Departed

Leopold Blake Thriller #3

by Nick Stephenson

ASIN moved from less recent edition

Playtime's over...

Expert criminology consultant Leopold Blake is having yet another bad week. While tracking a psychopathic serial killer through the streets of London, the reclusive investigator realizes with chilling certainty that history is about to repeat itself - with devastating consequences. Where Scotland Yard and MI5 have failed, Leopold must find a way to hunt down and apprehend a ruthless maniac before he strikes again.

And the clock is ticking.

Now Blake and his team must face their greatest challenge yet: an unseen force, intent on wreaking havoc throughout the city, is hunting on its home turf - and Leopold is about to realize that the good guy doesn't always win.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Ebooks, Suspense, Amazon, Paranormal

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Nick Stephenson was born and raised in Cambridgeshire, England and will now refer to himself in the first person. My approach to writing is to hit hard, hit fast, and leave as few spelling errors as possible. I write thrillers, suspense novels, and the occasional witty postcard, all of which are designed to get your pulse pounding. Don’t let my headshot fool you – I’m actually full colour, on most days.

My books are a mixture of mystery, action, and humour. If you’re looking for a good place to start, take a look at my Leopold Blake series of thrillers, available now at www.noorosha.com/books and out soon on Amazon, Sony, Barnes & Noble, and the iTunes store.

Reviews

[Craig McGray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and to the point, that's how I like to write reviews. Here goes.

Leopold Blake continues to do what he does best, see the details that others don't. In this sequel, Nick Stephenson added a slightly more descriptive aspect to his writing and I for one enjoyed this. This book brought us to murder scenes through the eyes of a murderer. A bit more descriptive than I remember from Stephenson in Panic, the first in the series, this was welcome to me in Departed. If I'm going to read about a killer, give me the dark, gory stuff. Stephenson did just that. I still enjoyed the banter between Leopold and Jerome though the relationship seemed a bit different in this book.

Stephenson writes great fight scenes and spreads them throughout the book keeping me engaged and the pages turning.

I did see most of the plot twists coming and though that usually sours me on a book, I was wrong about one thing and that kept me guessing through the rest of the story.

Bottom line, Departed is a great second piece from Nick Stephenson and you can't go wrong with the Leopold Blake series. It is a slightly different style than the first book, but I think it is just Stephenson developing as a writer and Leopold growing and changing as a character. I enjoyed it and I know you will too.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually thought this was written by an American, there are so many 'cliches' about London. At one point I actually laughed aloud at yet another trite description of the 'stewed beef smell' in a hospital ward, and the grungy toilets.

The characters were cliches as well. The damaged Alpha male, the pert American FBI agent, the silent (and they are always over 6 foot tall!) bodyguard in his Armani suit.(yawn)

The plot was okay although there was a preponderance of 'gore' maybe in an attempt to shock. I would have liked this much more if the writing had been more sympathetic to the real England and London. (or perhaps I only see the good side of London?)

[Book Him Danno · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast paced mystery thriller with Leopold Blake as a brilliant consultant brought in by Scotland Yard to assist in some gruesome murders in London. Blake is apparently an American and is accompanied by a female NYPD Sgt and his personal bodyguard. While I found the story fast paced and interesting I would have enjoyed it more if there had been a more complete background provided for these three characters. Therefore I have rated it at three stars. With a more complete background I would have rated it four stars or even five stars.

I picked the book up at kindlebuffet.com because it took place in London which is one of my favorite cities.

I would read other offerings by this author.

[C.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Stephenson has a gritty protagonist in Leopold Blake. Like other books in this series, "Departed" is a fast-paced page turning adventure. The fact that Blake may be a bit of a rogue detective shows as he is in Britain helping MI5 hunt down a killer who liked the macabre, imitating the famed Jack the Ripper at times. While there is some dialogue that was predictable at times. it was the plot twists that I already thought were coming but didn't that made me want more. I'd highly recommend Stephenson's entire Leopold Blake series. While each is easily a standalone story. once you fall for Blake as the leading man, you'll want more.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS MY FIRST LEOPOLD BLAKE (what a cool name) READ BUT IT WON'T BE THE LAST THIS WAS GREAT. VERY EXCITING KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT I DID GUESS WHO TWO OF THE BAD GUYS WERE. OH BOY THE STUFF GOING ON WAS TOTALLY GROSS AND I LOVED IT. THIS NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH OR FAINT-O-HEART A REAL THRILLER CAN'T WAIT TO READ MORE OF THIS DETECTIVE ALONG WITH HIS TEAM MEMBERS MARY & JEROME (one cool dude). WHAT A GREAT TRIO I LOVED THEM. ;D

[Terry Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy story. But a good one. I like crazy. LOL! Interesting, but didn't turn out to be what Leopold thought. He would say, it wasn't the first time. I do like how the characters get better with every book and am still waiting to learn about Leopold's past. A lot more there than meets the eye. Not in a bad way, at least not for him.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine book from the pen of Nick Stephenson.

Leopold is such a brilliant character,I cannot seem to put it down.

Cannot wait to get next one.

[Jill Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Criminologist expert, Leopold Blake is asked to come to London to help Scotland Yard catch a serial killer whose methods are similar to Jack the Ripper. His bodyguard Jerome and Mary Jordan of the NY Police Department accompanies him. Parts of the story were just a little too hard to believe. Story was just OK. I wouldn’t invest in more of the series. 6 Stars. (9.26 to 10.6.18)

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out Of Synch

I read this out of sync having but already read the previous four books I thought I knew what to expect but this was a great read, full of twists and turns, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Looking forward to more in the Leopold Blake story with perhaps a bit more input from Jerome.

[Melissa Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

detective thriller

Highly interesting from the beginning to end. I guess at the bad guy but honestly didn't really have many clues to get me there which kept me turning each page in anticipation. I really liked the ending which is open ended rather than being tied up in a nice bow. Enjoyed the book thoroughly.

[Philip A. Guercio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense wrapped in darkness

This book had a well planned plot provided enough clues for the observant reader go solve at least part of the mystery. Always fun to read a book with a highly intelligent yet quirky protagonist.

[janis dunavant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better character development as more books are added to the series. This is the third and best so far.

Leopold shows his mental process more in each book, Mary is both more womanly and tougher. A fun book to read.

[Alonzo Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fairly good with a surprise ending.

I liked how Jerome and Mary seem to always want to look after Leopold. While he assumes he can very well take care of himself. The irony is t they try to still help Leopold track down the horrors in the world.

[Sonja Bristow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this. But alas, I didn't. Possibly because I didn't read the first two books in the series, that I expected more of Leopold and quite frankly Mary's character is laughable. The story was a bit thin and convoluted and drug on way too long.

[Irene Deen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read carefully

Needs a new proof reader but its a good, fast,exciting plot. Do kind of feel sorry for the consultant. Its only book 3 and I don't know how he's still walking upright. Oh the scars he must have.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA

[Phyllis Moum · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated it!

Not my type of book, wonder why I even finished it. Far too gory, would not recommend it to anyone.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit predicable but still a good read.

[William Havle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeps you reading

I enjoyed the book. The action kept me wanting more. I always like a character I can follow in a series and this book gave me that.

[Gary Bjornsen]

Good

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Leopold Blake series. The trio are in London to help with a serial killer on the loose - whose macabre murders bare a striking resemblance to The Ripper killings of the 1880’s.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Departed" is the fourth book in the Leopold Blake series I've read from Nick Stephenson. By far this one has been the best to date. In this adventure, Leopold, NYPD Detective Mary Jordan, and bodyguard Jerome head off to London. London may never be the same again. Leopold is called in to consult on a series of murders involving prostitutes who've been brutally mutilated as they are murdered. Police superintendent Swanson is really thrown for a loop watching Leopold, and Mary in their pursuit of solving the case. Leopold concludes the murderer is following the same pattern as "Jack the Ripper" did in 1888. Leopold needs to get some guidance and expertise on the Ripper cases. He ends up developing a rapport with Prof. Frederick Butler, who's an expert on the Ripper and his murders. When a suspect emerges, named Kandinski the case looks to be wrapping up. However, Kandinski is found cut up in pieces and dropped behind a fake wall in the apartment he'd been renting. Leopold and Swanson are also relying on James Cooper, who works with MI5, to help with intel. Of course the Ripper theory falls apart and the real danger and suspense kicks into high gear. This book had so many twists and turns it was fun reading along trying to guess where it would head next. Author Stephenson has crafted an incredible intricate plot that pack a solid punch with action. Naturally with the dialog, especially Leopold's the characters really become real people. I rooted hard for Leopold and gang to get the killer and solve this case. The book reads very briskly since the plot flows so well. So far all four of the Leopold Blake novels I've read in this series have been top notch. "Departed" in my opinion has been the best so far. Yes London was glad to see Leopold moving along going back home. He is such a crafty, and unique character to say the least. I really get a kick out of him. 5 stars out of a possible 5 stars. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good thriller packed with suspense and action. I'd highly recommend the entire Leopold Blake series from author Nick Stephenson. This is one series you cannot go wrong getting into. I imagine somewhere down the Line Leopold will be discovered by Hollywood and make it to the silver screen. give it a read, you'll not be sorry. I promise.

[Danica · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I did not hate the book,I had too many issues with it to give it more than one star. The writing in the first half seemed rushed, much like when a child tells a story. He knows he has to give the info leading up to the climax but really just wants to skip to the good part at the end. There were also a few editing errors sprinkled throughout, which distracts my attention from any story no matter how good it may be.
Speaking of the story, the whole things makes me believe Mr. Stephenson does not think very highly of law enforcement on either side of the 'pond.' What was Mary's purpose there? She is supposed to be one of New York's best homicide detectives, and yet she stands in the background and defers to Blake, a civilian consultant, at every crime scene. And does Scotland Yard really need an American to point out their murders may be connected to Jack the Ripper?
On top of all that, I found it easy to predict the true killer simply because he was the only person in the book with any personality.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a well-written, well-edited, fast-moving, mystery thriller. If that's all you're looking for, it will not disappoint. There are, however, some negatives. The underlying plot is a little too far- fetched and inadequately developed, probably because this is Book 2 of a series. Character development is marginal, probably for the same reason. These negatives seem to be increasingly common to most series, and sufficiently disappointing that I'm beginning to avoid them unless I'm confident that I will read the full series, which is unlikely in this case. (The idea someone had to increase sales in today's difficult publishing environment may eventually become a detriment.) The main objective of the book seemed to be to pack as many twists as possible into the fewest number of pages. I expected more.

[Jane Blanchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Departed by Nick Stephenson is the third book in the "A Private Investigator Series of Crime and Suspense Thrillers" featuring Leopold Blake, an expert criminologist. The story is tight and the suspense keeps building. If you are like me, you'll be blindsided by the ending. Well done!

I liked the character development for Leopold Blake, but I found the Jerome (Blake's bodyguard) and Mary Jordon (the NYPD detective) characters flat. As a woman, I disliked how simple-minded Mary seems apropos the crimes, especially for a high-ranking detective. As the story progresses, Mary shows some initiative, but it is too little, too late. But then again, the Police Chief Swanson doesn't seem too bright either.

This is a good read for those who enjoy thrillers and suspense.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake is something of a Sherlock Holmes type character – very smart, socially sometimes a bit awkward. He inherits a multi-million dollar empire from his parents when they are both killed in an accident when he is in his late teens or early 20s. He is consulted by police and international security forces for his unique ability to see what others do not. The female lead is a NYC police detective and there is a potential romance there, but he really is a bit socially awkward and makes it difficult. I really liked this character and the stories. I recommend reading them in order because the story does develop, but you can read them individually.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is much worse than the first one (and that one was pretty bad). It is predictable, dry, and poorly written. Blake is such a flat main character that it seems he has no depth to him at all. His childhood haunts him and seems to come back to him in every book, but that storyline is getting ridiculous as well. I won't spoil it in case you want to read these books, but it becomes too much.

I am done reading the series (skipped book two). Two books was enough for me to decide I have no desire to read the rest.

[Nick Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

[comments from the author] I wrote the Leopold Blake series to best capture the essence of books I enjoy reading the most. Namely; flat-out pacing, plot twists a-plenty, pulse-pounding action, and a central mystery that will keep you guessing. I wanted to combine the brain-twists of a classic mystery with the excitement of an action thriller, and I’m very pleased with the results.

I hope you all enjoy.

[Ann Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Departed

This book will keep you guessing from start to finish. The plot. Is designed to keep you in suspense. Aside from more gore than I thought necessary, the book is well written and held my interest from start to finish. Mr Blake tries to work with the British Police and finally gets everything figured out or so he thought when the whole case starts to fall apart.
Ann Reed

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I somehow missed Panic, #2 in Nick Stephenson's Leopold Blake series. Departed is #3. Wanted comes out of the blocks in a dead sprint, all taut action and enticing foreshadows. Its plot lines are smoother and less contrived. And we begin to see Blake as a latter-day Sherlock Holmes with his acute powers of deductive reasoning. Stephenson continues to be plagued by the typos he claims to disdain. But he's clearly on the way to fulfilling the promise he showed in Wanted.