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Backlash
Keep your enemies close and your neighbours closer... When Private Investigator Beverley Saunders is tasked with going undercover, she relishes the chance to disguise herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka 2Tone. Anthony's neighbours are suspicious of his wealth and sick of his anti-social behaviour, and Bev's just the woman they need to find out what's going on behind closed doors. As Bev begins to infiltrate Anthony's world, she soon realises she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. Alongside her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth - but when people begin to die, she has to ask herself - is exposing Anthony worth risking her own life?
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2020
15 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Marnie Riches
22 books137 followersMarnie Riches grew up on a rough estate in Manchester. She learned her way out of the ghetto, all the way to Cambridge University, where she gained a Masters degree in German & Dutch. She has been a punk, a trainee rock star, a pretend artist, a property developer and professional fundraiser. Previously a children's author, now, she writes gritty, fast-paced crime fiction.
Marnie Riches is the author of the award-winning, best-selling George McKenzie series, starting with "The Girl Who Wouldn't Die", published in the UK by Avon/HarperCollins and special editions by The Word Factor-e in the US. She is also the author of best-selling, critically acclaimed Manchester gangland thrillers, "Born Bad" and "The Cover-Up" as featured in CBS documentary, "Written in Blood".
In her spare time, Marnie likes to spin, travel, drink and eat all the things (especially if combined with travel) paint portraits, sniff expensive leather shoes and renovate old houses. She also adores flowers.
Marnie Riches is the author of the award-winning, best-selling George McKenzie series, starting with "The Girl Who Wouldn't Die", published in the UK by Avon/HarperCollins and special editions by The Word Factor-e in the US. She is also the author of best-selling, critically acclaimed Manchester gangland thrillers, "Born Bad" and "The Cover-Up" as featured in CBS documentary, "Written in Blood".
In her spare time, Marnie likes to spin, travel, drink and eat all the things (especially if combined with travel) paint portraits, sniff expensive leather shoes and renovate old houses. She also adores flowers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 18, 2020
4☆ A Gripping and Gritty Crime Thriller, thats Suspensful, Pacy and keeps you turning the pages.
Backlash is the second book in a new gritty crime thriller series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Beverley is a kick ass private investigator who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.
Which is definitely the case when she takes on an undercover position as a maid ( aka Gail) to help her latest clients prove their Troublesome Noisy neighbour 2Tone is up to dodgy dealings.
But Beverley might of got more than she bargained for taking on this case.
Just before she takes on the case she decides to do some background investigsting which led to her being run off the road by 2Tone!
2Tone is dangerous and Beverley is about to find out just how dangerous he is!
Despite his generous nature, he has the rest of the neighbourhood believe him to be!
Oh and I forgot to mention Doc, who is Beverley's I guess you could say partner in crime lol
He is brilliant, a bit rough round the edges but thinks the world of Beverley and is on hand to help her out.
There dynamic is brilliant, together they are witty, sarcastic banter, but there for each other!
Backlash is a Gripping and Gritty Crime Thriller, thats Suspensful, Pacy and keeps you turning the pages.
Riches covers varied current topics with ease which makes it relatable and fresh. (Noisy/ Troublesome Neighbours, Drugs, Trafficking, Annoying Ex, Custody Problems to name a few)
There are cleverly plotted twists, a great dose of light hearted humour and banter which I loved as you don't normally get that with crime fiction, it just made the characters believable and highlight how are superbly written they are.
Overall a must read for all Crime Fiction/Thriller Fans! I can't wait to read more from Marnie Riches!
Thank you to Compulsive Readers Tours and Trapeze books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Backlash is the second book in a new gritty crime thriller series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Beverley is a kick ass private investigator who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.
Which is definitely the case when she takes on an undercover position as a maid ( aka Gail) to help her latest clients prove their Troublesome Noisy neighbour 2Tone is up to dodgy dealings.
But Beverley might of got more than she bargained for taking on this case.
Just before she takes on the case she decides to do some background investigsting which led to her being run off the road by 2Tone!
2Tone is dangerous and Beverley is about to find out just how dangerous he is!
Despite his generous nature, he has the rest of the neighbourhood believe him to be!
Oh and I forgot to mention Doc, who is Beverley's I guess you could say partner in crime lol
He is brilliant, a bit rough round the edges but thinks the world of Beverley and is on hand to help her out.
There dynamic is brilliant, together they are witty, sarcastic banter, but there for each other!
Backlash is a Gripping and Gritty Crime Thriller, thats Suspensful, Pacy and keeps you turning the pages.
Riches covers varied current topics with ease which makes it relatable and fresh. (Noisy/ Troublesome Neighbours, Drugs, Trafficking, Annoying Ex, Custody Problems to name a few)
There are cleverly plotted twists, a great dose of light hearted humour and banter which I loved as you don't normally get that with crime fiction, it just made the characters believable and highlight how are superbly written they are.
Overall a must read for all Crime Fiction/Thriller Fans! I can't wait to read more from Marnie Riches!
Thank you to Compulsive Readers Tours and Trapeze books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
January 16, 2020
BACKLASH is the second crime thriller novel in the Beverley Saunders series written by Marnie Riches, but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a new author for me, so I didn’t know what to expect, but now that I have read Backlash, I will have to go back and read the first installment, “Tight Rope”. The novel is set mainly in Hate, Cheshire and introduces norther PI, Bev Saunders, who risks everything to fight the corner for her client.
This is not a book for the faint hearted numerous dark subjects are discussed, there’s addiction to sex and drugs, plus domestic abuse for starters. However, these sensitive subjects are handled well, with some rather graphic descriptions.
A retired couple comes the office of Bev Saunders, PI, requesting their services, regarding a neighbor dispute. They describe their neighbor, Anthony Anthony, aka 2Tone, as wealthy, a landscaper by trade, as a dangerous bully with a dog, a German Shepherd that barks all day. Anthony hold loud parties, “fundraisers” held weekly with rich gangster like patrons. This loud music, swearing parties and racket is making life unbearable for the couple.
In the meantime, Anthony is claiming harassment, and trying to force/bully the old couple to move.
Bev’s sidekick, digital research team-“Doc”, has indicated that “neighbor disputes” are trouble, but as Bev must pay the bills…a job is a job, and one that they cannot refuse.
Private Investigator Beverley Saunders has to go undercover, disguising herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka 2Tone, to find out what's going on behind closed doors.
But it doesn’t take long for Bev to realise she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. With the help of her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth – even when people begin to die. Is this job worth it!
This is a gritty, twisty crime thriller sure to please.
Many thanks to the author and The Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
This is not a book for the faint hearted numerous dark subjects are discussed, there’s addiction to sex and drugs, plus domestic abuse for starters. However, these sensitive subjects are handled well, with some rather graphic descriptions.
A retired couple comes the office of Bev Saunders, PI, requesting their services, regarding a neighbor dispute. They describe their neighbor, Anthony Anthony, aka 2Tone, as wealthy, a landscaper by trade, as a dangerous bully with a dog, a German Shepherd that barks all day. Anthony hold loud parties, “fundraisers” held weekly with rich gangster like patrons. This loud music, swearing parties and racket is making life unbearable for the couple.
In the meantime, Anthony is claiming harassment, and trying to force/bully the old couple to move.
Bev’s sidekick, digital research team-“Doc”, has indicated that “neighbor disputes” are trouble, but as Bev must pay the bills…a job is a job, and one that they cannot refuse.
Private Investigator Beverley Saunders has to go undercover, disguising herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka 2Tone, to find out what's going on behind closed doors.
But it doesn’t take long for Bev to realise she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. With the help of her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth – even when people begin to die. Is this job worth it!
This is a gritty, twisty crime thriller sure to please.
Many thanks to the author and The Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
January 10, 2020
Backlash is the second instalment in the Private Investigator Beverley Saunders thriller series set in Manchester. This easily reads a standalone as the stories are pretty much self-contained and Ms Riches provides some background to Bev at the beginning of the book. Bev and crime-fighting partner Doc are hired to investigate what initially appears to be merely a noisy neighbour complaint with the client being at the end of his tether because of the nuisance it has been causing. Bev commits to the case and decides to go undercover as a cleaner to allow her to snoop on 2-tone as the locals call him. She quickly establishes that his stated profession of landscape Gardner would in no way have allowed him enough cash to live in the sprawling house he currently inhabits. The case turns out to be anything but straightforward and she discovers all manner of nefarious goings-on related to drugs. Then bodies begin to drop and Bev realises her own life is in danger and that of her families.
This is another gritty and compulsive gangland thriller from an author who writes a variety of different aspects into her books that contribute to them being winners - emotion, wit/humour, thrilling action and twists and turns galore. It's a surprisingly timely and topical read with a distinct ripped from the headlines feel to it, mainly due to it exploring the topic of the legal high and gateway drug known as Spice and the devastating effects it has had on those who consume it. The dynamic between Bev and Doc is one of the most compelling and believable of any of the duo's I've come across in crime fiction and I love the banter and Mickey-taking that goes on between them; it's really quite perfect to lighten up a book with a dark subject matter such as this. If you enjoy gangland grit lit then this is well worth your time. A fun and entertaining read with a strong moral message about the destruction drugs can do. Many thanks to Trapeze for an ARC.
This is another gritty and compulsive gangland thriller from an author who writes a variety of different aspects into her books that contribute to them being winners - emotion, wit/humour, thrilling action and twists and turns galore. It's a surprisingly timely and topical read with a distinct ripped from the headlines feel to it, mainly due to it exploring the topic of the legal high and gateway drug known as Spice and the devastating effects it has had on those who consume it. The dynamic between Bev and Doc is one of the most compelling and believable of any of the duo's I've come across in crime fiction and I love the banter and Mickey-taking that goes on between them; it's really quite perfect to lighten up a book with a dark subject matter such as this. If you enjoy gangland grit lit then this is well worth your time. A fun and entertaining read with a strong moral message about the destruction drugs can do. Many thanks to Trapeze for an ARC.
January 27, 2020
Beverley Saunders is a Private Investigator with sidekick Doc in tow. Desperate for money since the business hasn't done very well, she takes on the job of going undercover as Anthony Anthony's cleaner. His neighbors are highly suspicious of his unsociable ways. He seems to have lots of money .. but they don't see how he makes that money.
Once in, she begins to think that she's bitten off more than she can chew. Bev and Doc are sensing that things just aren't on the up and up ... and with people dying around her .. she wonders just how safe she and Doc are.
This is well-written with a fast-paced whirlwind of a plot with deftly defined characters. i love the interaction between Bev and Doc ... and the laugh-out-loud humor. Although this is second in the series, it reads well as a stand alone. The author has placed enough of a history so as to not feel that there is something missing. I highly recommend reading these books in order.
Many thanks to the author / THE Book Club Reviewer Group (FB) for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Once in, she begins to think that she's bitten off more than she can chew. Bev and Doc are sensing that things just aren't on the up and up ... and with people dying around her .. she wonders just how safe she and Doc are.
This is well-written with a fast-paced whirlwind of a plot with deftly defined characters. i love the interaction between Bev and Doc ... and the laugh-out-loud humor. Although this is second in the series, it reads well as a stand alone. The author has placed enough of a history so as to not feel that there is something missing. I highly recommend reading these books in order.
Many thanks to the author / THE Book Club Reviewer Group (FB) for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 27, 2020
“Backlash” is the second book in author Marnie Riches’ new crime series which can also be read as a standalone or for readers who like continuity with characters then “Tightrope” should be read first.
I hadn’t read the previous novel and found the information supplied was enough to understand the main character Bev’s backstory and her issue with her husband.
Blurb - When Private Investigator Beverley Saunders is tasked with going undercover, she relishes the chance to disguise herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka ‘2Tone’.
Anthony's neighbours are suspicious of his wealth and sick of his anti-social behaviour, and Bev's just the woman they need to find out what's going on behind closed doors. As Bev begins to infiltrate Anthony's world, she soon realises she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. Alongside her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth - but when people begin to die, she has to ask herself - is exposing Anthony worth risking her own life for.....
Underneath the humour, which I felt overwhelmed the story too much, there is a crime story but certainly not one that I would call gritty. I didn’t like Bev at all and found her crass behaviour unnecessary and unrealistic and didn’t add to her character or the storyline. I did like Mihal and his story of being used by human traffickers and his search for his brothers lost to the system or drugs and this intrigued me the most. Unfortunately, nosy neighbours, crass dialogue and comical characters wasn’t what I was expecting from a novel that has been described as dark, gritty and gripping. If you enjoy a crime novel that balances the darkness with plenty of humour and characters that lighten the story then you should enjoy this but my enjoyment comes from more seriously written novels, with hard hitting dialogue and more challenging plots.
Not for me this time but that’s just my choice of enjoyment, though I can see why this book is receiving excellent reviews and rightly so if that’s your liking.
3 stars
I hadn’t read the previous novel and found the information supplied was enough to understand the main character Bev’s backstory and her issue with her husband.
Blurb - When Private Investigator Beverley Saunders is tasked with going undercover, she relishes the chance to disguise herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka ‘2Tone’.
Anthony's neighbours are suspicious of his wealth and sick of his anti-social behaviour, and Bev's just the woman they need to find out what's going on behind closed doors. As Bev begins to infiltrate Anthony's world, she soon realises she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. Alongside her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth - but when people begin to die, she has to ask herself - is exposing Anthony worth risking her own life for.....
Underneath the humour, which I felt overwhelmed the story too much, there is a crime story but certainly not one that I would call gritty. I didn’t like Bev at all and found her crass behaviour unnecessary and unrealistic and didn’t add to her character or the storyline. I did like Mihal and his story of being used by human traffickers and his search for his brothers lost to the system or drugs and this intrigued me the most. Unfortunately, nosy neighbours, crass dialogue and comical characters wasn’t what I was expecting from a novel that has been described as dark, gritty and gripping. If you enjoy a crime novel that balances the darkness with plenty of humour and characters that lighten the story then you should enjoy this but my enjoyment comes from more seriously written novels, with hard hitting dialogue and more challenging plots.
Not for me this time but that’s just my choice of enjoyment, though I can see why this book is receiving excellent reviews and rightly so if that’s your liking.
3 stars
January 25, 2020
Crass and unconvincing comedy crime caper riddled with stereotypes.
Despite not having read the first novel in Marnie Riches series featuring Private Investigator Bev Saunders, I was drawn to read this second novel by the synopsis which billed it is a dark and gritty thriller. Sadly I didn’t find it dark or gritty in the slightest and more of a preposterously unlikely comedy caper full of stereotypical characters, cliched dialogue and tired humour.
The premise had real potential with thirty-year-old PI Beverley Saunders tasked with gathering evidence in a neighbourly dispute in the leafy village of Little Marshwickle, Manchester. After seeing praise for Bev’s private investigative endeavours in the media, Jim and Penny Higson hire her to look into the anti-social behaviour of their intimidating neighbour, landscaper and local charity benefactor Anthony Anthony, dubbed 2Tone. Bev’s business partner, James Shufflebotham (Doc) who runs the technical side of Bev’s enterprise, advises her to steer clear but seeking full time custody of her daughter and in need of a paying job she is determined to take the case. Conveniently 2Tone needs a cleaner and so Bev reinvents herself as Gail, but as she steps into Anthony Anthony’s world and frankly gets more than she bargained for, she is drawn into a web of complications that could put her and her loved ones in jeopardy.
Bev is prone to poor judgement (especially where men are concerned), impulsive and hampered by a rampant libido which makes her something of a liability. The characters of Bev and Doc don’t feel credible and the whole “too cool for school” edgy drugs vibe, especially around Bev’s eleven-year-old daughter, Hope, made me cringe. The dialogue was a mix of dated and stilted, giving Bev’s loose investigation a vaguely farcical feel. Bev is far from whiter than white herself and the idea of her fighting the corner of the underdog and going all the way to ensure people are held accountable snacked of double standards! Anthony Anthony and his crowd are straight off an episode of Jeremy Kyle and their contributed to making the whole novel feel like a dated throwback to a pseudo-gangland crime caper.
Although the novel was trying to make a serious point about the perils of Spice, human traffickers and slave labour, for me this was marred by the unnecessary level of comedy which detracted from the more significant issues. I just found the whole thing unsubtle, rather vacuous and with the plot quite heavily telegraphed the novel struggled to hold my interest.
Despite not having read the first novel in Marnie Riches series featuring Private Investigator Bev Saunders, I was drawn to read this second novel by the synopsis which billed it is a dark and gritty thriller. Sadly I didn’t find it dark or gritty in the slightest and more of a preposterously unlikely comedy caper full of stereotypical characters, cliched dialogue and tired humour.
The premise had real potential with thirty-year-old PI Beverley Saunders tasked with gathering evidence in a neighbourly dispute in the leafy village of Little Marshwickle, Manchester. After seeing praise for Bev’s private investigative endeavours in the media, Jim and Penny Higson hire her to look into the anti-social behaviour of their intimidating neighbour, landscaper and local charity benefactor Anthony Anthony, dubbed 2Tone. Bev’s business partner, James Shufflebotham (Doc) who runs the technical side of Bev’s enterprise, advises her to steer clear but seeking full time custody of her daughter and in need of a paying job she is determined to take the case. Conveniently 2Tone needs a cleaner and so Bev reinvents herself as Gail, but as she steps into Anthony Anthony’s world and frankly gets more than she bargained for, she is drawn into a web of complications that could put her and her loved ones in jeopardy.
Bev is prone to poor judgement (especially where men are concerned), impulsive and hampered by a rampant libido which makes her something of a liability. The characters of Bev and Doc don’t feel credible and the whole “too cool for school” edgy drugs vibe, especially around Bev’s eleven-year-old daughter, Hope, made me cringe. The dialogue was a mix of dated and stilted, giving Bev’s loose investigation a vaguely farcical feel. Bev is far from whiter than white herself and the idea of her fighting the corner of the underdog and going all the way to ensure people are held accountable snacked of double standards! Anthony Anthony and his crowd are straight off an episode of Jeremy Kyle and their contributed to making the whole novel feel like a dated throwback to a pseudo-gangland crime caper.
Although the novel was trying to make a serious point about the perils of Spice, human traffickers and slave labour, for me this was marred by the unnecessary level of comedy which detracted from the more significant issues. I just found the whole thing unsubtle, rather vacuous and with the plot quite heavily telegraphed the novel struggled to hold my interest.
January 25, 2020
“Backlash” is the second book in author Marnie Riches’ new crime series which can also be read as a standalone or for readers who like continuity with characters then “Tightrope” should be read first.
I hadn’t read the previous novel and found the information supplied was enough to understand the main character Bev’s backstory and her issue with her husband.
Blurb - When Private Investigator Beverley Saunders is tasked with going undercover, she relishes the chance to disguise herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka ‘2Tone’.
Anthony's neighbours are suspicious of his wealth and sick of his anti-social behaviour, and Bev's just the woman they need to find out what's going on behind closed doors. As Bev begins to infiltrate Anthony's world, she soon realises she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. Alongside her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth - but when people begin to die, she has to ask herself - is exposing Anthony worth risking her own life for.....
Underneath the humour, which I felt overwhelmed the story too much, there is a crime story but certainly not one that I would call gritty. I didn’t like Bev at all and found her crass behaviour unnecessary and unrealistic and didn’t add to her character or the storyline. I did like Mihal and his story of being used by human traffickers and his search for his brothers lost to the system or drugs and this intrigued me the most. Unfortunately, nosy neighbours, crass dialogue and comical characters wasn’t what I was expecting from a novel that has been described as dark, gritty and gripping. If you enjoy a crime novel that balances the darkness with plenty of humour and characters that lighten the story then you should enjoy this but my enjoyment comes from more seriously written novels, with hard hitting dialogue and more challenging plots.
Not for me this time but that’s just my choice of enjoyment, though I can see why this book is receiving excellent reviews and rightly so if that’s your liking.
3 stars
I hadn’t read the previous novel and found the information supplied was enough to understand the main character Bev’s backstory and her issue with her husband.
Blurb - When Private Investigator Beverley Saunders is tasked with going undercover, she relishes the chance to disguise herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka ‘2Tone’.
Anthony's neighbours are suspicious of his wealth and sick of his anti-social behaviour, and Bev's just the woman they need to find out what's going on behind closed doors. As Bev begins to infiltrate Anthony's world, she soon realises she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. Alongside her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth - but when people begin to die, she has to ask herself - is exposing Anthony worth risking her own life for.....
Underneath the humour, which I felt overwhelmed the story too much, there is a crime story but certainly not one that I would call gritty. I didn’t like Bev at all and found her crass behaviour unnecessary and unrealistic and didn’t add to her character or the storyline. I did like Mihal and his story of being used by human traffickers and his search for his brothers lost to the system or drugs and this intrigued me the most. Unfortunately, nosy neighbours, crass dialogue and comical characters wasn’t what I was expecting from a novel that has been described as dark, gritty and gripping. If you enjoy a crime novel that balances the darkness with plenty of humour and characters that lighten the story then you should enjoy this but my enjoyment comes from more seriously written novels, with hard hitting dialogue and more challenging plots.
Not for me this time but that’s just my choice of enjoyment, though I can see why this book is receiving excellent reviews and rightly so if that’s your liking.
3 stars
February 18, 2020
So the first thing I'mgoing to say about this book, is that if you haven't already done so, I highly recommend that you read the first book to this series first, called Tightrope. The reason being is that you get the full background and characterisation of all of the main characters which is important I think as there are a fair few references mentioned throughout this book which ties in with the first book.
Okay so this book Backlash, the second book to the series is relatively dark and gritty in places, some readers may also find some scenes hard to read as it deals with trafficking and slavery.
On the whole the story is a great one, highly gripping and entertaining from start to finish. I really liked how the story wasn't told by the same character throughout and that a couple of the chapters was told from the view point of the 11 year old daughter Hope. I think that really added something to the story.
As with the first story, I still struggled with the main character of Bev, I just didn't like her nor agreed with majority of her decisions she made in life. I had hoped that by reading the second book, I'd start to like her more but sadly this wasn't to be the case.
But despite that, it was still a great story which was well written.
Okay so this book Backlash, the second book to the series is relatively dark and gritty in places, some readers may also find some scenes hard to read as it deals with trafficking and slavery.
On the whole the story is a great one, highly gripping and entertaining from start to finish. I really liked how the story wasn't told by the same character throughout and that a couple of the chapters was told from the view point of the 11 year old daughter Hope. I think that really added something to the story.
As with the first story, I still struggled with the main character of Bev, I just didn't like her nor agreed with majority of her decisions she made in life. I had hoped that by reading the second book, I'd start to like her more but sadly this wasn't to be the case.
But despite that, it was still a great story which was well written.
January 14, 2020
Firstly I'd like to thank Tracy Fenton (Compulsive Readers) for my spot on this blog tour. And, to the publishers for my gifted copy in exchange of an honest review.
Backlash is the second installment in the Beverley Saunders series written by Marnie Riches. Now, I'll be honest I have never read a Marnie Riches book before. But, this is the beauty of being a book reviewer, I get to read books that I may never have chosen before.
As I said this is book two in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I didn't feel that I've missed a massive chunk of Beverley's backstory, Riches gives us the main details necessary to give the characters background from Trapeze (The first book, which I'll be purchasing)
Beverley Saunders is a private investigator along with her sidekick Doc. And what a fantastic duo these two are. Beverley is a strong willed, kick ass female lead character. She doesn't take no prisoners and will shoot her mouth off to get her point across. But, underneath all the hard exterior Beverley does have a soft side which her daughter Hope brings out of her. Then we have Doc the sidekick. He is your typical gamer nerd. Obsessed with Lego creations (and Beverley) He is also a technical genius. He can hack his way into any system, a perfect genius that is so laid back he is practically horizontal.
Now, times are hard for the investigative duo in this book. And, they are desperate for some money to pay the bills. Luckily Mr Higson turns up wanting their help. He lives on the affluent estate of Little Marshwicke, but is having trouble with his thorn in the side neighbour Anthony Anthony (cleverly nicknamed 2Tone). With no other cases to chase up Saunders and Doc take on this case, thinking it will be easy money. But, that wouldn't make a good story would it? Two warring neighbours fighting over noise pollution. Not very thrilling. This case is definitely not as simple as that, and Beverley soon finds herself embroiled in an underground world which could land her in very hot water.
This story tackles the very real matters that are happening in the world today. We can't pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV these days without some news story about drugs being mentioned. And, the drug that is taking hold, which is cheap and easy to get is "Spice". Riches takes us into the world of drug dealing and human trafficking. Highlighting how easy it is to get sucked into this world and how terrifying the consequences can be.
This story is fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. With Beverley's dark humour and Docs chilled out outlook, the combination of these two will keep you glued to the story. An excellent thriller, worthy of great praise.
Backlash is the second installment in the Beverley Saunders series written by Marnie Riches. Now, I'll be honest I have never read a Marnie Riches book before. But, this is the beauty of being a book reviewer, I get to read books that I may never have chosen before.
As I said this is book two in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I didn't feel that I've missed a massive chunk of Beverley's backstory, Riches gives us the main details necessary to give the characters background from Trapeze (The first book, which I'll be purchasing)
Beverley Saunders is a private investigator along with her sidekick Doc. And what a fantastic duo these two are. Beverley is a strong willed, kick ass female lead character. She doesn't take no prisoners and will shoot her mouth off to get her point across. But, underneath all the hard exterior Beverley does have a soft side which her daughter Hope brings out of her. Then we have Doc the sidekick. He is your typical gamer nerd. Obsessed with Lego creations (and Beverley) He is also a technical genius. He can hack his way into any system, a perfect genius that is so laid back he is practically horizontal.
Now, times are hard for the investigative duo in this book. And, they are desperate for some money to pay the bills. Luckily Mr Higson turns up wanting their help. He lives on the affluent estate of Little Marshwicke, but is having trouble with his thorn in the side neighbour Anthony Anthony (cleverly nicknamed 2Tone). With no other cases to chase up Saunders and Doc take on this case, thinking it will be easy money. But, that wouldn't make a good story would it? Two warring neighbours fighting over noise pollution. Not very thrilling. This case is definitely not as simple as that, and Beverley soon finds herself embroiled in an underground world which could land her in very hot water.
This story tackles the very real matters that are happening in the world today. We can't pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV these days without some news story about drugs being mentioned. And, the drug that is taking hold, which is cheap and easy to get is "Spice". Riches takes us into the world of drug dealing and human trafficking. Highlighting how easy it is to get sucked into this world and how terrifying the consequences can be.
This story is fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. With Beverley's dark humour and Docs chilled out outlook, the combination of these two will keep you glued to the story. An excellent thriller, worthy of great praise.
December 3, 2019
Another brilliant read from this very talented author. I don't think I've read a book that I haven't enjoyed by M.R
This one is just great, its the second book to feature Private Investigator Beverley Saunders and her odd side kick, Doc..
A serious story to follow but I love the humour that is slotted in here and there.
I especially loved Bev when she became Gail, she was a great character to read about.
The relation ship between Bev and Doc is done brilliantly. the put downs and come backs between them are priceless. I chuckled so much while reading this. Yet it covers some serious topics, and some of the crap that is blighting Manchester at the moment, 'Spice' A crazy drug that see's people hooked pretty much as soon as they start it. it's an evil drug and I think covering subjects that are very topical in the news etc is brilliantly done.
I loved how many of the places mentioned in this book that I actually knew, that i'd been to, places i'd visited and places up the road from where I live.
This one is just great, its the second book to feature Private Investigator Beverley Saunders and her odd side kick, Doc..
A serious story to follow but I love the humour that is slotted in here and there.
I especially loved Bev when she became Gail, she was a great character to read about.
The relation ship between Bev and Doc is done brilliantly. the put downs and come backs between them are priceless. I chuckled so much while reading this. Yet it covers some serious topics, and some of the crap that is blighting Manchester at the moment, 'Spice' A crazy drug that see's people hooked pretty much as soon as they start it. it's an evil drug and I think covering subjects that are very topical in the news etc is brilliantly done.
I loved how many of the places mentioned in this book that I actually knew, that i'd been to, places i'd visited and places up the road from where I live.
December 28, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read of Marnie Riches, and I really enjoyed it.
I believe there’s one before this in this series, so I will go back and read it, however there’s enough information for this to be read as a stand-alone book.
Bev is a Private Investigator and her partner Doc, take on a new case involving a noisy neighbour.
The neighbour has loud, late night parties and the person Bev is working for is at the end of his tether.
Bev takes on an undercover cleaning role to get closer to the man causing all the problems, but things quickly escalate out of her control.
There’s more people involved in this situation and soon Bev and Doc are in over their heads.
This book is a gripping crime thriller but also has a great sense of humour running through it.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I believe there’s one before this in this series, so I will go back and read it, however there’s enough information for this to be read as a stand-alone book.
Bev is a Private Investigator and her partner Doc, take on a new case involving a noisy neighbour.
The neighbour has loud, late night parties and the person Bev is working for is at the end of his tether.
Bev takes on an undercover cleaning role to get closer to the man causing all the problems, but things quickly escalate out of her control.
There’s more people involved in this situation and soon Bev and Doc are in over their heads.
This book is a gripping crime thriller but also has a great sense of humour running through it.
Thanks to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
January 7, 2020
https://orlando-books.blog/2020/01/07...
Private Investigator Bev and her partner, Doc take on a new case. A client has a noisy neighbour , so this should be a simple neighbourhood dispute…..but oh no…things start to get complicated.
There are drugs involved and they are put in danger as a result. A very topical and real issue these days, which really lends this tale a feeling of reality.
There is humour too amongst the drama in this well written thriller with a clever plot and brilliant characters, Bev is a bit eccentric and likeable and so funny at times. It’s a dark, realistic and thoroughly entertaining thriller.
Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
January 21, 2020
This was my first book by this author and the second in this series - a solid, fast-paced, easy crime caper with some good plot twists. The main character’s choices are pretty reckless and questionable at times but fortunately she has a smart and reliable sidekick who gets her out of the worst scrapes and there’s hope she’ll get her professional act together for the next instalment.
I shall look, out for it.
I shall look, out for it.
April 13, 2020
Really enjoyed this gritty story. Kept me on the edge of my seat and also had a few humorous moments. Listened on Audio read by the amazing Imogen Church, who brings stories to life.
January 14, 2020
I always get excited when I see an email from Netgalley approving me for a Marnie Riches novel and it was no different with Backlash the follow up to Tightrope. Catching up with Bev Saunders Private Investigator extraordinaire and her partner Doc is a pleasure, Bev is a complicated woman with a complicated life, running her business, looking after her daughter and trying to get her life in order, despite her plank of an ex's best efforts.
When Bev takes on a new case, she assumes that it's just a noisy neighbour dispute but we all know it's not going to be that straightforward it can't be can it? We are taken into the murky world of drugs, more specifically Spice, a drug which is the bane of society at the moment. The prisons are awash with the stuff and all I ever hear is how addictive it is, how it turns some folk into zombies and addicts seem to be prepared to do almost anything for it.
This case has allowed the author to inject some comedy elements by introducing us to Gail, the cleaner and some of the best parts of this book are when Bev becomes her alter ego, For all that we see a lot of the big brash Bev there really is a lot more to her, she worries endlessly, my mum would have said 'she worries about not having anything to worry about’.
Bev Saunders PI, what a woman, she has had some serious issues in her past and definitely raised my eyebrows in amusement. I tell you something if I needed a PI and she was in the yellow pages it would be her number I'd dial. She absolutely has a heart of gold, during this case she had need to allow a homeless man sleep in her office.
I would definitely recommend this to all my fellow bookworm family members and friends. It’s a book that
Read for an honest review. Thank you, Ms Riches, Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group Trapeze
When Bev takes on a new case, she assumes that it's just a noisy neighbour dispute but we all know it's not going to be that straightforward it can't be can it? We are taken into the murky world of drugs, more specifically Spice, a drug which is the bane of society at the moment. The prisons are awash with the stuff and all I ever hear is how addictive it is, how it turns some folk into zombies and addicts seem to be prepared to do almost anything for it.
This case has allowed the author to inject some comedy elements by introducing us to Gail, the cleaner and some of the best parts of this book are when Bev becomes her alter ego, For all that we see a lot of the big brash Bev there really is a lot more to her, she worries endlessly, my mum would have said 'she worries about not having anything to worry about’.
Bev Saunders PI, what a woman, she has had some serious issues in her past and definitely raised my eyebrows in amusement. I tell you something if I needed a PI and she was in the yellow pages it would be her number I'd dial. She absolutely has a heart of gold, during this case she had need to allow a homeless man sleep in her office.
I would definitely recommend this to all my fellow bookworm family members and friends. It’s a book that
Read for an honest review. Thank you, Ms Riches, Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group Trapeze
March 20, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
Oooh this book was good!
I thought that this was a well written thriller that I really enjoyed, it had me gripped and it is a fabulously gritty read!
The characters were well developed and I loved the suspense that the author build up as the story progressed, I love this author’s writing style and this was another brilliant story from her! I was hooked when I read the blurb and the story was just as good as I had hoped it would be. The pace was great and I flew through the pages.
It is 5 stars from me for this – I really enjoyed it and thought it was a fantastic read from cover to cover - it was a well written and well planned out story with some excellent twists along the way – thoroughly enjoyable and very highly recommended!!
Oooh this book was good!
I thought that this was a well written thriller that I really enjoyed, it had me gripped and it is a fabulously gritty read!
The characters were well developed and I loved the suspense that the author build up as the story progressed, I love this author’s writing style and this was another brilliant story from her! I was hooked when I read the blurb and the story was just as good as I had hoped it would be. The pace was great and I flew through the pages.
It is 5 stars from me for this – I really enjoyed it and thought it was a fantastic read from cover to cover - it was a well written and well planned out story with some excellent twists along the way – thoroughly enjoyable and very highly recommended!!
January 7, 2020
Private Investigator Bev and her partner, Doc take on a new case. A client has a noisy neighbour , so this should be a simple neighbourhood dispute…..but oh no…things start to get complicated.
There are drugs involved and they are put in danger as a result. A very topical and real issue these days, which really lends this tale a feeling of reality.
There is humour too amongst the drama in this well written thriller with a clever plot and brilliant characters, Bev is a bit eccentric and likeable and so funny at times. It’s a dark, realistic and thoroughly entertaining thriller.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
There are drugs involved and they are put in danger as a result. A very topical and real issue these days, which really lends this tale a feeling of reality.
There is humour too amongst the drama in this well written thriller with a clever plot and brilliant characters, Bev is a bit eccentric and likeable and so funny at times. It’s a dark, realistic and thoroughly entertaining thriller.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
February 2, 2020
Backlash by Marnie Riches.
A very good read with some good characters. I liked Bev and Doc. I had no idea who was the killer. It threw me how big the case was. Would like to read more about Bev and Doc. 5*.
A very good read with some good characters. I liked Bev and Doc. I had no idea who was the killer. It threw me how big the case was. Would like to read more about Bev and Doc. 5*.
January 8, 2020
I have been a fan of Marnie Riches' work for quite a while now. I have loved each and every book that she has written. As soon as she releases a book, I grab a copy and squirrel myself until I have finished reading. I read the synopsis for 'Backlash' and I couldn't wait to be reacquainted with Private Investigator Beverley Saunders and her sidekick, Doc. Having made myself a cup of tea, I grabbed my Kindle and settled down to read an early review copy of 'Backlash'. Having just finished reading 'Backlash', I can say that Marnie Riches has done it again and she has written one hell of an addictive and fast paced story. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Backlash' but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Private Investigator Bev Saunders? She sounds like somebody I would get along well with. She is friendly, sassy, slightly eccentric, determined, resolute, she is fairly compassionate and at the same time she has a cracking sense of humour. She isn't exactly swamped with work when we meet up with her again. A couple meet with her to ask her to take on a case. Initially she isn't sure but then she realises that bills need to be paid and that takes money so she takes on the case. When Bev takes on a case, she gives 110% to her work, even if her dedication to her work does get her into the odd scrape. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I imagined the sorts of scrapes that Bev got herself into. That said, Bev's work has also got her into some scary trouble, which made me fear for her safety. Does Bev solve the case? Will Bev survive? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
To say that 'Backlash' is addictive reading seems like the understatement of the decade. I was under this book's spell from the moment I first picked it up until the moment I got to the end of the book. I would pick the book up only intending to read for a few minutes and to read a couple of chapters but because I was enjoying the book so much I actually ended up reading a lot more than that. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I seemed to race through the book and I was most disappointed when I got to the end of the book. I don't mean that how it sounds or in a negative way, but I was enjoying the book and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
'Backlash' is brilliantly written but then I wouldn't expect anything else from Marnie Riches. She certainly knows how to create characters that stand out from the crowd and stay fresh in your mind for a long time after you have finished the book. She draws you into her web from the first word on the first page and then tightens her hold on you as the book continues. For me, 'Backlash' was perfectly paced. The story hit the ground running and maintained the reasonably fast pace throughout. The author uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that Bev was a friend of mine.
In short, 'Backlash' is a brilliant read from the brilliant Marnie Riches. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Marnie's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
What can I say about Private Investigator Bev Saunders? She sounds like somebody I would get along well with. She is friendly, sassy, slightly eccentric, determined, resolute, she is fairly compassionate and at the same time she has a cracking sense of humour. She isn't exactly swamped with work when we meet up with her again. A couple meet with her to ask her to take on a case. Initially she isn't sure but then she realises that bills need to be paid and that takes money so she takes on the case. When Bev takes on a case, she gives 110% to her work, even if her dedication to her work does get her into the odd scrape. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I imagined the sorts of scrapes that Bev got herself into. That said, Bev's work has also got her into some scary trouble, which made me fear for her safety. Does Bev solve the case? Will Bev survive? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
To say that 'Backlash' is addictive reading seems like the understatement of the decade. I was under this book's spell from the moment I first picked it up until the moment I got to the end of the book. I would pick the book up only intending to read for a few minutes and to read a couple of chapters but because I was enjoying the book so much I actually ended up reading a lot more than that. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I seemed to race through the book and I was most disappointed when I got to the end of the book. I don't mean that how it sounds or in a negative way, but I was enjoying the book and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
'Backlash' is brilliantly written but then I wouldn't expect anything else from Marnie Riches. She certainly knows how to create characters that stand out from the crowd and stay fresh in your mind for a long time after you have finished the book. She draws you into her web from the first word on the first page and then tightens her hold on you as the book continues. For me, 'Backlash' was perfectly paced. The story hit the ground running and maintained the reasonably fast pace throughout. The author uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that Bev was a friend of mine.
In short, 'Backlash' is a brilliant read from the brilliant Marnie Riches. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Marnie's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 13, 2020
PI Bev Saunders is back. Fresh from her exploits in Tightrope Bev now enjoys a degree of minor celebrity. The case she broke in her original outing was newsworthy and as a consequence Bev’s name and reputation is familiar to many of the residents of the North West.
Unfortunately for Bev, fame alone doesn’t pay the bills and she needs work but cannot afford to be fussy. So when a couple turn up at her door asking for evidence to help them calm the excessive disruptions of their noisy neighbour Bev cannot turn down the case.
The neighbour in question is a local businessman who is well known for the excellent work he does for charity. But his building/landscaping business brings him into daily contact with a number of more “earthy” workers and these guys are not the fine upstanding members of the community that their boss aspires to be. It becomes clear to Bev that her target (the amusingly named ‘2Tone’) is not the most pleasant of fellows – but is his behaviour over the top or are her clients prudish NIMBYs?
Early investigations don’t go well and Bev has an alarming brush with death which sees her resort to taking drastic action – undercover work in 2Tone’s house. It ain’t a glamorous job but Bev is determined to know more about 2Tone’s unusual activities.
Away from the domestic dispute is a darker tale. A Romanian man is looking for someone. His life has been horrific. Trafficked into the UK and hooked upon the increasingly popular and dangerously damaging drug spice, he is looking to find and save a family member. He also wants to identify the man at the root of his suffering and bring that life to an unpleasant end.
His path will cross with Bev’s and she will find herself drawn into a second investigation. Can the impulsive investigator keep herself safe from harm and prevent a desperate man from killing someone?
All these challenges and Bev still has to deal with her ex who continues to make her life as awkward as he can. At least her daughter is safe from all the madness…isn’t she?
Backlash is another great read from Marnie Riches. Bev is a strong, energetic and engaging lead character. She makes terrible life choices and I just want to read more about her. The story is well paced, darker scenes and action sequences nicely interspersed with lighter/funny interactions.
Unfortunately for Bev, fame alone doesn’t pay the bills and she needs work but cannot afford to be fussy. So when a couple turn up at her door asking for evidence to help them calm the excessive disruptions of their noisy neighbour Bev cannot turn down the case.
The neighbour in question is a local businessman who is well known for the excellent work he does for charity. But his building/landscaping business brings him into daily contact with a number of more “earthy” workers and these guys are not the fine upstanding members of the community that their boss aspires to be. It becomes clear to Bev that her target (the amusingly named ‘2Tone’) is not the most pleasant of fellows – but is his behaviour over the top or are her clients prudish NIMBYs?
Early investigations don’t go well and Bev has an alarming brush with death which sees her resort to taking drastic action – undercover work in 2Tone’s house. It ain’t a glamorous job but Bev is determined to know more about 2Tone’s unusual activities.
Away from the domestic dispute is a darker tale. A Romanian man is looking for someone. His life has been horrific. Trafficked into the UK and hooked upon the increasingly popular and dangerously damaging drug spice, he is looking to find and save a family member. He also wants to identify the man at the root of his suffering and bring that life to an unpleasant end.
His path will cross with Bev’s and she will find herself drawn into a second investigation. Can the impulsive investigator keep herself safe from harm and prevent a desperate man from killing someone?
All these challenges and Bev still has to deal with her ex who continues to make her life as awkward as he can. At least her daughter is safe from all the madness…isn’t she?
Backlash is another great read from Marnie Riches. Bev is a strong, energetic and engaging lead character. She makes terrible life choices and I just want to read more about her. The story is well paced, darker scenes and action sequences nicely interspersed with lighter/funny interactions.
January 11, 2020
Wowsers, what a ride that was. Backlash is fast-paced and exciting, powered on by Bev Saunders - Private Investigator with her sidekick Doc providing the backup material and knowledge to help Bev right the wrongs.
Beverly is gritty and determined and won't take no for an answer, her past and the fact she needs the money mean shes had to accept a job, she would normally have turned down. A neighbourly dispute between the Higson's and Anthony Anthony AKA '2Tone' - a burly landscaper and local community hero - who holds 'fundraisers' till all hours at his home in the quiet cul-de-sac in Little Marshwicke.
First Bev is driven off the road by a van that 2Tone is in and then the becomes 'Gail' and goes to clean for him, thinking that she can find out more being on the inside. This though, means she finds out too much and ends up in too deep. Shes got to get this right, not just for her sake, but for Hope, her daughter too, she wants to provide a real home for her and needs this case to go well to get the funds to do this.
Whilst all this is going on Mihal is trying to find the man responsible for selling him and his two brothers as human traffic to use as cheap labour in the UK. Hooked on Spice he and his brother get caught breaking and entering, his brother Brogan dies and Michal gets a prison sentence, which after 3 years, sees him back out in the open, set on seeking revenge. and looking for Constantin.
Bev is the type of person who says her thoughts out loud, she doesn't hold back and this adds humor despite what is a serious and current subject, the world of 'Spice' is a dangerous one and for Bev its a dangerous path to be heading down. Her and Doc are great characters and make an intense duo. I like the role reversal of Bev being the one out in the field and Doc in the office as back up, coming to her assistance, as and when required, sometimes even before she realises she needs him.
A gritty and compelling read that you will find yourself struggling to put down as you race through the pages, to find what Bev is going to do next.
Beverly is gritty and determined and won't take no for an answer, her past and the fact she needs the money mean shes had to accept a job, she would normally have turned down. A neighbourly dispute between the Higson's and Anthony Anthony AKA '2Tone' - a burly landscaper and local community hero - who holds 'fundraisers' till all hours at his home in the quiet cul-de-sac in Little Marshwicke.
First Bev is driven off the road by a van that 2Tone is in and then the becomes 'Gail' and goes to clean for him, thinking that she can find out more being on the inside. This though, means she finds out too much and ends up in too deep. Shes got to get this right, not just for her sake, but for Hope, her daughter too, she wants to provide a real home for her and needs this case to go well to get the funds to do this.
Whilst all this is going on Mihal is trying to find the man responsible for selling him and his two brothers as human traffic to use as cheap labour in the UK. Hooked on Spice he and his brother get caught breaking and entering, his brother Brogan dies and Michal gets a prison sentence, which after 3 years, sees him back out in the open, set on seeking revenge. and looking for Constantin.
Bev is the type of person who says her thoughts out loud, she doesn't hold back and this adds humor despite what is a serious and current subject, the world of 'Spice' is a dangerous one and for Bev its a dangerous path to be heading down. Her and Doc are great characters and make an intense duo. I like the role reversal of Bev being the one out in the field and Doc in the office as back up, coming to her assistance, as and when required, sometimes even before she realises she needs him.
A gritty and compelling read that you will find yourself struggling to put down as you race through the pages, to find what Bev is going to do next.
January 18, 2020
Welcome back to Private Investigator Beverley Saunders! I read and adored the first in this series; Trapeze back in July last year and have been looking forward to book two ever since.
Backlash is just as good, if not better than book one. The reader is thrust back into Bev's hectic and often dangerous life with a bang. Once more the story opens with a gripping prologue that sets the scene for a complex thriller, laced with gritty humour that often deals with the very darkest parts of life.
Bev and her sidekick Doc really are the perfect combination. Hard-assed Bev, with a soft interior that is rarely exposed, and Doc, the nerd who is loyal to a fault. As Private Investigators they don't have to follow procedure and the author uses this to its full advantage. She provides twists and shocks galore throughout this whole story.
Bev's assignment for Backlash is to sort out some annoying neighbours for a client. This seems pretty simple, but sure enough, there's far more to it than anyone could have anticipated.
Dead bodies, human trafficking and the the absolute scourge that is the drug Spice all play central parts in this fast moving and utterly entertaining thriller.
Bev and Doc are such cleverly and carefully created characters. I love Bev, with her feisty, no-nonsense attitude, but I am also thrilled to see her more compassionate and caring side. Doc is a darling; he's funny and shines more than a flicker of light for Bev, making him the absolute perfect guy to watch her back.
Be prepared to be repulsed by 2Tone, the upstanding pillar of the community by day, with a dark and deadly secret life that's hidden from his well to do neighbours. Meet the desperate East European men who've been manipulated, threatened and exposed to horrors that are unimaginable for many of us. Put these together with the crime-fighting duo of Bev and Doc; desperate to rise from poverty and ultimately the good guys and you have an explosive and intriguing story.
Backlash is an excellent read, and I'm already looking forward to more from this author, and Bev.
Backlash is just as good, if not better than book one. The reader is thrust back into Bev's hectic and often dangerous life with a bang. Once more the story opens with a gripping prologue that sets the scene for a complex thriller, laced with gritty humour that often deals with the very darkest parts of life.
Bev and her sidekick Doc really are the perfect combination. Hard-assed Bev, with a soft interior that is rarely exposed, and Doc, the nerd who is loyal to a fault. As Private Investigators they don't have to follow procedure and the author uses this to its full advantage. She provides twists and shocks galore throughout this whole story.
Bev's assignment for Backlash is to sort out some annoying neighbours for a client. This seems pretty simple, but sure enough, there's far more to it than anyone could have anticipated.
Dead bodies, human trafficking and the the absolute scourge that is the drug Spice all play central parts in this fast moving and utterly entertaining thriller.
Bev and Doc are such cleverly and carefully created characters. I love Bev, with her feisty, no-nonsense attitude, but I am also thrilled to see her more compassionate and caring side. Doc is a darling; he's funny and shines more than a flicker of light for Bev, making him the absolute perfect guy to watch her back.
Be prepared to be repulsed by 2Tone, the upstanding pillar of the community by day, with a dark and deadly secret life that's hidden from his well to do neighbours. Meet the desperate East European men who've been manipulated, threatened and exposed to horrors that are unimaginable for many of us. Put these together with the crime-fighting duo of Bev and Doc; desperate to rise from poverty and ultimately the good guys and you have an explosive and intriguing story.
Backlash is an excellent read, and I'm already looking forward to more from this author, and Bev.
January 3, 2020
I always get excited when I see an email from Netgalley approving me for a Marnie Riches novel and it was no different with Backlash the follow up to Tightrope. Catching up with Bev Saunders Private Investigator extraordinaire and her partner Doc is a pleasure, Bev is a complicated woman with a complicated life, running her business, looking after her daughter and trying to get her life in order, despite her plank of an ex's best efforts.
When Bev takes on a new case, she assumes that it's just a noisy neighbour dispute but we all know it's not going to be that straightforward it can't be can it? We are taken into the murky world of drugs, more specifically Spice, a drug which is the bane of society at the moment.
This case has allowed the author to inject some comedy elements by introducing us to Gail, the cleaner and some of the best parts of this book are when Bev becomes her alter ego, For all that we see a lot of the big brash Bev there really is a lot more to her, she worries endlessly, my mum would have said 'she worries about not having anything to worry about’.
Bev Saunders PI, what a woman, she has had some serious issues in her past and definitely raised my eyebrows in amusement. I tell you something if I needed a PI and she was in the yellow pages it would be her number I'd dial. She absolutely has a heart of gold, during this case she had need to allow a homeless man sleep in her office.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Riches, Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group Trapeze
When Bev takes on a new case, she assumes that it's just a noisy neighbour dispute but we all know it's not going to be that straightforward it can't be can it? We are taken into the murky world of drugs, more specifically Spice, a drug which is the bane of society at the moment.
This case has allowed the author to inject some comedy elements by introducing us to Gail, the cleaner and some of the best parts of this book are when Bev becomes her alter ego, For all that we see a lot of the big brash Bev there really is a lot more to her, she worries endlessly, my mum would have said 'she worries about not having anything to worry about’.
Bev Saunders PI, what a woman, she has had some serious issues in her past and definitely raised my eyebrows in amusement. I tell you something if I needed a PI and she was in the yellow pages it would be her number I'd dial. She absolutely has a heart of gold, during this case she had need to allow a homeless man sleep in her office.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Riches, Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group Trapeze
January 9, 2020
Backlash by Marnie Riches is the second book to feature Private Investigator Beverley Saunders, who was introduced in the author’s previous book Tightrope. This second installment in the series could easily be read as a standalone, however, with the story flowing well and the background of the fascinating Bev incorporated into this new tale with ease.
This time Bev and her sidekick, Doc, have taken on a case involving a nuisance neighbour dispute, which taken at face value should be a straightforward issue to solve. But there is so much more to this case than Bev first realised and things begin to get complicated as people begin to die and the topic of drugs raises its ugly head, with the fearless Bev soon finding her own life in danger...
I love Bev. She’s a strong, capable woman, but with a quirkiness that I find particularly endearing. This is a gripping thriller, with all the twists and turns you would expect from this kind of gritty read, but it’s also laugh out loud funny at times, with a clever plot and larger than life characters that capture your interest from the outset.
A thrilling and entertaining read that will keep you gripped from beginning to end, Backlash has all the ingredients for the perfect crime novel and I loved every word of it. Recommended.
This time Bev and her sidekick, Doc, have taken on a case involving a nuisance neighbour dispute, which taken at face value should be a straightforward issue to solve. But there is so much more to this case than Bev first realised and things begin to get complicated as people begin to die and the topic of drugs raises its ugly head, with the fearless Bev soon finding her own life in danger...
I love Bev. She’s a strong, capable woman, but with a quirkiness that I find particularly endearing. This is a gripping thriller, with all the twists and turns you would expect from this kind of gritty read, but it’s also laugh out loud funny at times, with a clever plot and larger than life characters that capture your interest from the outset.
A thrilling and entertaining read that will keep you gripped from beginning to end, Backlash has all the ingredients for the perfect crime novel and I loved every word of it. Recommended.
January 17, 2020
We like PI Bev Saunders. She’s feisty, funny and she has heart, so we’re delighted to meet her again in Backlash, author Marnie Riches’ latest entertaining offering.
This time Bev’s tasked with going undercover to deal with a rowdy neighbour who’s driving her client insane. But as in all good crime-fiction, nothing is quite as it first appears, and Bev and her extremely likeable sidekick Doc find that they’ve potentially bitten off far more than they can chew. And what at first seemed a very straightforward case is suddenly much more challenging, their lives now in danger.
As with Tight Rope, which introduced the duo to audiences, Riches creates a smart, layered plot with a great cast of supporting characters. It’s undeniably funny at times, yet also dark and gritty, Riches dealing with serious issues pertinent to the north and society more generally with a deft and clever hand.
Fast-paced, well-written and immersive, Backlash is a very good read. It comes highly recommended.
See: http://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/read...
Thanks to the publisher for sending a review copy. All opinions are our own. All rights reserved.
February 7, 2020
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
Keep your enemies close and your neighbours closer...
When Private Investigator Beverley Saunders is tasked with going undercover, she relishes the chance to disguise herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka 2Tone. Anthony's neighbours are suspicious of his wealth and sick of his anti-social behaviour, and Bev's just the woman they need to find out what's going on behind closed doors.
As Bev begins to infiltrate Anthony's world, she soon realises she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. Alongside her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth - but when people begin to die, she has to ask herself - is exposing Anthony worth risking her own life?
This is the second book in the Beverley series (it could work as a standalone but treat yourself and read Tightrope first you won’t regret it)
Loved this book, Marnie has further developed the characters and their interaction with each other (Doc and Beverley are such a complimentary double act it’s perfect) For a second book Marnie has stepped the drama and the risk up and it’s really paid off a cracking read!
Keep your enemies close and your neighbours closer...
When Private Investigator Beverley Saunders is tasked with going undercover, she relishes the chance to disguise herself as a cleaner in order to get close to Manchester bad boy Anthony Anthony, aka 2Tone. Anthony's neighbours are suspicious of his wealth and sick of his anti-social behaviour, and Bev's just the woman they need to find out what's going on behind closed doors.
As Bev begins to infiltrate Anthony's world, she soon realises she's in danger - and this time, she might be too far in to get out. Alongside her sidekick Doc, Bev must fight to discover the truth - but when people begin to die, she has to ask herself - is exposing Anthony worth risking her own life?
This is the second book in the Beverley series (it could work as a standalone but treat yourself and read Tightrope first you won’t regret it)
Loved this book, Marnie has further developed the characters and their interaction with each other (Doc and Beverley are such a complimentary double act it’s perfect) For a second book Marnie has stepped the drama and the risk up and it’s really paid off a cracking read!
December 15, 2019
This is the second book in the series of Beverley Saunders a private Investigator and her partner/sidekick Doc. She is hired to spy on a rich wide boy Anthony Anthony or 2 tone as he is known. He gives vast amounts of money to charity but on the other side of the coin, he is having wild parties, loud music, quad bikes revving up all hours of the night and general disruption. The cul de sac he lives in is fed up. His direct next-door neighbours are at their wit's end and want the dirt on him.
Bev goes undercover and becomes his cleaner, Gail. His house is out of this world and she is soon snooping around to find out how he is making his vast amount of money as he advertises himself as a landscape gardener which will in no way earn him enough to live the lifestyle he has become accustomed to.
Set in and around Manchester, the drug Spice becomes evident which is good to bring to peoples attention how bad this awful drug is.
This was an excellent book with lots of drama to keep the reader interested. I loved the banter between Bev and Doc, which brought a lightness to it.
Another great book from Marnie.
Bev goes undercover and becomes his cleaner, Gail. His house is out of this world and she is soon snooping around to find out how he is making his vast amount of money as he advertises himself as a landscape gardener which will in no way earn him enough to live the lifestyle he has become accustomed to.
Set in and around Manchester, the drug Spice becomes evident which is good to bring to peoples attention how bad this awful drug is.
This was an excellent book with lots of drama to keep the reader interested. I loved the banter between Bev and Doc, which brought a lightness to it.
Another great book from Marnie.
February 4, 2020
Being a fan of crime thrillers, I was looking forward to this and although I enjoyed it and it was a decent read, it didn’t read as a crime thriller to me.
The plot involved the drug ‘Spice’ and human trafficking – both good topics to build a crime thriller around, but I found these were overshadowed by the working relationship between Bev – a rather useless, but hilariously described Bridget-Jonesque private investigator and Doc – a computer geek whom she works alongside with.
The constant banter and funny escapades these pair found themselves in made the book a light and enjoyable read, but it was only the last part of the book where I felt the story became more “involved”, picked up pace and became more of a thriller. With the topics in the story, it could have been an intense and edge-of-your-seat read if the majority of it hadn’t revolved about Bev and Doc’s personal exploits.
To sum it up, this story is entertaining, well-written, readable and will make you laugh out loud several times and will be enjoyed, providing you’re not expecting anything gritty.
The plot involved the drug ‘Spice’ and human trafficking – both good topics to build a crime thriller around, but I found these were overshadowed by the working relationship between Bev – a rather useless, but hilariously described Bridget-Jonesque private investigator and Doc – a computer geek whom she works alongside with.
The constant banter and funny escapades these pair found themselves in made the book a light and enjoyable read, but it was only the last part of the book where I felt the story became more “involved”, picked up pace and became more of a thriller. With the topics in the story, it could have been an intense and edge-of-your-seat read if the majority of it hadn’t revolved about Bev and Doc’s personal exploits.
To sum it up, this story is entertaining, well-written, readable and will make you laugh out loud several times and will be enjoyed, providing you’re not expecting anything gritty.
February 22, 2020
This was a well written and well paced thriller style novel, I was entertained from start to very end and didn’t have time to get bored.
I enjoyed the scenario, the woman going undercover as a cleaner to spy on the mafia type man. It sounds like the start to a scenario that could be both funny and tense story at the same time, and It was that and so much more.
I did find it unique that we got some perspectives from her Daughter, it broke the story up a bit and just made the tale feel that bit different to anything else, and the different personality and age difference came out very well in the writing style and tone.
I did read the two books back to front, and when reading this i felt a slight disconnect from the main character at times, however this was easily resolved by reading them in the correct order,
That being said, I DEFINITELY recommend starting from book one 😂🙈
If you’re after an entertaining Crime thriller, this is certainly one to consider!
I enjoyed the scenario, the woman going undercover as a cleaner to spy on the mafia type man. It sounds like the start to a scenario that could be both funny and tense story at the same time, and It was that and so much more.
I did find it unique that we got some perspectives from her Daughter, it broke the story up a bit and just made the tale feel that bit different to anything else, and the different personality and age difference came out very well in the writing style and tone.
I did read the two books back to front, and when reading this i felt a slight disconnect from the main character at times, however this was easily resolved by reading them in the correct order,
That being said, I DEFINITELY recommend starting from book one 😂🙈
If you’re after an entertaining Crime thriller, this is certainly one to consider!
February 9, 2020
This is the second book of the PI Beverley Saunders series and I sorry to say it wasn't any better than the first. Although it can be read as a stand alone book I would recommend that "Tightrope" the first in the series is read first as there are quite a few references to it sprinkled throughout "Backlash" and it will make more sense if read in order. The storyline is a darkish one but definitely not funny as stated on the cover. I felt that Beverley Saunders as a PI just didn't work, she is far to naïve and doesn't learn from past mistakes. Like the first book I just found this one very irritating.
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