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Connor Fraser #2
No Place to Die
'A true rising star of crime fiction' Ian Rankin
'Tense, fast-moving and bloody. Broadfoot's best yet' Mason Cross
'Tension that'll hold you breathless' Helen Fields
Blair Charlston swapped the stock market for salvation - and now he's making a killing.
Once a controversial venture capitalist, Charlston reinvented himself as a personal and business development guru after surviving an attempt to take his own life when a business deal went disastrously wrong. So when he decides to host a weekend retreat on the outskirts of Stirling for more than 300 people, Connor Fraser is drafted in to cover the security for a man who is at once idolised as a saviour and hated as a ruthless asset stripper.
For Connor, it's an unwelcome assignment. He's never had much time for salvation by soundbite, and Charlston's notoriety is attracting the attention of reporter Donna Blake, who's asking more questions than Connor has answers for.
But when an old colleague of Donna's is found brutally bludgeoned to death, and the start of Charleston's weekend of salvation becomes a literal trial by fire, Connor must race to unmask a killer whose savagery is only matched by their cunning.
Praise for Neil Broadfoot:
'Cracking pace, satisfyingly twisty plot. A great read' James Oswald
'Broadfoot is here, and he's ready to sit at the table with some of the finest crime writers Scottish fiction has to offer' Russel D. McLean
'Crisp dialogue, characters you believe and a prose style that brings you back for more . . . a fine addition to a growing roster of noir titles with a tartan tinge' Douglas Skelton
'This is Broadfoot's best to date, a thriller that delivers the thrills: energetic, breathlessly paceyand keeping you guessing till the end' Craig Russell
'Neil Broadfoot hits the ground running and doesn't stop. With the very beating heart of Scotland at its core, your heart too will race as you reach the jaw dropping conclusion of this brilliant thriller. First class!' Denil Meyrick
'A deliciously twisty thriller that never lets up the pace. Thrills, spills, chills and kills' Donna Moore
'An explosive, gripping page-turner with dark and utterly twisted murders. Simply brilliant!' Danielle Ramsay
'An atmospheric, twisty and explosive start to a new series by one of the masters of Scottish fiction. Get your wee mitts on it' Angela Clarke
'No Man's Land is a stunning, fast-paced, multi-layered thriller. Disturbing political unrest and psychological horror written with great confidence by Neil Broadfoot, who has one hand on Ian Rankin's crown as the king of Scottish crime' Michael Wood
'[A] gritty and fast-moving tale of shifting loyalties set against the backdrop of Scottish and Irish politics' Nick Quantrill
'Definitely a must read for all lovers of Tartan Noir: or anyone else who simply wants to enjoy a compelling tale' Undiscovered Scotland
'Tense, fast-moving and bloody. Broadfoot's best yet' Mason Cross
'Tension that'll hold you breathless' Helen Fields
Blair Charlston swapped the stock market for salvation - and now he's making a killing.
Once a controversial venture capitalist, Charlston reinvented himself as a personal and business development guru after surviving an attempt to take his own life when a business deal went disastrously wrong. So when he decides to host a weekend retreat on the outskirts of Stirling for more than 300 people, Connor Fraser is drafted in to cover the security for a man who is at once idolised as a saviour and hated as a ruthless asset stripper.
For Connor, it's an unwelcome assignment. He's never had much time for salvation by soundbite, and Charlston's notoriety is attracting the attention of reporter Donna Blake, who's asking more questions than Connor has answers for.
But when an old colleague of Donna's is found brutally bludgeoned to death, and the start of Charleston's weekend of salvation becomes a literal trial by fire, Connor must race to unmask a killer whose savagery is only matched by their cunning.
Praise for Neil Broadfoot:
'Cracking pace, satisfyingly twisty plot. A great read' James Oswald
'Broadfoot is here, and he's ready to sit at the table with some of the finest crime writers Scottish fiction has to offer' Russel D. McLean
'Crisp dialogue, characters you believe and a prose style that brings you back for more . . . a fine addition to a growing roster of noir titles with a tartan tinge' Douglas Skelton
'This is Broadfoot's best to date, a thriller that delivers the thrills: energetic, breathlessly paceyand keeping you guessing till the end' Craig Russell
'Neil Broadfoot hits the ground running and doesn't stop. With the very beating heart of Scotland at its core, your heart too will race as you reach the jaw dropping conclusion of this brilliant thriller. First class!' Denil Meyrick
'A deliciously twisty thriller that never lets up the pace. Thrills, spills, chills and kills' Donna Moore
'An explosive, gripping page-turner with dark and utterly twisted murders. Simply brilliant!' Danielle Ramsay
'An atmospheric, twisty and explosive start to a new series by one of the masters of Scottish fiction. Get your wee mitts on it' Angela Clarke
'No Man's Land is a stunning, fast-paced, multi-layered thriller. Disturbing political unrest and psychological horror written with great confidence by Neil Broadfoot, who has one hand on Ian Rankin's crown as the king of Scottish crime' Michael Wood
'[A] gritty and fast-moving tale of shifting loyalties set against the backdrop of Scottish and Irish politics' Nick Quantrill
'Definitely a must read for all lovers of Tartan Noir: or anyone else who simply wants to enjoy a compelling tale' Undiscovered Scotland
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2019
15 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Neil Broadfoot
23 books47 followersNeil Broadfoot worked as a journalist for fifteen years at both national and local newspapers, covering some of the biggest stories of the day. A poacher turned gamekeeper, he has since moved into communications: providing media relations advice for a variety of organisations, from Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Service to high profile sporting clubs in Scotland. He’s now working as a communications officer for the Scottish Government.
Neil is married to Fiona and a father to two girls, meaning he’s completely outnumbered in his own home. He lives in Dunfermline, the setting for his first job as a local reporter.
Neil is married to Fiona and a father to two girls, meaning he’s completely outnumbered in his own home. He lives in Dunfermline, the setting for his first job as a local reporter.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 4, 2020
Neil Broadfoot is certainly putting Stirling on the Scottish crime fiction map with a bang with this blood drenched and gritty follow up to No Man's Land, featuring ex-Belfast cop turned Sentinel security consultant , now promoted to Senior Director, Connor Fraser, a man with presence and a volatile temper which he manages mostly to make work for him. Returning with him is the ambitious Donna Blake, now a Sky News reporter, still in search of exclusives and the pragmatic DCI Malcolm Ford, denied promotion, willing to go against procedure by including Fraser in his investigations, knowing he cannot stop him getting involved and would prefer to have his valuable input. To understand the relationships between the three of them, I would strongly recommend reading the first book before this one.
Sentinel have been hired by the notoriously controversial Blair Charleston, once a financier whose career went down the pan after a takeover resulted in two high profile deaths. He has reinvented himself with astounding success as a self help guru, running a lucrative weekend course at the exclusive Alloa House Hotel. However, the past continues to dog Charleston with a threatening note sent to him in London, so he is paying Fraser and his team to protect him. Charleston with his salvation by soundbites, proves to be a slippery customer, hiding behind lawyers and legal contracts, narcissistic, craving a need to be the centre of attention and feeding off the adulation of others. The weekend gets off to a horrifying start for Charleston and Fraser, with connected murders committed with a brutal savagery by a sociopathic killer that spread fear and terror. Donna experiences losses close to her, once again sparking a fury, sorrow, and grief that make her determined, in tandem with Fraser, to find the truth of Charleston's past and the circle of deaths and murders surrounding the man.
Broadfoot writes a atmospheric, fast paced, visceral, violent and riveting crime thriller, with a recurring group of characters that include Jen, her father, Duncan MacKenzie, running one of Scotland's biggest haulage businesses, and his chauffeur, Paulie, who will do anything to protect Jen. Connor Fraser is a charismatic central protagonist, a man who cannot forget his police background, and refuses to be pigeon-holed as a meathead security bodyguard when he has so much more to offer. Ford is his conduit to be part of the police case, keeping Fraser informed and a central player whilst he provides valuable intel to the official police team. The team is completed by the media angle provided by reporter, Donna, a single mother with a young son, Andrew, relying on her parents to provide essential childcare so that she can do her job. This is a brilliant addition to what is shaping up to be a stellar Scottish crime series. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
Sentinel have been hired by the notoriously controversial Blair Charleston, once a financier whose career went down the pan after a takeover resulted in two high profile deaths. He has reinvented himself with astounding success as a self help guru, running a lucrative weekend course at the exclusive Alloa House Hotel. However, the past continues to dog Charleston with a threatening note sent to him in London, so he is paying Fraser and his team to protect him. Charleston with his salvation by soundbites, proves to be a slippery customer, hiding behind lawyers and legal contracts, narcissistic, craving a need to be the centre of attention and feeding off the adulation of others. The weekend gets off to a horrifying start for Charleston and Fraser, with connected murders committed with a brutal savagery by a sociopathic killer that spread fear and terror. Donna experiences losses close to her, once again sparking a fury, sorrow, and grief that make her determined, in tandem with Fraser, to find the truth of Charleston's past and the circle of deaths and murders surrounding the man.
Broadfoot writes a atmospheric, fast paced, visceral, violent and riveting crime thriller, with a recurring group of characters that include Jen, her father, Duncan MacKenzie, running one of Scotland's biggest haulage businesses, and his chauffeur, Paulie, who will do anything to protect Jen. Connor Fraser is a charismatic central protagonist, a man who cannot forget his police background, and refuses to be pigeon-holed as a meathead security bodyguard when he has so much more to offer. Ford is his conduit to be part of the police case, keeping Fraser informed and a central player whilst he provides valuable intel to the official police team. The team is completed by the media angle provided by reporter, Donna, a single mother with a young son, Andrew, relying on her parents to provide essential childcare so that she can do her job. This is a brilliant addition to what is shaping up to be a stellar Scottish crime series. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
May 13, 2023
In brief - This has action and pace however it never really grabbed me.
In this book venture capitalist, Blair Charlston, turned business guru hires an ex policeman, Connor Fraser, to act as security manager for an event he is hosting. Into this mix comes Donna, an investigative journalist. It is apparent fairly quickly that a killer has some interest in the event. Who are they and what do they really want? Can Connor prevent the bloodshed? And does the cause lie in Blair's past?
The book follows a straight time line in short chapters with punchy writing. I found the start intriguing. Almost immediately I found mention of the fact that there had been a previous book about Connor Frazer. I would have preferred to have known that prior to selecting this book. Initially I felt I was at a disadvantage however that faded as the book went on.
This is an action thriller type book in the main I guess. The pace was certainly good. However I didn't find the characters particularly deep in the main. This has a very contemporary feel to it and the writing is very crisp but it also feels as though it lacks depth at times. I guess in the end I found this rather ordinary though perfectly readable. For me it has something of a feel of Brookmyre's stories but I didn't find the characters as interesting or compelling.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In this book venture capitalist, Blair Charlston, turned business guru hires an ex policeman, Connor Fraser, to act as security manager for an event he is hosting. Into this mix comes Donna, an investigative journalist. It is apparent fairly quickly that a killer has some interest in the event. Who are they and what do they really want? Can Connor prevent the bloodshed? And does the cause lie in Blair's past?
The book follows a straight time line in short chapters with punchy writing. I found the start intriguing. Almost immediately I found mention of the fact that there had been a previous book about Connor Frazer. I would have preferred to have known that prior to selecting this book. Initially I felt I was at a disadvantage however that faded as the book went on.
This is an action thriller type book in the main I guess. The pace was certainly good. However I didn't find the characters particularly deep in the main. This has a very contemporary feel to it and the writing is very crisp but it also feels as though it lacks depth at times. I guess in the end I found this rather ordinary though perfectly readable. For me it has something of a feel of Brookmyre's stories but I didn't find the characters as interesting or compelling.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
February 28, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of No Place to Die, the second novel to feature Security Consultant Connor Fraser, set in Stirlingshire.
Connor’s company, Sentinel, has contracted to protect controversial disgraced financier turned lifestyle coach Blair Charlston at a motivational retreat in a Stirlingshire hotel after he has received threatening letters. Reporter, Donna Blake, is also there, intent on finding out what her journalist friend, Donald Peters, intended to tell her about Charlston before he was bludgeoned to death.
I thoroughly enjoyed No Place to Die which is an exciting read with so many twists and turns. The plot gets quite complicated in parts as the reader tries to work out how all the characters fit in but it’s not difficult to follow, except perhaps some of the financial shenanigans but, then, I never really expect to totally understand them! The gist is enough for me and it’s only a small part of an exciting read.
I really enjoyed the story. It is told from various points of view, although mostly Connor’s, and this gives the reader a broader idea of events with idea being the emphasis as some scenes just invite more questions and encourage the reader to read on for more information. I also really liked the use of reveals. The character either gets half way through a conversation when events prevent a full revelation or a conversation is reported without full details, meaning Connor knows more than the reader. In some novels I find this approach frustrating but here it just whets the appetite for more information. The plot is exciting and held my interest throughout.
I cannot do this review without mentioning the fact that I spent many childhood hours visiting my great aunts in a street mentioned in the novel. I don’t come from the area so this recognition was absolutely astounding and it was so nice to be familiar with a location, even if it is from 40-50 years ago.
No Place to Die is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Connor’s company, Sentinel, has contracted to protect controversial disgraced financier turned lifestyle coach Blair Charlston at a motivational retreat in a Stirlingshire hotel after he has received threatening letters. Reporter, Donna Blake, is also there, intent on finding out what her journalist friend, Donald Peters, intended to tell her about Charlston before he was bludgeoned to death.
I thoroughly enjoyed No Place to Die which is an exciting read with so many twists and turns. The plot gets quite complicated in parts as the reader tries to work out how all the characters fit in but it’s not difficult to follow, except perhaps some of the financial shenanigans but, then, I never really expect to totally understand them! The gist is enough for me and it’s only a small part of an exciting read.
I really enjoyed the story. It is told from various points of view, although mostly Connor’s, and this gives the reader a broader idea of events with idea being the emphasis as some scenes just invite more questions and encourage the reader to read on for more information. I also really liked the use of reveals. The character either gets half way through a conversation when events prevent a full revelation or a conversation is reported without full details, meaning Connor knows more than the reader. In some novels I find this approach frustrating but here it just whets the appetite for more information. The plot is exciting and held my interest throughout.
I cannot do this review without mentioning the fact that I spent many childhood hours visiting my great aunts in a street mentioned in the novel. I don’t come from the area so this recognition was absolutely astounding and it was so nice to be familiar with a location, even if it is from 40-50 years ago.
No Place to Die is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 25, 2020
My enjoyment thus far with Neil Broadfoot's novels has been good. This, for me fell short, due, I think to over-much artificially-inserted tension, where time after time A tells B something that the reader is left to wonder about, plus a glossing over of other aspects.
March 17, 2021
A good plot and decent read.
March 15, 2020
An unusual crime novel in that the main protagonist, Connor Fraser is a security consultant so it puzzled me why didn't he let the police solve the various crimes?
A bit confusing at times to work out what was going on and which character was who.
There were many strands to the plot and at least as the novel moved along things began to fall into place.
There are plenty of graphic scenes as various victims meet their demise and in Donna, a Sky News reporter, Broadfoot has created a character a bit different than a just a TV reporter.
Set in the central belt of Scotland the author gives a sense of place to the Stirling area and Glasgow.
Not a crime novel that really stands out in a crowded genre but worth a read.
A bit confusing at times to work out what was going on and which character was who.
There were many strands to the plot and at least as the novel moved along things began to fall into place.
There are plenty of graphic scenes as various victims meet their demise and in Donna, a Sky News reporter, Broadfoot has created a character a bit different than a just a TV reporter.
Set in the central belt of Scotland the author gives a sense of place to the Stirling area and Glasgow.
Not a crime novel that really stands out in a crowded genre but worth a read.
April 10, 2021
Some housekeeping first and an apology to Neil Broadfoot. This is the third Connor Fraser book but the first I have reviewed. Earlier this year I read the second book, No Place to Die, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, this was one of the books I was reading when we first went into the March 2020 Covid Lockdown. A quick glance at my blog archive will show very little reviews were prepared over the first few months of the year as I found it incredibly difficult to keep focus on anything at that time. I stuggled and reviews which should have been written were not. My apologies to Neil for missing the paperback publication window of No Place to Die with a review I did so want to write.
The earlier Connor Fraser titles are readily available in paperback and digital format. Connor’s story builds with each book (though each title can be read as a stand alone). If you haven’t already read the previous books No Mans Land and No Place To Die then I would encourage you to pick them up and immerse yourself in these terrific stories.
The Point Of No Return opens with a miscarriage of justice being corrected. Some 14 years ago Colin Sanderson was convicted of the brutal murders of two students. The reader is left in no doubt that Sanderson is a nasty piece of work and there are interested parties, other than the police, unhappy to see his conviction overturned after his lawyer found an irregularity in the evidence used to secure the original Guilty verdict. Sanderson is free and is not looking to slip quietly into the background. A PR firm have ensured he will be given a platform to air his grievances (he has many) and there is talk of a book deal to allow him to tell his story. Enter Donna Blake, reporter for Sky News who is handed exclusive interview rights and the lure of the chance to ghost-write Sanderson’s book. Donna is a friend of Connor’s and their paths have previously crossed in devastating ways.
Just a few days after his release Sanderson manages to shake off the observation team working for Connor’s security firm. During the period where he is not being watched another murder takes place on the Stirling University campus. There are stiking similarities between the new murder and the deaths of the two students Sanderson was accused of committing. Have the courts freed a murderer on a technicality?
There is a constant sense of peril surrounding both Connor and Donna in The Point Of No Return. Neil Broadfoot managed make me believe both characters were just one step away from falling foul of a dangerous killer. I love when a story grips me in the way Point Of No Return did.
It should be noted there are also some emotive scenes away from the murders where Connor is starting to understand his own family history a bit better. His relationship with his father is strained but he dotes on his grandmother,who is in ailing health. Connor’s relationship with his gran and his father come into close scrutiny and he will not always like what he discovers when he starts asking questions about their past. Families have their secrets and Connor is going to have to face some unpleasant realisations before this book reaches its climax.
The Point Of No Return delivers a cracking murder story and anyone that enjoys a great thriller cannot go wrong with this one.
Huge shout to the team behind the audiobook too. Narration duties were handled by Angus King and he was excellent. There is a fair sized cast in this story and King gave each their own voice and brought the characters to life. Audiobooks can really let down a great book if the vocal performances are jarring or the voices chosen are unsuited to the material presented. In the case of The Point Of No Return there were no concerns – this is a polished and quality production and the source material shines.
Great book and a cracking addition to the Connor Fraser series. Don’t miss out on these stories – they are too good to let them slip by.
The earlier Connor Fraser titles are readily available in paperback and digital format. Connor’s story builds with each book (though each title can be read as a stand alone). If you haven’t already read the previous books No Mans Land and No Place To Die then I would encourage you to pick them up and immerse yourself in these terrific stories.
The Point Of No Return opens with a miscarriage of justice being corrected. Some 14 years ago Colin Sanderson was convicted of the brutal murders of two students. The reader is left in no doubt that Sanderson is a nasty piece of work and there are interested parties, other than the police, unhappy to see his conviction overturned after his lawyer found an irregularity in the evidence used to secure the original Guilty verdict. Sanderson is free and is not looking to slip quietly into the background. A PR firm have ensured he will be given a platform to air his grievances (he has many) and there is talk of a book deal to allow him to tell his story. Enter Donna Blake, reporter for Sky News who is handed exclusive interview rights and the lure of the chance to ghost-write Sanderson’s book. Donna is a friend of Connor’s and their paths have previously crossed in devastating ways.
Just a few days after his release Sanderson manages to shake off the observation team working for Connor’s security firm. During the period where he is not being watched another murder takes place on the Stirling University campus. There are stiking similarities between the new murder and the deaths of the two students Sanderson was accused of committing. Have the courts freed a murderer on a technicality?
There is a constant sense of peril surrounding both Connor and Donna in The Point Of No Return. Neil Broadfoot managed make me believe both characters were just one step away from falling foul of a dangerous killer. I love when a story grips me in the way Point Of No Return did.
It should be noted there are also some emotive scenes away from the murders where Connor is starting to understand his own family history a bit better. His relationship with his father is strained but he dotes on his grandmother,who is in ailing health. Connor’s relationship with his gran and his father come into close scrutiny and he will not always like what he discovers when he starts asking questions about their past. Families have their secrets and Connor is going to have to face some unpleasant realisations before this book reaches its climax.
The Point Of No Return delivers a cracking murder story and anyone that enjoys a great thriller cannot go wrong with this one.
Huge shout to the team behind the audiobook too. Narration duties were handled by Angus King and he was excellent. There is a fair sized cast in this story and King gave each their own voice and brought the characters to life. Audiobooks can really let down a great book if the vocal performances are jarring or the voices chosen are unsuited to the material presented. In the case of The Point Of No Return there were no concerns – this is a polished and quality production and the source material shines.
Great book and a cracking addition to the Connor Fraser series. Don’t miss out on these stories – they are too good to let them slip by.
April 28, 2020
As I mentioned above, I first met Connor Fraser, along with DCI Malcolm Ford and reporter Donna Blake in Broadfoot's previous book, No Man's Land. Don't worry if you haven't read that one, as this book works perfectly as a standalone, but you really should as it's brilliant.
Following events in the last book, Connor now has a more senior role at Sentinel Security, and is overseeing a weekend hosted by businessman turned lifestyle guru Blair Charlston. There are 300 guests coming to the event and Connor is particularly worried about the security for the opening event of the weekend, which will take place outdoors. And he's right to be concerned.
Connor is a brilliant protagonist. Strong, capable, principled, practical, a real action man, he doesn't suffer fools gladly. He's got a softer side, which he shows to the people he cares about, although those times tend to be overshadowed by his work, because he does tend to immerse himself somewhat. His temper, usually kept in check, occasionally gets the better of him, but it's always justified. He's a hero. In my review of No Man's Land, I likened Connor to Bourne or Reacher, and I stand by those comparisons.
Reporter Donna Blake is now working for Sky TV and is covering the Charlston weekend for the channel. An ex colleague and an old flame both get in touch offering her background information on Charlston's dodgy business practices which she hopes will give her the edge over her competitors. But things don't go according to plan. I like Donna, she's easy to relate to. A single mother, she's trying to juggle her career with parenthood and having to rely on her disapproving mother for childcare. Always hungry for a story, she is determined to get close to this one, but has no idea how personal it will get for her.
No Place To Die opens with a bang. There has been much talk on social media about 'that first line' and it certainly is a corker! It's a line that will make you want to read on, and it sets the stage for much of what follows. Broadfoot 's writing is sharp - no wasted words here - and he knows how to ramp up the tension. Short snappy chapters and several different points of view (never confusing) add interest and momentum. But Neil also uses beautiful language where appropriate. A description of Connor's grandmother's declining health gave me a lump in my throat.
The plot covers corruption, dodgy deals, lies, personal betrayal, revenge and murder. There are descriptions here which are bloody, messy and graphic - not for the faint hearted.
With No Place To Die Broadfoot delivers a fast paced, action packed, adrenaline filled crime thriller, full of rounded, believable characters, both good and bad. I loved it, and it's great to have Connor Fraser back!
Following events in the last book, Connor now has a more senior role at Sentinel Security, and is overseeing a weekend hosted by businessman turned lifestyle guru Blair Charlston. There are 300 guests coming to the event and Connor is particularly worried about the security for the opening event of the weekend, which will take place outdoors. And he's right to be concerned.
Connor is a brilliant protagonist. Strong, capable, principled, practical, a real action man, he doesn't suffer fools gladly. He's got a softer side, which he shows to the people he cares about, although those times tend to be overshadowed by his work, because he does tend to immerse himself somewhat. His temper, usually kept in check, occasionally gets the better of him, but it's always justified. He's a hero. In my review of No Man's Land, I likened Connor to Bourne or Reacher, and I stand by those comparisons.
Reporter Donna Blake is now working for Sky TV and is covering the Charlston weekend for the channel. An ex colleague and an old flame both get in touch offering her background information on Charlston's dodgy business practices which she hopes will give her the edge over her competitors. But things don't go according to plan. I like Donna, she's easy to relate to. A single mother, she's trying to juggle her career with parenthood and having to rely on her disapproving mother for childcare. Always hungry for a story, she is determined to get close to this one, but has no idea how personal it will get for her.
No Place To Die opens with a bang. There has been much talk on social media about 'that first line' and it certainly is a corker! It's a line that will make you want to read on, and it sets the stage for much of what follows. Broadfoot 's writing is sharp - no wasted words here - and he knows how to ramp up the tension. Short snappy chapters and several different points of view (never confusing) add interest and momentum. But Neil also uses beautiful language where appropriate. A description of Connor's grandmother's declining health gave me a lump in my throat.
The plot covers corruption, dodgy deals, lies, personal betrayal, revenge and murder. There are descriptions here which are bloody, messy and graphic - not for the faint hearted.
With No Place To Die Broadfoot delivers a fast paced, action packed, adrenaline filled crime thriller, full of rounded, believable characters, both good and bad. I loved it, and it's great to have Connor Fraser back!
March 27, 2020
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Scottish-nor has long been 'a thing' but rarely have I heard Neil Broadfoot's name in this context. Amongst his peers, yes, but this same high esteem does not seem to have permeated the fanatical ranks of ordinary, everyday, lovers of crime fiction. 'No Place to Die' must be a game-changer in this respect. This is not just Scottish crime fiction at its best, but crime fiction at its best. Full stop. What grabbed me especially about this book was not only the obvious components that make up a great read - pitch-perfect plotting, an engrossing storyline, realistic characters and dialogue - but Broadfoot's naturally gifted storytelling, free of the gimmicks of many, lesser books of this genre. High-concept novels may be the stuff of a publisher's dream - a hook to draw in the fickle reader in a crowded marketplace of umpteen bestsellers, but there is still a preeminent place for novels of this type. In other words, a crime novel that values substance over style. Actually, 'No Place to Die' has both. With its crisp prose and gritty realism, this is one for the purists of crime fiction. This is the second book to feature Security Consultant Connor Fraser. A leading protagonist that has the potential to become an enduring character of crime fiction, it is up to Fraser and reporter Donna Blake, to unravel the hidden motives behind the gruesome death of controversial venture capitalist, Blair Charlston. All is not as it seems and it is up to the beautiful realised characters of Connor Fraser and the intrepid reporter, Donna Blake to unravel the secrets and lies behind the death of this polarising figure. With numerous hooks to literally die-for, Broadfoot delivers a superior piece of crime fiction, and I for one cannot wait to read more from this brilliantly talented author.
Scottish-nor has long been 'a thing' but rarely have I heard Neil Broadfoot's name in this context. Amongst his peers, yes, but this same high esteem does not seem to have permeated the fanatical ranks of ordinary, everyday, lovers of crime fiction. 'No Place to Die' must be a game-changer in this respect. This is not just Scottish crime fiction at its best, but crime fiction at its best. Full stop. What grabbed me especially about this book was not only the obvious components that make up a great read - pitch-perfect plotting, an engrossing storyline, realistic characters and dialogue - but Broadfoot's naturally gifted storytelling, free of the gimmicks of many, lesser books of this genre. High-concept novels may be the stuff of a publisher's dream - a hook to draw in the fickle reader in a crowded marketplace of umpteen bestsellers, but there is still a preeminent place for novels of this type. In other words, a crime novel that values substance over style. Actually, 'No Place to Die' has both. With its crisp prose and gritty realism, this is one for the purists of crime fiction. This is the second book to feature Security Consultant Connor Fraser. A leading protagonist that has the potential to become an enduring character of crime fiction, it is up to Fraser and reporter Donna Blake, to unravel the hidden motives behind the gruesome death of controversial venture capitalist, Blair Charlston. All is not as it seems and it is up to the beautiful realised characters of Connor Fraser and the intrepid reporter, Donna Blake to unravel the secrets and lies behind the death of this polarising figure. With numerous hooks to literally die-for, Broadfoot delivers a superior piece of crime fiction, and I for one cannot wait to read more from this brilliantly talented author.
August 24, 2020
Venture capitalist-turned-lifestyle guru Blair Charlston has chosen a luxury hotel on the outskirts of Stirling to deliver his message at a weekend retreat, and Connor Fraser has taken on the contract for his security despite his dislike for the man and his methods. Meanwhile, reporter Donna Blake is asking too many questions about Charlston’s past – then a former colleague of hers is murdered, and things get literally too hot to handle at the hotel...
The second in Neil Broadfoot’s Stirling-set series is just as fast-paced and action-packed as the first, with plenty of his trademark crunching violence scattered across the pages and several eewwwwwww moments - and what about That First Line? Blimey! The cast of characters will also grab your attention, from Connor himself down to the smallest cameo designed to raise a smile in the reader between bouts of menace and violence (though I could have taken a little more character conversation in places to give me a breather to process all the action, you have to concentrate here).
You can jump straight in to No Place To Die without reading series opener No Man’s Land, though I suspect once you've read NPTD you'll want to go back to find out what Connor has been up to in the past.
The second in Neil Broadfoot’s Stirling-set series is just as fast-paced and action-packed as the first, with plenty of his trademark crunching violence scattered across the pages and several eewwwwwww moments - and what about That First Line? Blimey! The cast of characters will also grab your attention, from Connor himself down to the smallest cameo designed to raise a smile in the reader between bouts of menace and violence (though I could have taken a little more character conversation in places to give me a breather to process all the action, you have to concentrate here).
You can jump straight in to No Place To Die without reading series opener No Man’s Land, though I suspect once you've read NPTD you'll want to go back to find out what Connor has been up to in the past.
January 17, 2022
3/5 - Good
A very decent read and 2nd in the Connor Fraser series, I absolutely loved the first book , but maybe I left it too long to read this 2nd outing as I felt it never hit the heights of the first book.
Still a enjoyable read, it’s complex, gritty and tough, it’s a bit more than your usual procedural and connor is a likeable protagonist.
Struggled a bit with the writing, very descriptive and very dense at times, but I’m still involved enough in this series to read the next
A very decent read and 2nd in the Connor Fraser series, I absolutely loved the first book , but maybe I left it too long to read this 2nd outing as I felt it never hit the heights of the first book.
Still a enjoyable read, it’s complex, gritty and tough, it’s a bit more than your usual procedural and connor is a likeable protagonist.
Struggled a bit with the writing, very descriptive and very dense at times, but I’m still involved enough in this series to read the next
May 9, 2022
Quite good - very sharp and snappy chapters, not the nice flow I enjoy in stories, but that's just me and not the author. Not sure I would choose to read more by Neil Broadfoot, read better thrillers.
December 19, 2024
a solid thriller
Number two in the series, brings back most of the characters from the first book. Broadfoot does a good job jumping right into the action. Couldn’t put it down, left me wanting to start the next book in the series
Number two in the series, brings back most of the characters from the first book. Broadfoot does a good job jumping right into the action. Couldn’t put it down, left me wanting to start the next book in the series
March 9, 2020
Twisted,complicated story with lots of twists and an all action hero .Story moved quickly along with lots of threads,kept my interest.
March 15, 2020
A brilliant example of a dark, Scottish police procedural. I've read the book that preceeded this one, No Man's Land also brilliant.
Neil Broadfoot is a very underrated Scottish author.
Neil Broadfoot is a very underrated Scottish author.
October 15, 2020
A great read for fans of James Oswald and Tony Black, this slice of tartan noir is a gripping story, with twists enough to keep you guessing. Highly recommended..
February 20, 2021
Good read
May 23, 2021
Great read
A great follow up to the first in the series with a decent complicated storyline. Never realised Stirling was such a dangerous place !! Looking forward to the next.
A great follow up to the first in the series with a decent complicated storyline. Never realised Stirling was such a dangerous place !! Looking forward to the next.
August 16, 2021
Didnt get into this until 100 pages in but then it went like s train. I will definitely look out fir more by this author
June 21, 2022
Loved this. Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish in the main down to the dynamics between Connor and news reporter Donna and the way they bounce off each other. A believable storyline with believable characters and enough going on to keep you engaged without being so complex you have no clue what’s happening. A great four star read.
May 4, 2025
Still violent but I'm liking the characters & the setting - and the plotlines - of this series. Off to request #3..
August 27, 2021
bit of a complicated plot and a few too many characters, very confused at the beginning and quite confused throughout
December 13, 2021
It was good to escape into a novel for a change. I like to read non fiction however I need to escape into a well written novel from time to time. I enjoyed this book and the murder plot that unfolded. The deaths were a bit gruesome but added to the tension experienced when reading the book. Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was that it is based in Stirling and Alloa and so I was able to picture the scene and locations in my mind as I read the book. A good read.
October 1, 2021
A decent enough book but I never really got into it. The best part was Angus King’s brilliant narration.
Read
November 23, 2022DNF sorry not for me, I gave up after just a few chapters!
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