel knows this is just a child, it's nothing out of the ordinary ..so he thinks. The girl was supposed to be seeing a school friend, but she was dressed more for a date. Who was she really meeting?
The evidence ..or lack of ... leads him to suspect three different protagonists. But who are they ...and is any one of them capable of cold blooded murder?
This is a dark, compelling crime thriller / psychological thriller. The excellent story line includes three suspects. The reader learns who they are though alternating chapters. Saul, Leo, and Al all have their secrets ...and their secret lives.
This is the first in an intriguing new series featuring Bristol detective, DI David Vogel. Looks like this will be a most interesting and compelling series.
Many thanks to the author / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of DEADLY DANCE. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 15, 2017
This book really surprised me. The story of David Vogel and his team investigating the murder of a 14 year old girl in Bristol. The story is told from multiple points of view. It is hard to write a review without giving things away! A very fast paced read that leaves you wanting more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Severn House for a copy of this book to read and review this book. Highly recommend this book
Thanks to Netgalley and Severn House for a copy of this book to read and review this book. Highly recommend this book
November 16, 2017
I'm going to have to put the majority of this review under a spoiler tag because, in theory, in talking about my major issue with this book I've got to spoil "the big reveal." My issue is that the big reveal is neither big nor a reveal given that I worked it out based entirely on the blurb on the jacket. This doesn't make me Sherlock Holmes I assure you.
Here's the deal. Detective Inspector David Vogel and his team are called to the scene of a tragic murder. A fourteen year old girl has been found strangled in the street. She'd lied to her parents about a study date with a girlfriend and was clearly dressed up to meet someone, the question is who?
Author Hilary Bonner does a pretty good job with her crime solving team. Vogel is an interesting guy, solid, happy marriage which makes a nice change from the usual tortured investigative genius who sacrifices everything including those he loves for the sake of solving the crime, he's got a daughter very close in age to the victim and a good relationship with his team. He's a good person and good at his job and he's doing it for the right reasons and as far as setting him up as a long term protagonist of a series Bonner does a solid job. I like the guy.
Unfortunately that's about all I can say for this book. The lead detective seems like a nice person. Because at the same time as we are meeting Vogel and his crack team who honestly all kind of blended together for me since he's the only one who gets developed Bonner is beating a really, really dead horse of a murder mystery trope when it comes to the actual crime being investigated.
So here's what the book jacket has to say about who the murderer might be.
So sloppy as hell research and a seriously dead boring story combine to overpower relatively okay writing for a perfect storm of "eh."
Here's the deal. Detective Inspector David Vogel and his team are called to the scene of a tragic murder. A fourteen year old girl has been found strangled in the street. She'd lied to her parents about a study date with a girlfriend and was clearly dressed up to meet someone, the question is who?
Author Hilary Bonner does a pretty good job with her crime solving team. Vogel is an interesting guy, solid, happy marriage which makes a nice change from the usual tortured investigative genius who sacrifices everything including those he loves for the sake of solving the crime, he's got a daughter very close in age to the victim and a good relationship with his team. He's a good person and good at his job and he's doing it for the right reasons and as far as setting him up as a long term protagonist of a series Bonner does a solid job. I like the guy.
Unfortunately that's about all I can say for this book. The lead detective seems like a nice person. Because at the same time as we are meeting Vogel and his crack team who honestly all kind of blended together for me since he's the only one who gets developed Bonner is beating a really, really dead horse of a murder mystery trope when it comes to the actual crime being investigated.
So here's what the book jacket has to say about who the murderer might be.
So sloppy as hell research and a seriously dead boring story combine to overpower relatively okay writing for a perfect storm of "eh."
December 7, 2017
Deadly dance by hilary Bonner.
The discovery of the partially-clothed body of a teenage girl in the heart of Bristol’s red light district indicates a tragic yet familiar scenario. But this marks the start of a baffling murder investigation where nothing is as it first appears. Fourteen-year-old Melanie Cooke told her mother she was visiting a school friend. Who was she really going to meet?
This was a good read with good characters. I liked the plot. 4*.
The discovery of the partially-clothed body of a teenage girl in the heart of Bristol’s red light district indicates a tragic yet familiar scenario. But this marks the start of a baffling murder investigation where nothing is as it first appears. Fourteen-year-old Melanie Cooke told her mother she was visiting a school friend. Who was she really going to meet?
This was a good read with good characters. I liked the plot. 4*.
October 4, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for the digital galley of this novel.
I have to say immediately that I did not like this book. Psychological thriller/suspense novels are usually quite enjoyable for me but this one made me feel very uncomfortable while I was reading it. I should have just put the book aside and not continued to read.
The way the book is designed forced me to read a lot of segments presented by three men with different sexual problems. One has a problem relating to women in person so he has been getting to know women online. The second man is gay but has not acknowledged that to anyone so he's living two lives. The third man is a pedophile and he certainly isn't apologetic about it. The chapters alternate with one of these three and the police procedures taking place trying to find the murderer of a 14 year old girl. This specific psychological condition would have been very interesting to read about, but I was so uneasy about the graphic nature of the chapters concerning the three men that there was no pleasure in the book for me. About at the halfway point the investigation begins to be presented more prominently but now the poor police detective has a personal problem thrown at him. It was all way too much for me.
I have to say immediately that I did not like this book. Psychological thriller/suspense novels are usually quite enjoyable for me but this one made me feel very uncomfortable while I was reading it. I should have just put the book aside and not continued to read.
The way the book is designed forced me to read a lot of segments presented by three men with different sexual problems. One has a problem relating to women in person so he has been getting to know women online. The second man is gay but has not acknowledged that to anyone so he's living two lives. The third man is a pedophile and he certainly isn't apologetic about it. The chapters alternate with one of these three and the police procedures taking place trying to find the murderer of a 14 year old girl. This specific psychological condition would have been very interesting to read about, but I was so uneasy about the graphic nature of the chapters concerning the three men that there was no pleasure in the book for me. About at the halfway point the investigation begins to be presented more prominently but now the poor police detective has a personal problem thrown at him. It was all way too much for me.
July 16, 2017
I read the Kindle edition.
3 and 1 / 2 stars
Fourteen-year old Melanie “Mel” Cooke is murdered and left behind some bins at the back of a store after being reported as missing by her mother. DI David Vogel is on the case. He has a daughter the same age as Mel who is named Rosamunde.
This book is interspersed with vignettes from three other points of view. They are a pedophile, a gay man who isn’t out of the closet and a lonely man who remakes himself online to meet a wife. Saul, Leo and Al are all troubled souls who have their problems. These stories add an interesting aside to the main story and the reader at first doesn’t know their significance. But these stories become very important later in the story.
There are several potential suspects in the Mel Cooke murder case. There is her father, her step-father and other persons of interest. Both Mel’s mother and her step-mother suffer from “nerves.” Interesting to say the least.
Together with DS John Willis and DC Dawn Saslow Vogel and his team follow the clues. They interview possible witnesses, family members and people at the school which Mel attended.
DS Willis zeroes in on Mel’s father and he is arrested for murder. After a shocking mix-up at the lab, the father is released.
Through persistence and a very clever mind, DI Vogel hits upon a theory that seems so outrageous it has to be untrue. But it is true.
When something awful happens to DC Dawn Saslow DI Vogel has his answer.
This book is well written and plotted. The way the story was constructed was very interesting. The tension started out immediately with the murder of Melanie Cooke and continued throughout the story until it ended with a huge bang. Aside from a few typos, I had no problem easily reading the book. As someone with a masters in clinical psychology, I had a few problems with the last 30% or so of the book. Not that I didn’t believe the given theories, but it’s not been my experience that it happens the way it was described. This is my first Hilary Bonner novel, but it won’t be my last! I immediately went to Amazon to look at her other books
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
3 and 1 / 2 stars
Fourteen-year old Melanie “Mel” Cooke is murdered and left behind some bins at the back of a store after being reported as missing by her mother. DI David Vogel is on the case. He has a daughter the same age as Mel who is named Rosamunde.
This book is interspersed with vignettes from three other points of view. They are a pedophile, a gay man who isn’t out of the closet and a lonely man who remakes himself online to meet a wife. Saul, Leo and Al are all troubled souls who have their problems. These stories add an interesting aside to the main story and the reader at first doesn’t know their significance. But these stories become very important later in the story.
There are several potential suspects in the Mel Cooke murder case. There is her father, her step-father and other persons of interest. Both Mel’s mother and her step-mother suffer from “nerves.” Interesting to say the least.
Together with DS John Willis and DC Dawn Saslow Vogel and his team follow the clues. They interview possible witnesses, family members and people at the school which Mel attended.
DS Willis zeroes in on Mel’s father and he is arrested for murder. After a shocking mix-up at the lab, the father is released.
Through persistence and a very clever mind, DI Vogel hits upon a theory that seems so outrageous it has to be untrue. But it is true.
When something awful happens to DC Dawn Saslow DI Vogel has his answer.
This book is well written and plotted. The way the story was constructed was very interesting. The tension started out immediately with the murder of Melanie Cooke and continued throughout the story until it ended with a huge bang. Aside from a few typos, I had no problem easily reading the book. As someone with a masters in clinical psychology, I had a few problems with the last 30% or so of the book. Not that I didn’t believe the given theories, but it’s not been my experience that it happens the way it was described. This is my first Hilary Bonner novel, but it won’t be my last! I immediately went to Amazon to look at her other books
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for forwarding to me a copy of this great book to read.
October 7, 2017
I love meeting a new Detective..
and Detective Inspector David Vogel is one of those men who gives you the impression he is kind and caring but underneath is a tough and hardy man who has probably seen and heard it all.
When Melanie Cooke is found dead, Vogel is reminded of his daughter who at fourteen is the same age.
This is a descriptive and graphic read, but one that is also clever with it's plot and series of characters, each given their own voice within the chapters, this well written psychological thriller is a gripping read.
Although I found it slow to get 'into', I do think that as the series goes on it will be an exciting and explosive tale.
I get the impression it is well researched, especially concerning the sexual preferences and problems that the men have. It is also topically relevant in it's themes,which makes for a realistic and genuine case.
I quite liked it.
and Detective Inspector David Vogel is one of those men who gives you the impression he is kind and caring but underneath is a tough and hardy man who has probably seen and heard it all.
When Melanie Cooke is found dead, Vogel is reminded of his daughter who at fourteen is the same age.
This is a descriptive and graphic read, but one that is also clever with it's plot and series of characters, each given their own voice within the chapters, this well written psychological thriller is a gripping read.
Although I found it slow to get 'into', I do think that as the series goes on it will be an exciting and explosive tale.
I get the impression it is well researched, especially concerning the sexual preferences and problems that the men have. It is also topically relevant in it's themes,which makes for a realistic and genuine case.
I quite liked it.
June 22, 2021
I have mixed feelings from this first book in the Vogel series. I really enjoyed Vogel as a character. He’s quite stoic and unusual for a police detective doesn’t have any addictions or horrid relationships. Very unique! I also liked his sub plot. He’s a secular Jew and has denounced all religion but has to re-assess his entire thinking after getting some shocking news (spoiler free). I’m not religious but religion interests me and I would pick up book 2 just to see where he goes with this.
The secondary police characters & his wife almost don’t exist. I think a lot more could have been done with them. What we do get is 3 extra voices. All link to the murder but Vogel doesn’t know how. The voices are quite similar for 3 men that have very different issues. We have the paedophile, the gay man going to extreme lengths to keep his sexuality separate from his life and the impotent man trying to find a wife online. They should sound wildly different but don’t. I think the author tries to drop clues as she goes along as to who the killer is but they’re more anvils and it becomes obvious very quickly to everyone but the police
Back to positives. It is a fast read. I sat up until 1.30am to finish it and see when Vogel would click as to who the bad guy was. The reasoning behind the murderer has been done a lot but a subject I personally find interesting (again no spoilers). As mentioned above I’m intrigued where the Jewish/faith story will go. Overall I think a thumb firmly in the middle for this one
The secondary police characters & his wife almost don’t exist. I think a lot more could have been done with them. What we do get is 3 extra voices. All link to the murder but Vogel doesn’t know how. The voices are quite similar for 3 men that have very different issues. We have the paedophile, the gay man going to extreme lengths to keep his sexuality separate from his life and the impotent man trying to find a wife online. They should sound wildly different but don’t. I think the author tries to drop clues as she goes along as to who the killer is but they’re more anvils and it becomes obvious very quickly to everyone but the police
Back to positives. It is a fast read. I sat up until 1.30am to finish it and see when Vogel would click as to who the bad guy was. The reasoning behind the murderer has been done a lot but a subject I personally find interesting (again no spoilers). As mentioned above I’m intrigued where the Jewish/faith story will go. Overall I think a thumb firmly in the middle for this one
July 16, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy of Deadly Dance, the first in a new series featuring DI David Vogel of the Avon and Somerset police.
Vogel is called in when the body of 14 year old Melanie Cooke is found in a dark alley in Bristol. The case is resolved fairly quickly despite Vogel's unease until new information comes to light which changes things completely.
I really did not enjoy this novel for a variety reasons. Firstly, the investigative narrative is told in every second chapter interspersed by a rotating narrative by three distinct and distinctly seedy characters, Saul, Leo and Al. As a result I found it almost impossible to get into and be absorbed by the investigation which seems to be told very distantly, almost at arm's length. It must be about three quarters of the way into the novel that the relevance of the three other characters becomes apparent. In the meantime you have to plough through the mind of their unsavoury characters and sexual hangups. It's extremely unpleasant reading. I also guessed the perpetrator almost immediately. The ending is quite action packed but for me hugely unbelievable.
I think that readers who enjoy reading about the motivation of a killer will enjoy this novel but it's not for me as I have zero interest in the why and much prefer to live the hunt with the investigators.
Vogel is called in when the body of 14 year old Melanie Cooke is found in a dark alley in Bristol. The case is resolved fairly quickly despite Vogel's unease until new information comes to light which changes things completely.
I really did not enjoy this novel for a variety reasons. Firstly, the investigative narrative is told in every second chapter interspersed by a rotating narrative by three distinct and distinctly seedy characters, Saul, Leo and Al. As a result I found it almost impossible to get into and be absorbed by the investigation which seems to be told very distantly, almost at arm's length. It must be about three quarters of the way into the novel that the relevance of the three other characters becomes apparent. In the meantime you have to plough through the mind of their unsavoury characters and sexual hangups. It's extremely unpleasant reading. I also guessed the perpetrator almost immediately. The ending is quite action packed but for me hugely unbelievable.
I think that readers who enjoy reading about the motivation of a killer will enjoy this novel but it's not for me as I have zero interest in the why and much prefer to live the hunt with the investigators.
July 13, 2019
this was ok- by page 15 I knew what was going on with the 'bad guy' and I think most other readers would also. So then it was figuring out who the bad guy was and once that happened it moved pretty fast. I did find that a couple of things were not interesting - Det. Vogel's personal life was a big yawn. I wonder why writers can't write a procedural with a lead detective that has a nice personal life? This one really seems like a stretch with what he finds out about his 'place in the family' and the illness of his child.
Also the style in which this is written makes it impossible to stay engaged with the story-every other chapter is the investigation - every other chapter is the unpleasant story of three characters. All three have issues and a lot of their sexual revelations seemed gratuitous. I found the layout of the story so annoying that it wasn't long before I skipped all the chapters except for the investigation - it wasn't necessary to spend any more time with the other three characters.
And finally, it bugged me that the female cop was so scared. Don't get me wrong -she was in a scary situation but she's a cop and I want my female cops to handle stuff like this better -especially in fiction.
I don't know if I will read another in the series
Also the style in which this is written makes it impossible to stay engaged with the story-every other chapter is the investigation - every other chapter is the unpleasant story of three characters. All three have issues and a lot of their sexual revelations seemed gratuitous. I found the layout of the story so annoying that it wasn't long before I skipped all the chapters except for the investigation - it wasn't necessary to spend any more time with the other three characters.
And finally, it bugged me that the female cop was so scared. Don't get me wrong -she was in a scary situation but she's a cop and I want my female cops to handle stuff like this better -especially in fiction.
I don't know if I will read another in the series
December 3, 2017
Disturbing!
A psychological thriller that deals with pedophilia, unresolved sexuality acceptance and relational difficulties in three voices. These three voices lead the story, interacting to form the whole. This modus operandi employed by Bonner lends a fascinating pull slowly drawing the reader further into the unfolding action.
The brutal murder of fourteen year old Madeline has Detective David Vogel methodically parsing every action of those close to her, every nuance is noted as he digs further into Madeline's life and the lives of those within her orbit.
I found this an uncomfortable read due to the subject matter and yet quite brilliant its execution. Bonner has a way with words that captivates you and places you right in the here and now, whether you want to be or not. It's hard to detach from the visual images she evokes.
Really this is a 5 star writing performance from Bonner, but from my personal liking of the subject matter, 1 star.
A NetGalley ARC
A psychological thriller that deals with pedophilia, unresolved sexuality acceptance and relational difficulties in three voices. These three voices lead the story, interacting to form the whole. This modus operandi employed by Bonner lends a fascinating pull slowly drawing the reader further into the unfolding action.
The brutal murder of fourteen year old Madeline has Detective David Vogel methodically parsing every action of those close to her, every nuance is noted as he digs further into Madeline's life and the lives of those within her orbit.
I found this an uncomfortable read due to the subject matter and yet quite brilliant its execution. Bonner has a way with words that captivates you and places you right in the here and now, whether you want to be or not. It's hard to detach from the visual images she evokes.
Really this is a 5 star writing performance from Bonner, but from my personal liking of the subject matter, 1 star.
A NetGalley ARC
January 23, 2024
This was a solid thriller with a likable detective at the front of an unusual case. However, I figured the main twist out way too early but it was redeemed when I found out the other, even more twisty "twist" closer to the end. I think this trope deserves a bit more research as it all seems way too serious and complicated to just throw around but overall, this was an engrossing book and I appreciate the opportunity to review it. My sincerest apologies for letting this get away from me for so long!
October 21, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I have to say I found this to be a very clever and imaginative piece of writing.
The story at times is a bit graphic but I was totally engrossed by the plot and the characters were fascinating.
I have to say I found this to be a very clever and imaginative piece of writing.
The story at times is a bit graphic but I was totally engrossed by the plot and the characters were fascinating.
November 26, 2017
I found this book very hard going and it didn't hold my interest so everytime I picked it up I had to recap on the story line. Sorry not for me
January 7, 2020
I thought this was very poor. Cardboard characters, not great writing and overly meoldramatic when the "wind" starts blowing, although the idea had potential. I won't be following this blinking detective in future books.
April 5, 2020
Audio version of this book 📚- DNF , just couldn’t get into this book at all
December 1, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up.
This was a strange book for me because I pretty much clocked how it was going from the start. I also guessed the culprit really early so the rest of the book didn't really yield anything surprise or shock wise for me.
So we start with the discovery of a dead teenage girl. DI Vogel is quickly on site and starts his investigation. It appears that the 14 year old had told her mother she was studying with a friend but it soon transpires that studying was far from her mind with what she had planned. The investigation then follows all the usual paths; speak to the parents, the school, the girl's friends etc etc and it progresses nicely. But here's the rub. In between chapters following Vogel and his team, we also hear from three other characters, a short chapter at a time. Each with a particular, somewhat seedy, predilection and that's all I am going to say about them here. Things hot up when more crimes are discovered which although completely different in pretty much all aspects, appear to be linked by forensics. Can Vogel and his team catch the killer before the body count rises further?
I found Vogel to be a rather interesting character and I warmed to him straight away. He's a bit odd at times but he has an instinct and trusts it so is not afraid of going out on a limb with his peers and superiors when it is something he really believes in; however bizarre. He also doesn't come across as a stereotypical wounded cop like so many in this genre of book. I especially like his interaction with his wife and, OK, he does have a few things to deal with in his private life, but who hasn't? Some of the other characters were quite hard to read about but I guess kudos should be given to the author for making them come across as real. That said, I am just a little reticent to completely get on board with the actual killer and their motivation and have trouble really believing in how things progressed in their life to get to what happens in their present.
Ignoring my issues with the killer for now, this book was well written and the crimes and the majority of the book well plotted. The police team worked well together and, as already mentioned, I did like Vogel and definitely think that he and his team have more to give. I just hope that next time the crime and motivation is a little more credible. I am definitely not put off by my reservations with this book as I can see beyond them and see quite a bit of potential from this series and characters.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This was a strange book for me because I pretty much clocked how it was going from the start. I also guessed the culprit really early so the rest of the book didn't really yield anything surprise or shock wise for me.
So we start with the discovery of a dead teenage girl. DI Vogel is quickly on site and starts his investigation. It appears that the 14 year old had told her mother she was studying with a friend but it soon transpires that studying was far from her mind with what she had planned. The investigation then follows all the usual paths; speak to the parents, the school, the girl's friends etc etc and it progresses nicely. But here's the rub. In between chapters following Vogel and his team, we also hear from three other characters, a short chapter at a time. Each with a particular, somewhat seedy, predilection and that's all I am going to say about them here. Things hot up when more crimes are discovered which although completely different in pretty much all aspects, appear to be linked by forensics. Can Vogel and his team catch the killer before the body count rises further?
I found Vogel to be a rather interesting character and I warmed to him straight away. He's a bit odd at times but he has an instinct and trusts it so is not afraid of going out on a limb with his peers and superiors when it is something he really believes in; however bizarre. He also doesn't come across as a stereotypical wounded cop like so many in this genre of book. I especially like his interaction with his wife and, OK, he does have a few things to deal with in his private life, but who hasn't? Some of the other characters were quite hard to read about but I guess kudos should be given to the author for making them come across as real. That said, I am just a little reticent to completely get on board with the actual killer and their motivation and have trouble really believing in how things progressed in their life to get to what happens in their present.
Ignoring my issues with the killer for now, this book was well written and the crimes and the majority of the book well plotted. The police team worked well together and, as already mentioned, I did like Vogel and definitely think that he and his team have more to give. I just hope that next time the crime and motivation is a little more credible. I am definitely not put off by my reservations with this book as I can see beyond them and see quite a bit of potential from this series and characters.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
December 4, 2017
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure whether I’d done the right thing in requesting this murder mystery thriller. There are four narrators throughout this tense thriller – D.I. Vogel’s point of view, which is in third person and three first-person viewpoints, who are three tormented young men who are struggling to fit into society – Leo, Al and Saul. As we keep returning to their ongoing battles to come to terms with their impulses, I found myself feeling some sympathy with the crippling loneliness that is evident within all three of them.
By comparison, I found David’s character rather pallid – he isn’t exactly Mr Charisma anyway, but while it becomes increasingly imperative that he solves the mystery, I was tempted to skim his scenes at home with his wife. The third person viewpoint simply doesn’t have the punch and immediacy of the three antagonists – I’m assuming this device is a deliberate ploy, but I don’t think it is wholly successful. It seems to me that one of the major tasks of a first book is to establish the protagonist as a strong, sympathetic character, even if he isn’t completely likeable and I’m not sure that Bonner has ticked that box with this book.
Where she triumphantly succeeds however, is in delivering a gripping page-turner. For as the story progresses, each of these three characters are increasingly mired in a mess of their own making. I was watching each of them begin to unravel and there was no question of my putting the book down until I discovered who did what to whom. The gathering tension as the stakes are steadily raised and the handling of the denouement and resulting fallout is beautifully handled. This book is recommended for those who like their police procedural thrillers tense and gritty.
8/10
By comparison, I found David’s character rather pallid – he isn’t exactly Mr Charisma anyway, but while it becomes increasingly imperative that he solves the mystery, I was tempted to skim his scenes at home with his wife. The third person viewpoint simply doesn’t have the punch and immediacy of the three antagonists – I’m assuming this device is a deliberate ploy, but I don’t think it is wholly successful. It seems to me that one of the major tasks of a first book is to establish the protagonist as a strong, sympathetic character, even if he isn’t completely likeable and I’m not sure that Bonner has ticked that box with this book.
Where she triumphantly succeeds however, is in delivering a gripping page-turner. For as the story progresses, each of these three characters are increasingly mired in a mess of their own making. I was watching each of them begin to unravel and there was no question of my putting the book down until I discovered who did what to whom. The gathering tension as the stakes are steadily raised and the handling of the denouement and resulting fallout is beautifully handled. This book is recommended for those who like their police procedural thrillers tense and gritty.
8/10
October 6, 2017
In the first of a new series we are introduced to DI David Vogel of the Avon and Somerset police. When the body of fourteen year old Melanie Cooke is discovered Vogel is called upon to investigate and he cannot but help be reminded of his own 14 year old daughter Rosamunde. His team includes DS John Willis and DC Dawn Saslow and they follow the clues and interview potential witnesses which lead them to suspect Mel’s father and her step-father.
The structure of the plot is very interesting. In Part One of the book each chapter is followed by a new voice – those of Al, Saul and Leo where each relate their particular story or background, all of them have a worrying aspect to their characters. These act as a subplot running in tandem with the main story.
The plot is clever, exciting and extremely well-written with a brilliant ending. I loved Vogel, I found him endearing and he reminded me of Morse with his leaning to the classics. His wife, Mary is also a very interesting character, helping Vogel focus on the investigation with insightful comments.
A clever, psychological thriller well worth reading, but those of a queasy disposition beware, it can be a bit graphic.
For me, I loved it.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest
The structure of the plot is very interesting. In Part One of the book each chapter is followed by a new voice – those of Al, Saul and Leo where each relate their particular story or background, all of them have a worrying aspect to their characters. These act as a subplot running in tandem with the main story.
The plot is clever, exciting and extremely well-written with a brilliant ending. I loved Vogel, I found him endearing and he reminded me of Morse with his leaning to the classics. His wife, Mary is also a very interesting character, helping Vogel focus on the investigation with insightful comments.
A clever, psychological thriller well worth reading, but those of a queasy disposition beware, it can be a bit graphic.
For me, I loved it.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest
October 28, 2019
There is a great deal of detail in this book, and I loved it. DI Vogel recently joined the police force in Avon & Somerset, is given the case of a missing girl. She is only 14 years old. Sadly her body is discovered soon after she was reported missing.
The death of Melanie Cooke raises many questions and as a matter of course, her step-father and father are in the frame.
Vogel has DC Dawn Saslow and DS John Willis on this, and subsequent cases, they expect to work around the clock. Vogel's wife Mary is used to this, but she is a vital sounding board for him. Her patience and trustworthiness are essential to him.
Unbeknownst to the police, there are three separate murders, but nothing about them is sending any clues as to who is behind them. This is where everyone is stuck, in that no motive is found either. Al the predictor, surfing the internet and joining various groups giving his access to his own perversion. Leo, the closet gay, keeps his working life very separate and lastly Saul who wants nothing more than to settle down and have a family.
What these three have in common is not clear until the end. Keep reading as you will want to find out.
A well deserved 5***** from me.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
The death of Melanie Cooke raises many questions and as a matter of course, her step-father and father are in the frame.
Vogel has DC Dawn Saslow and DS John Willis on this, and subsequent cases, they expect to work around the clock. Vogel's wife Mary is used to this, but she is a vital sounding board for him. Her patience and trustworthiness are essential to him.
Unbeknownst to the police, there are three separate murders, but nothing about them is sending any clues as to who is behind them. This is where everyone is stuck, in that no motive is found either. Al the predictor, surfing the internet and joining various groups giving his access to his own perversion. Leo, the closet gay, keeps his working life very separate and lastly Saul who wants nothing more than to settle down and have a family.
What these three have in common is not clear until the end. Keep reading as you will want to find out.
A well deserved 5***** from me.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
November 30, 2017
The first installment in the DI David Vogel series, Deadly Dance by Hilary Bonner is a dark yet compelling police procedural.
DI David Vogel is affected more than usual when he is assigned to investigate the death of fourteen year old Melanie Cooke since he has a daughter who is the same age as the victim. He does not let this affect his investigation but he is definitely determined to bring her killer to justice. Like many murder inquiries, he and his team, DC Dawn Saslow and DS John Willis, begin with the victim's family. Although stepfather Jim Fisher has an alibi, troubling information almost immediately comes to light. Melanie's father, Terry Cooke, is incredibly distraught at the news but he co-operates fully with the investigation. However, DC Willis zeroes in on Terry as a suspect right from the beginning. Vogel is not convinced Terry murdered his daughter, but will the evidence prove Willis is on the right track?
Interspersed with David's investigations are chapters written from three very different individuals. Saul desperately wants to meet and marry and turns to an online marriage website to find a bride, but will he find a woman to share his life with? Leo is gay but he is so deeply closeted he turns to hook-ups to satisfy his desires but will he change his mind after he becomes infatuated with a one-night stand? Al is a pedophile with voyeuristic tendencies but will he continue to resist acting on his fantasies? While these three men initially do not seem to have any connection to Melanie's murder, will this change once Vogel delves deeper into the investigation?
Deadly Dance is an intriguing but rather slow-paced mystery. The investigation into Melanie's murder is a straight-forward murder inquiry and Vogel is a by the book detective inspector who has keen instincts and a sharp intellect. The chapters written from Saul, Al and Leo's perspectives are somewhat explicit but Al's exploits are particularly difficult to read. These chapters are not intended to be titillating and none of their scenes are gratuitous but the subject matter is not for the faint of heart. Readers will most immediately guess the identity of Melanie's killer, but Hilary Bonner still brings the novel to a jaw-dropping, action packed conclusion. The DI David Vogel series is off to an outstanding beginning with this first clever installment.
DI David Vogel is affected more than usual when he is assigned to investigate the death of fourteen year old Melanie Cooke since he has a daughter who is the same age as the victim. He does not let this affect his investigation but he is definitely determined to bring her killer to justice. Like many murder inquiries, he and his team, DC Dawn Saslow and DS John Willis, begin with the victim's family. Although stepfather Jim Fisher has an alibi, troubling information almost immediately comes to light. Melanie's father, Terry Cooke, is incredibly distraught at the news but he co-operates fully with the investigation. However, DC Willis zeroes in on Terry as a suspect right from the beginning. Vogel is not convinced Terry murdered his daughter, but will the evidence prove Willis is on the right track?
Interspersed with David's investigations are chapters written from three very different individuals. Saul desperately wants to meet and marry and turns to an online marriage website to find a bride, but will he find a woman to share his life with? Leo is gay but he is so deeply closeted he turns to hook-ups to satisfy his desires but will he change his mind after he becomes infatuated with a one-night stand? Al is a pedophile with voyeuristic tendencies but will he continue to resist acting on his fantasies? While these three men initially do not seem to have any connection to Melanie's murder, will this change once Vogel delves deeper into the investigation?
Deadly Dance is an intriguing but rather slow-paced mystery. The investigation into Melanie's murder is a straight-forward murder inquiry and Vogel is a by the book detective inspector who has keen instincts and a sharp intellect. The chapters written from Saul, Al and Leo's perspectives are somewhat explicit but Al's exploits are particularly difficult to read. These chapters are not intended to be titillating and none of their scenes are gratuitous but the subject matter is not for the faint of heart. Readers will most immediately guess the identity of Melanie's killer, but Hilary Bonner still brings the novel to a jaw-dropping, action packed conclusion. The DI David Vogel series is off to an outstanding beginning with this first clever installment.
November 27, 2017
A fourteen-year-old girl tells her mother she's going to visit a school friend, but is found dead in Bristol, England's red light district. Detective Inspector David Vogel thinks the young girl had to be meeting someone else and is determined to find the truth.
The information provided about this book says it's the first of a new series and although the book just came out, I am already anticipating the next book! From the description, it sounds like a typical police procedural, which I enjoy. However, the book has a complexity and chilling aspect which elevates the book into the thriller category. Interspersed with third person narration of the murder investigation are chapters told in the first person whose possible connection to the case is unknown when the story begins.
The story becomes more and more suspenseful as the book progresses. The plot is very complex and I was truly shocked by more than one huge twist as the story concluded. I loved this book and highly recommend it for suspense lovers, as well as fans of Peter Robinson.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Severn House. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
The information provided about this book says it's the first of a new series and although the book just came out, I am already anticipating the next book! From the description, it sounds like a typical police procedural, which I enjoy. However, the book has a complexity and chilling aspect which elevates the book into the thriller category. Interspersed with third person narration of the murder investigation are chapters told in the first person whose possible connection to the case is unknown when the story begins.
The story becomes more and more suspenseful as the book progresses. The plot is very complex and I was truly shocked by more than one huge twist as the story concluded. I loved this book and highly recommend it for suspense lovers, as well as fans of Peter Robinson.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Severn House. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2019
This is the first of a new series introducing DI David Vogel of Avon and Somerset Police. DI Vogel has a large part in Death Comes First also.
A body of 14 year old Melanie Cooke is found and Vogel must find her killer. DS Willis and DC Saslow are working with him. They end up suspecting Melanie’s father and Step Father. It is lovely to see Nobby Clarke in this book too.
The structure of the book in part one shows each chapter following a different character Al, Saul and Leo with each telling their story and their own character traits.
I felt this was well written exciting and again edge of the seat stuff. Im getting to really like character of Vogel and his wife Mary is a clever insightful woman.
This is very graphic and will certainly not be everyone’s cup of tea. It was easy to see what was happening with these characters early on but the full truth was quite shocking. The ending was so so good. I would highly recommend.
A body of 14 year old Melanie Cooke is found and Vogel must find her killer. DS Willis and DC Saslow are working with him. They end up suspecting Melanie’s father and Step Father. It is lovely to see Nobby Clarke in this book too.
The structure of the book in part one shows each chapter following a different character Al, Saul and Leo with each telling their story and their own character traits.
I felt this was well written exciting and again edge of the seat stuff. Im getting to really like character of Vogel and his wife Mary is a clever insightful woman.
This is very graphic and will certainly not be everyone’s cup of tea. It was easy to see what was happening with these characters early on but the full truth was quite shocking. The ending was so so good. I would highly recommend.
September 18, 2019
When I started reading this book I was a bit apprehensive as the story developed, this was not the type of book I normally read. Police procedural yes, I love them, psychological insights into the killer’s mind, no thank you. The story is told in the first person of several different characters, all very separate characters who have quite unsavory desires and actions. Their behavior is appalling . They each are unhappy with their behavior, but can’t seem to get past their strong desires. I didn’t come to sympathize with the characters, but they were plausible. The writing is concise, and at times quite gripping. With this book, I did something I’ve never done before, I read while traveling in the car, maybe others do this with abandon, please note I was not driving! But for someone who suffers motion sickness, it was a real risk for me, but I just couldn’t put this book down.
Thank you to netgalley and Black Thorn books for an advance copy.
Thank you to netgalley and Black Thorn books for an advance copy.
September 19, 2019
A 14 year old girl is found dead in an alley in the red light district of Bristol, DI Vogel and his team are investigating but nothing is as it seems.The story is told through several characters which I quite like .This is a brilliant psychological thriller which has many facets including paedophilia ,a very difficult subject but the book was so well written that I was totally gripped .I liked Vogel I would like to learn his back story he seems a nice guy with a stable home life which is unusual for a cop !! Bodies are turning up and now there seems to be a connection .It took a long time for me to realise who the murderer was because the story was so good I was holding my breath almost at the ending .I look forward to reading about Vogel again .Many thanks to the Publisher the Author and NetGalley for my review copy in return for an honest review .
July 7, 2024
I first came across this author's books in 2003 and I read five of them back then. This is the first book in a police procedural series set in Bristol. The main story is the investigation into the murder of a fourteen year old girl by Detective Inspector Vogel and his team but there are also short interludes from the first person perspective of three disturbed people so the reader wonders how all these strands will fit together.
I am pretty good at the willing suspension of disbelief but this story was a step too far for me. Indeed early in the book I had an idea of the identity of the killer but dismissed it as being too outrageous. However my suspicion was correct! If you are not too bothered about plausibility this is a decent read.
I am pretty good at the willing suspension of disbelief but this story was a step too far for me. Indeed early in the book I had an idea of the identity of the killer but dismissed it as being too outrageous. However my suspicion was correct! If you are not too bothered about plausibility this is a decent read.
June 6, 2018
An extremely creepy story. The author uses an effective plot device with each of the personalities speaking a chapter, without revealing to the reader what part these characters play in the book. The actual person that has created each of these figures, isn't revealed until near the end of the story, as the Detective Sergeant who has been a policeman for more than thirteen years, fooling all those around him. I had a difficult time reading and finishing this first installment of the Vogel series as it has very explicit and repulsive descriptions, particularly those by the pedolphile, as he watches young children and acts out. This is definitely not a read for many.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and Severn House for the eARC.
This is the first in a new series featuring D.I. David Vogel and is set in Bristol.
David is called to the scene of the murder of a 14-year old girl, left behind some garbage containers.
All is not as it originally seems and we enter the minds of 3 suspects. Their thoughts were pretty distasteful to me; for some reason it threw me off the story, plus the ending was too unrealistic.
It's a psychological thriller that me uneasy, maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind.
This is the first in a new series featuring D.I. David Vogel and is set in Bristol.
David is called to the scene of the murder of a 14-year old girl, left behind some garbage containers.
All is not as it originally seems and we enter the minds of 3 suspects. Their thoughts were pretty distasteful to me; for some reason it threw me off the story, plus the ending was too unrealistic.
It's a psychological thriller that me uneasy, maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind.
October 7, 2019
When I started this book, it grabbed my attention. Then I quickly felt like I was making myself read it. Towards about half way in, I got hooked. Not so much because I was into it, but more of I wanted to see how it ended. I had my suspensions, and I was way off base. I can’t say I loved it, but it definitely keep my attention. It was very detailed. I totally didn’t see the ending at all. I will try this author again.
As a high school teacher, I won’t have this in my classroom due to some of the content.
I was given a copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.
#netgalley
As a high school teacher, I won’t have this in my classroom due to some of the content.
I was given a copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.
#netgalley
September 15, 2020
D I David Vogel investigates the death of a 14 year old girl, found in an alley in Bristol's red light district. As more bodies turn up, it becomes apparent that there is a connection but what is it ?
This novel was different. I enjoyed this fast moving story which was told in various points of view by the main characters, each having their own chapters and what a twist !
I warmed to the character of David Vogel who's personal story runs concurrently with the plot and look forward to reading more, featuring this Detective Inspector.
This novel was different. I enjoyed this fast moving story which was told in various points of view by the main characters, each having their own chapters and what a twist !
I warmed to the character of David Vogel who's personal story runs concurrently with the plot and look forward to reading more, featuring this Detective Inspector.
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