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Silent PayBack: A city on edge... a detective on shaky ground...
A serial killer roams the streets of Brighton, hunting for his next victim.
When the case lands on detective David Mallory's desk, will his personal demon prevent him from bringing this vicious monster to justice?
As the body count rises, Mallory finds himself sinking under the weight of his heavy secret - one that could jeopardise his job and his reputation.
With the pressure building, can the troubled detective reconcile his issues and solve the case before more women die?
When the case lands on detective David Mallory's desk, will his personal demon prevent him from bringing this vicious monster to justice?
As the body count rises, Mallory finds himself sinking under the weight of his heavy secret - one that could jeopardise his job and his reputation.
With the pressure building, can the troubled detective reconcile his issues and solve the case before more women die?
267 pages, Paperback
Published October 22, 2019
6 people want to read
About the author
Jaye Marie
18 books59 followersMy name is Jaye Marie, the 'oily rag' and one half of the establishment that is https://jenanita01.com.
I came to writing rather late but have always loved books. I think I trained to be a writer due to so many years of transcribing and editing my sister, Anita Dawes's books.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be so many things, a doctor, a pianist, or an artist. In all my 75 years, I have had so many jobs and hobbies that my family call me Worzel Gummidge, convinced I have a selection of different heads in a cupboard somewhere!
I love to make things, whether it is something to wear, eat or simply enjoy looking at. These days however, time is becoming my enemy, but I can still stretch it a bit when I need to!
I enjoy reading many different genres, so was very surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow I'm sure.
I also enjoy running our website/blog, Books & Bonsai, and love meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!
I came to writing rather late but have always loved books. I think I trained to be a writer due to so many years of transcribing and editing my sister, Anita Dawes's books.
When I was growing up, I wanted to be so many things, a doctor, a pianist, or an artist. In all my 75 years, I have had so many jobs and hobbies that my family call me Worzel Gummidge, convinced I have a selection of different heads in a cupboard somewhere!
I love to make things, whether it is something to wear, eat or simply enjoy looking at. These days however, time is becoming my enemy, but I can still stretch it a bit when I need to!
I enjoy reading many different genres, so was very surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow I'm sure.
I also enjoy running our website/blog, Books & Bonsai, and love meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 28, 2019
Overview.
This is an excellent story that kept me reading, wanting to know what happens next.
Plot.
The plot deals with two detectives trying to solve a series of murders in Brighton, England. But this is not all. Both David and Anna have their own individual problems to solve, and what these are remain a mystery until around half-way through the book. From then on, we follow them in their attempts to resolve both their individual personal problems and find the murderer.
The plot moves at a good pace, keeping the reader's interest throughout.
Characters.
The main characters of David and Anna are drawn well. They are likeable, but with believable flaws. They develop nicely throughout the book.
Writing.
Sadly, this is where the book falls down. There are numerous editing errors in the text. Although this sometimes makes me not want to finish a book, the story here is strong enough that my desire to know what happens overcame my irritation at the mistakes. There are also a few plot holes. As a result of this, I have only given it 4 stars.
This is an excellent story that kept me reading, wanting to know what happens next.
Plot.
The plot deals with two detectives trying to solve a series of murders in Brighton, England. But this is not all. Both David and Anna have their own individual problems to solve, and what these are remain a mystery until around half-way through the book. From then on, we follow them in their attempts to resolve both their individual personal problems and find the murderer.
The plot moves at a good pace, keeping the reader's interest throughout.
Characters.
The main characters of David and Anna are drawn well. They are likeable, but with believable flaws. They develop nicely throughout the book.
Writing.
Sadly, this is where the book falls down. There are numerous editing errors in the text. Although this sometimes makes me not want to finish a book, the story here is strong enough that my desire to know what happens overcame my irritation at the mistakes. There are also a few plot holes. As a result of this, I have only given it 4 stars.
October 23, 2019
This is a polished story that reads easily and moves at a good clip. The author does an excellent job of getting into the minds of her characters and sharing their emotions. Detective David Mallory is tasked with finding a serial killer, but in addition to tracking down the murderer, he must prove himself worthy to his peers while facing the scrutiny of a legendary commander.
He’s also struggling with an issue in his personal life, that if exposed, could ruin everything.
The focus on the crime, and the efforts David employs, along with his partner Anna to find the killer before he strikes again, are the strength of the book in this reader’s opinion. I also loved the inclusion of Snow, the commander whose reputation precedes him. He has a quiet strength and dominates every scene he’s in. When the book is focused on crime solving, it’s great.
Somewhere near the halfway point, David’s secret is revealed (although we get hints prior) and the focus shifts to his personal life. His secret is a big one. Clearly, the author intended for it to be a surprise. It’s definitely nothing I would have guessed, but nor is it something I would normally choose to read about. Which could be why that part of the novel doesn’t work for me.
Huge points to the author for deft handling of a delicate situation. At this point it becomes a matter of personal taste, but I found too much of the story focused on the details of David problem. I liked the wrap to the crime. Coupled with the strength of the writing, and the obvious effort the author put into telling this tale, it warrants five glowing stars despite the issues I had.
He’s also struggling with an issue in his personal life, that if exposed, could ruin everything.
The focus on the crime, and the efforts David employs, along with his partner Anna to find the killer before he strikes again, are the strength of the book in this reader’s opinion. I also loved the inclusion of Snow, the commander whose reputation precedes him. He has a quiet strength and dominates every scene he’s in. When the book is focused on crime solving, it’s great.
Somewhere near the halfway point, David’s secret is revealed (although we get hints prior) and the focus shifts to his personal life. His secret is a big one. Clearly, the author intended for it to be a surprise. It’s definitely nothing I would have guessed, but nor is it something I would normally choose to read about. Which could be why that part of the novel doesn’t work for me.
Huge points to the author for deft handling of a delicate situation. At this point it becomes a matter of personal taste, but I found too much of the story focused on the details of David problem. I liked the wrap to the crime. Coupled with the strength of the writing, and the obvious effort the author put into telling this tale, it warrants five glowing stars despite the issues I had.
June 3, 2020
This book's description suggests it's a police procedural, featuring a detective struggling with a personal problem while on the trail of a serial killer. Indeed, two of the main characters are detectives David Mallory and Anna Lukas, each of whom has a troubled history and awkward personal baggage. The third one is Will Taylor, the main suspect. David's chapters are told in first person; those from other characters' points of view are in third person. Shifting from third person back to first was a bit of a jolt at times. "I?" Who is this? Oh yes, it's David M.
David is a sympathetic character, but it took a while for me to warm up to Anna, despite her radical (and largely unexplained) transformation in outlook and habits about a quarter of the way in. Will is a train wreck, veering from one disastrous choice to another. Watching his deterioration is horribly fascinating.
My impression was that the detective office of the police department that employs David and Anna is incredibly easygoing and laid back, especially considering it's in the middle of investigating a series of murders. Investigators choosing to take time off or not showing up at all seems to be perfectly fine with their superior, David Snow. (By the way, seeing two characters with the same first name was fairly confusing in the first couple of chapters.) But I admit my only experience of police departments is from fiction and movies.
In fact, the detective/mystery aspect of the novel at times takes a leave of absence from the plot. It looks more like psychological fiction as David M. wrestles with his problem, the nature of which is only hinted at for at least half the book, although enough information is supplied that the revelation, when it comes, is more of a confirmation. David relates his thoughts at length while he tries to decide how much to reveal to David S., his boss, or to Anna, as she becomes increasingly important to him. Tension builds in advance of several crucial conversations, only to be dissipated in an unsatisfying way when those conversations happen offstage. And there is a minor subplot involving another pair of characters altogether.
In the final quarter of the book, the plot lines do converge sufficiently to develop into a moderately satisfying conclusion. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
David is a sympathetic character, but it took a while for me to warm up to Anna, despite her radical (and largely unexplained) transformation in outlook and habits about a quarter of the way in. Will is a train wreck, veering from one disastrous choice to another. Watching his deterioration is horribly fascinating.
My impression was that the detective office of the police department that employs David and Anna is incredibly easygoing and laid back, especially considering it's in the middle of investigating a series of murders. Investigators choosing to take time off or not showing up at all seems to be perfectly fine with their superior, David Snow. (By the way, seeing two characters with the same first name was fairly confusing in the first couple of chapters.) But I admit my only experience of police departments is from fiction and movies.
In fact, the detective/mystery aspect of the novel at times takes a leave of absence from the plot. It looks more like psychological fiction as David M. wrestles with his problem, the nature of which is only hinted at for at least half the book, although enough information is supplied that the revelation, when it comes, is more of a confirmation. David relates his thoughts at length while he tries to decide how much to reveal to David S., his boss, or to Anna, as she becomes increasingly important to him. Tension builds in advance of several crucial conversations, only to be dissipated in an unsatisfying way when those conversations happen offstage. And there is a minor subplot involving another pair of characters altogether.
In the final quarter of the book, the plot lines do converge sufficiently to develop into a moderately satisfying conclusion. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
February 7, 2020
What appeared to be an ordinary crime thriller looking for a serial koiller has an unexpected twist which took me completely by surpirise. I'm still not sure what I think about it. Did keep me turning the pages though.
March 13, 2020
Maggie Maynard (wife, hospice nurse) gave DS David Mallory (Lewes PD) his AM breakfast.
Brighton (East Sussex county is a seaside resort), England. Lewes HQ. Incident room. DS David Mallory briefed DI Jane Snow & Anna Lukas (new trainee).
Ms. Agatha Blackstone (U of Sussex; English dept. Head) wanted to know when the last time DS Mallory saw Angela Johnson (mother in law).
Peter Hilary (hospice nurse) informed everyone Maggie had died.
Tommy McKenzie (5, son) had passed away also.
Would the Harrison case get solved?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written cozy suspense book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great suspense movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It wasn’t as exciting as I hoped but I will still rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; ARR; Author; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Brighton (East Sussex county is a seaside resort), England. Lewes HQ. Incident room. DS David Mallory briefed DI Jane Snow & Anna Lukas (new trainee).
Ms. Agatha Blackstone (U of Sussex; English dept. Head) wanted to know when the last time DS Mallory saw Angela Johnson (mother in law).
Peter Hilary (hospice nurse) informed everyone Maggie had died.
Tommy McKenzie (5, son) had passed away also.
Would the Harrison case get solved?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written cozy suspense book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great suspense movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It wasn’t as exciting as I hoped but I will still rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; ARR; Author; PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
October 25, 2019
I read this book in two sittings when I should have been doing other things. Another chapter.... okay another chapter. Eh, just one more. That's how my day went, and suddenly I was at the end of the story. In reflecting on the read, one thing I noticed is that the pace is flawless, unrelenting in the way it pulled me through the pages. Not every chapter ends with a cliffhanger, but there is barely a wasted word, so I was never bored. I was intrigued.
The main character David, a police investigator, is the focus of the story, but multiple POVs (first and third person) gave me glimpses into other characters. That included the people surrounding him in his personal life... and the soon-to-be victims of a serial killer. And both (all) perspectives were valid since there are two - almost equally important - storylines running through the novel.
For one, there's a killer on the loose. He has an interesting twist to his personality, which occasionally had me second-guessing his identity. The peeks into the lives of the ordinary people who ended up being victims intensifies the wrongness of the murders.
The second plot-line follows David's struggle with a secret, and he has a significant choice facing him in the near future (no spoilers here). The author handles this topic with grace, and the human story is a nice counterpoint to the descriptions of senseless murder. I enjoyed both as well as the way they were woven together. In general, characterizations are well-done. These are believable people, and the ones we get to know are flawed with imperfect lives, trying to make them work with what they have. Sounds familiar.
The short Prologue is a bit clunky, and there are a few editing glitches, but I recommend getting past those for the well-crafted drama beneath. In Chapter One, the story settles in and is well worth it. An enjoyable read for those who like murder mysteries, thrillers, and a human story.
The main character David, a police investigator, is the focus of the story, but multiple POVs (first and third person) gave me glimpses into other characters. That included the people surrounding him in his personal life... and the soon-to-be victims of a serial killer. And both (all) perspectives were valid since there are two - almost equally important - storylines running through the novel.
For one, there's a killer on the loose. He has an interesting twist to his personality, which occasionally had me second-guessing his identity. The peeks into the lives of the ordinary people who ended up being victims intensifies the wrongness of the murders.
The second plot-line follows David's struggle with a secret, and he has a significant choice facing him in the near future (no spoilers here). The author handles this topic with grace, and the human story is a nice counterpoint to the descriptions of senseless murder. I enjoyed both as well as the way they were woven together. In general, characterizations are well-done. These are believable people, and the ones we get to know are flawed with imperfect lives, trying to make them work with what they have. Sounds familiar.
The short Prologue is a bit clunky, and there are a few editing glitches, but I recommend getting past those for the well-crafted drama beneath. In Chapter One, the story settles in and is well worth it. An enjoyable read for those who like murder mysteries, thrillers, and a human story.
November 14, 2019
David Mallory is not your average detective. He's struggling to find a serial killer while trying to deal with an issue in his personal life that keeps coming to the fore. He also has feelings for his work colleague Anna Lukas, but she has problems of her own too.
The plot moves along at a good pace, and it kept me interested enough to keep turning the pages to find out who the killer was, and whether David and Anna have a future together. The characters were well fleshed out, and I could sympathise with David's 'problem', as we have a family member undergoing the same experience at the moment.
The only quibble I have, and for which I gave 4 stars and not 5, was that there was quite a bit of 'telling and not showing'; for instance when David and DI Snow talk about David's 'problem', when Snow and David interview Will Taylor, and when Anna interviews Agatha Blackstone. I would have liked to read more in-depth conversations there. However, all in all it was good read, and I recommend it for fans of crime/thrillers.
The plot moves along at a good pace, and it kept me interested enough to keep turning the pages to find out who the killer was, and whether David and Anna have a future together. The characters were well fleshed out, and I could sympathise with David's 'problem', as we have a family member undergoing the same experience at the moment.
The only quibble I have, and for which I gave 4 stars and not 5, was that there was quite a bit of 'telling and not showing'; for instance when David and DI Snow talk about David's 'problem', when Snow and David interview Will Taylor, and when Anna interviews Agatha Blackstone. I would have liked to read more in-depth conversations there. However, all in all it was good read, and I recommend it for fans of crime/thrillers.
December 13, 2019
This is a detective story with many differences and as well as the usual hunt for a killer a romance is blended into the tale, and it’s no ordinary love story either. Detective David Mallory is going through something in his personal life that I won’t divulge here but which is all encompassing. He is also attracted to Anna who, as well as being a work colleague, has her own demons to trouble her.
Written from several points of view, including the killer’s, I felt this story didn’t dwell so much on the solving of the, several, crimes as on the private lives of those trying to stop a killer so if that sounds like your kind of story then this one may well be for you.
Written from several points of view, including the killer’s, I felt this story didn’t dwell so much on the solving of the, several, crimes as on the private lives of those trying to stop a killer so if that sounds like your kind of story then this one may well be for you.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews