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DI Erica Swift #1
The Eye Thief
He steals their eyes to make them see…
In London, victims are being abducted, only to be found stumbling around the streets. Blind. With holes in their head where their eyes used to be.
DI Erica Swift is caught between the stresses of trying to take care of a young family, a father with dementia, and a demanding job. Working for the Violent Crimes Task Force, she does her best not to let her work life encroach on her family, but it’s not always easy.
The case the papers have dubbed ‘The Eye Thief’ is a welcome distraction, though London’s residents are fearful of who will be next.
When one of the victims dies, turning it into a murder case, Erica and her team find themselves on the trail of a killer.
But a chance encounter drags a horrific event in Erica’s past to collide with her present.
The killer has one thing on their mind…
Revenge.
In London, victims are being abducted, only to be found stumbling around the streets. Blind. With holes in their head where their eyes used to be.
DI Erica Swift is caught between the stresses of trying to take care of a young family, a father with dementia, and a demanding job. Working for the Violent Crimes Task Force, she does her best not to let her work life encroach on her family, but it’s not always easy.
The case the papers have dubbed ‘The Eye Thief’ is a welcome distraction, though London’s residents are fearful of who will be next.
When one of the victims dies, turning it into a murder case, Erica and her team find themselves on the trail of a killer.
But a chance encounter drags a horrific event in Erica’s past to collide with her present.
The killer has one thing on their mind…
Revenge.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
819 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Farrar
40 books145 followersM K Farrar had penned more than ten novels of psychological noir and crime fiction. A British author, she lives in the countryside with her three children and a menagerie of rescue pets. When she’s not writing—which isn’t often—she balances out all the murder with baking and binge-watching shows on Netflix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
July 21, 2022
3.5 Stars
A quick and compelling police procedural that has a man with a twisted mind gouging eyes out of his victims heads. I really enjoyed how short this was as it was all action and no fillers to plump up the story i.e. drag it out. The plot is very simple and it isn't subtle. There are no clever revelations and the cast are your straight forward 'damaged villain whose mother was awful' and 'damaged female cop struggling to move on from a tragedy and balance motherhood and work.' Nothing fresh or original but pretty entertaining nonetheless. A good start to a series that I will look to continue reading.
CW:
A quick and compelling police procedural that has a man with a twisted mind gouging eyes out of his victims heads. I really enjoyed how short this was as it was all action and no fillers to plump up the story i.e. drag it out. The plot is very simple and it isn't subtle. There are no clever revelations and the cast are your straight forward 'damaged villain whose mother was awful' and 'damaged female cop struggling to move on from a tragedy and balance motherhood and work.' Nothing fresh or original but pretty entertaining nonetheless. A good start to a series that I will look to continue reading.
CW:
June 16, 2021
From the first captivating chapter, to the final thrilling chapter, the narrative of this book is compelling, clever and fascinating. The author has created a puzzling, gruesome and brutal crime that shocks, terrifies and makes you think. What would you do, if you were abducted for no apparent reason, had your eyes plucked out with a knife and then released back onto the streets.
I loved the opening chapter, the way it built up the tension pulled you in and then just when you thought….
DI Erica Swift is a strong, resourceful officer, who works in the Violent Crimes Task Force, her husband works from home to raise their young daughter. To add to the complexity of her home life she has her father living with her. He was also a senior officer, but he has become confused and unable to care for himself due to dementia, so he now lives with her and her family. Although it soon becomes clear that this is not going to work. So on top of a major murder investigation, working 15 hour shifts (not that her DCI seems to notice), and looking after her family, she now has to find a care home. The dementia is portrayed with compassion and understanding, well researched. It shows how it not only affects the person suffering from the disease but those around them as well.
'The killer is a very dark, and fascinating, character. Who had an unloved abusive childhood with an alcoholic mother who constantly put him down emotionally and psychologically from birth. It highlights the impact events in childhood can have on someone as an adult.
Overall this is a well written, intriguing tale of a strong woman and an abused child, well-paced, compelling story, that was difficult to put down. If the rest of the series is half as good as this one, we are in for a treat.
I loved the opening chapter, the way it built up the tension pulled you in and then just when you thought….
DI Erica Swift is a strong, resourceful officer, who works in the Violent Crimes Task Force, her husband works from home to raise their young daughter. To add to the complexity of her home life she has her father living with her. He was also a senior officer, but he has become confused and unable to care for himself due to dementia, so he now lives with her and her family. Although it soon becomes clear that this is not going to work. So on top of a major murder investigation, working 15 hour shifts (not that her DCI seems to notice), and looking after her family, she now has to find a care home. The dementia is portrayed with compassion and understanding, well researched. It shows how it not only affects the person suffering from the disease but those around them as well.
'The killer is a very dark, and fascinating, character. Who had an unloved abusive childhood with an alcoholic mother who constantly put him down emotionally and psychologically from birth. It highlights the impact events in childhood can have on someone as an adult.
Overall this is a well written, intriguing tale of a strong woman and an abused child, well-paced, compelling story, that was difficult to put down. If the rest of the series is half as good as this one, we are in for a treat.
May 14, 2020
A smashing start to a new series! DI Erica Swift is a strong, resourceful officer, working in the Violent Crimes Task Force and raising her young daughter. When her Dad, who was a well-respected officer himself, becomes confused and unable to care for himself due to dementia, she takes him into her home. But it soon becomes clear that he is really too far into the disease as he yells and causes an uproar with her husband, who works at home, and scares her daughter, Poppy! Now,on top of a new case where the victim's eyes were removed, she must fight her feelings and find a care home for Dad.
Erica must take time from her work day to take care of her family, and although she still works 15 hours a day, her boss is becoming very angry. The case quickly doubles as another man is found dead on a store doorstep, with his eyes also surgically removed! What kind of person is doing this! With no leads, the Team searches records of anything like this in the past, along with any recordings available to attempt to find the perpetrator. We live through this man's childhood, loveless and abusive with a Mom drunk all the time and strange men in their home constantly. Never does his Mom show him any love, telling him from a young age he is disfigured, a face even a mother can't love...
An intriguing tale of a strong woman and an abused child, who believes he is teaching all those to really 'see' by taking their eyes! A 5 STAR story that starts what is going to be a fabulous series!
I received an ARC from the author, and give You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review
Erica must take time from her work day to take care of her family, and although she still works 15 hours a day, her boss is becoming very angry. The case quickly doubles as another man is found dead on a store doorstep, with his eyes also surgically removed! What kind of person is doing this! With no leads, the Team searches records of anything like this in the past, along with any recordings available to attempt to find the perpetrator. We live through this man's childhood, loveless and abusive with a Mom drunk all the time and strange men in their home constantly. Never does his Mom show him any love, telling him from a young age he is disfigured, a face even a mother can't love...
An intriguing tale of a strong woman and an abused child, who believes he is teaching all those to really 'see' by taking their eyes! A 5 STAR story that starts what is going to be a fabulous series!
I received an ARC from the author, and give You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review
July 21, 2022
"The Eye Thief" if not for the faint-hearted.
In London, abducted victims are found with holes in their heads where their eyes used to be.
When the first victim dies, DI Erica Swift is assigned to pursue the villain(s) of these gruesome crimes.
This compelling police procedural is a solid start to a new series and I already have The Silent One (DI Erica Swift #2) on reserve.
The author's characterizations were strong and the book's ending was jolting and unexpected.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fine job with the narration.
I look forward to listening to future books by this author.
4.5 stars.
In London, abducted victims are found with holes in their heads where their eyes used to be.
When the first victim dies, DI Erica Swift is assigned to pursue the villain(s) of these gruesome crimes.
This compelling police procedural is a solid start to a new series and I already have The Silent One (DI Erica Swift #2) on reserve.
The author's characterizations were strong and the book's ending was jolting and unexpected.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fine job with the narration.
I look forward to listening to future books by this author.
4.5 stars.
May 15, 2020
DI Erica Swift is confronted by a complex case. Called to investigate a man found stabbed ..not only stabbed but his eyes plucked out. One man survived, but has no idea of who would have done this to him.
Another man is found with the same mutilations ... only he bleeds out before help can be obtained. Swift and her team are now looking for a serial killer.
Swift has other problems that are keeping her busy, as well. Her father, living with Erica, her husband and young daughter, has gotten worse with dementia. She really hates putting him into care, but her family is suffering. Her job is demanding and far from being a 9 to 5 position.
The case the papers have dubbed ‘The Eye Thief’ is a welcome distraction, though London’s residents are fearful of who will be next.
As Swift looks for a motive that may lead to a killer, the killer is taking a long look at Erica. Her past is about to dash against her present.
Well written with a solid plot, this police procedural showcases a new crime fighter, DI Swift. She's feisty, she's got a heart, but she also wants to seek justice for the victims. I like the blend of her professional life, as well as her personal. She becomes credible, especially in dealing with the mostly men under her charge, as well as her boss. The ending came as an unexpected surprise. I look forward to seeing DI Erica Swift's next case.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Another man is found with the same mutilations ... only he bleeds out before help can be obtained. Swift and her team are now looking for a serial killer.
Swift has other problems that are keeping her busy, as well. Her father, living with Erica, her husband and young daughter, has gotten worse with dementia. She really hates putting him into care, but her family is suffering. Her job is demanding and far from being a 9 to 5 position.
The case the papers have dubbed ‘The Eye Thief’ is a welcome distraction, though London’s residents are fearful of who will be next.
As Swift looks for a motive that may lead to a killer, the killer is taking a long look at Erica. Her past is about to dash against her present.
Well written with a solid plot, this police procedural showcases a new crime fighter, DI Swift. She's feisty, she's got a heart, but she also wants to seek justice for the victims. I like the blend of her professional life, as well as her personal. She becomes credible, especially in dealing with the mostly men under her charge, as well as her boss. The ending came as an unexpected surprise. I look forward to seeing DI Erica Swift's next case.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 16, 2020
Plot
DI Erica Swift works in the Violent Crim3w Task Force where is working a case of victims being abducted and found stumbling around the streets, or shop doorways of London, Uk. Blind where their eyes we're. It soon turns into Erica and her team investigating a serial killer and the case is soon called ' The Eye Thief' by the media.
In her personal life, her father has dementia and he can no longer live alone or care for himself so he moves in with her, her husband and daughter, Poppy. But it soon becomes apparent that his dementia has to deteriorate more than she first thought end it puts a strain on her husband who is at home working and looking after him and his daughter and unfortunately it scares her daughter. Reluctantly she has to put him into a specialist dementia care home.
Her narrative is a fascinating, compelling and clever. She has established a perplexing, gruesome and brutal crime and investigation that both shocks and terrifying in equal measures. How would you react to being abducted and then let go confused with no eyes and essentially blind.
The opening chapter is phenomenal being by the witness who found the first victims point of view. It completely pulls you in and you HAVE to know how and why?.
Characters
DI Erica Swift is a sharp, contentious character who is compassionate with an enormous heart. She is completely driven by getting justice for the victims and their family by painstakingly solving crimes meticulously and piece by piece.
I love that we have equal parts of Erika through her adept in her job and her complicated private life. She is a three-dimensional protagonist who gets right under your belt from the very beginning. The author has cleverly constructed an intelligent, passionate and dynamic character that we not only care about the character but the narrative, theme, setting etc.
'The eye thief' killer is a very dark, fascinating, addictive antagonist. Who has had a very unloveable abusive childhood with an alcoholic mother who put him down emotionally and psychologically at every turn? She Gaslights him into believing something he isn't.
Writing Style/Pacing
MK Farrar writing is extraordinary and she 100% know how to write an excellent skilful compelling police procedure with perfect pacing from the first captivating chapter on which you could not put you down. I read this in one sitting within 3 hours.
This is an awesome start to what I expect to be a gripping new series with an unforgettable protagonist.
Themes/Settings
This is set in London, Uk although it's not surprising in a big city that a gruesome crime has been committed M K Farrar somehow describes and writes the location brilliantly and instils the city to be even more dangerous, scary and heightens our intrigue about the narrative.
The themes are childhood abuse, abduction, murder, violence etc.
I love how dementia is portrayed and how Farrar shares how this affects not only the person suffering from the disease but the families too. It is done with deep compassion and understanding which is obviously well researched
Overall Thoughts
This is an awesome start to what I expect to be a gripping new series with an unforgettable three-dimensional protagonist. An excellent skilful compelling police procedure with perfect pacing from the first captivating phenomenal chapter. Her narrative is a fascinating, compelling and clever. She has established a perplexing, gruesome and brutal crime and investigation that both shocks and terrifying in equal measures.
Read more reviews at www.readingthroughthepain.blog.
DI Erica Swift works in the Violent Crim3w Task Force where is working a case of victims being abducted and found stumbling around the streets, or shop doorways of London, Uk. Blind where their eyes we're. It soon turns into Erica and her team investigating a serial killer and the case is soon called ' The Eye Thief' by the media.
In her personal life, her father has dementia and he can no longer live alone or care for himself so he moves in with her, her husband and daughter, Poppy. But it soon becomes apparent that his dementia has to deteriorate more than she first thought end it puts a strain on her husband who is at home working and looking after him and his daughter and unfortunately it scares her daughter. Reluctantly she has to put him into a specialist dementia care home.
Her narrative is a fascinating, compelling and clever. She has established a perplexing, gruesome and brutal crime and investigation that both shocks and terrifying in equal measures. How would you react to being abducted and then let go confused with no eyes and essentially blind.
The opening chapter is phenomenal being by the witness who found the first victims point of view. It completely pulls you in and you HAVE to know how and why?.
Characters
DI Erica Swift is a sharp, contentious character who is compassionate with an enormous heart. She is completely driven by getting justice for the victims and their family by painstakingly solving crimes meticulously and piece by piece.
I love that we have equal parts of Erika through her adept in her job and her complicated private life. She is a three-dimensional protagonist who gets right under your belt from the very beginning. The author has cleverly constructed an intelligent, passionate and dynamic character that we not only care about the character but the narrative, theme, setting etc.
'The eye thief' killer is a very dark, fascinating, addictive antagonist. Who has had a very unloveable abusive childhood with an alcoholic mother who put him down emotionally and psychologically at every turn? She Gaslights him into believing something he isn't.
Writing Style/Pacing
MK Farrar writing is extraordinary and she 100% know how to write an excellent skilful compelling police procedure with perfect pacing from the first captivating chapter on which you could not put you down. I read this in one sitting within 3 hours.
This is an awesome start to what I expect to be a gripping new series with an unforgettable protagonist.
Themes/Settings
This is set in London, Uk although it's not surprising in a big city that a gruesome crime has been committed M K Farrar somehow describes and writes the location brilliantly and instils the city to be even more dangerous, scary and heightens our intrigue about the narrative.
The themes are childhood abuse, abduction, murder, violence etc.
I love how dementia is portrayed and how Farrar shares how this affects not only the person suffering from the disease but the families too. It is done with deep compassion and understanding which is obviously well researched
Overall Thoughts
This is an awesome start to what I expect to be a gripping new series with an unforgettable three-dimensional protagonist. An excellent skilful compelling police procedure with perfect pacing from the first captivating phenomenal chapter. Her narrative is a fascinating, compelling and clever. She has established a perplexing, gruesome and brutal crime and investigation that both shocks and terrifying in equal measures.
Read more reviews at www.readingthroughthepain.blog.
May 22, 2020
This is book one of the DI Erica Swift Thriller series and follows DI Swift as she has problems at home and also at work with a boss who believes that women should stay at home and look after the home and children. Those that work should not have any home issues interrupt work, no matter what. Basically, a boss whose about fifty years behind the times! A case has just landed in her lap and it’s a very disturbing one. A young man has been found stumbling along the street by a young woman who was walking home after a late night of drinking, with his eyes having been removed, leaving gaping holes and lots of blood. If you are going to be a bit too easily shocked or dislike some graphic scenes, then take care with this book. It is very realistic in what is happening and well described.
To add to her issues, her father has moved in with her, her husband Chris and their young daughter, as he is suffering from dementia and can no longer cope at home alone. Neither Erica nor her sister wish to put him into a home, but her sister has three children and no room, so Erica has taken on this burden. Her father was high up in the police force and it was all Erica ever wanted to be, to follow in her father’s footsteps. Her husband works from home and manages the school run as well. But her father isn’t settling in well and is causing a lot of sleepless nights and calls that take her out of work, to sort issues at home, much to the dislike of her boss! Her role in the Violent Crimes Task Force is extremely demanding and once they have a case, it is all in and working long hours until they find the attacker.
Another victim is discovered, but this one has died. He is a much older man in his fifties and has the same injuries, with his eyes having been removed. But what is the connection between the two cases? The first victim was a young teenaged thug, whereas the second is so much older and a working man. The media have dubbed it ‘The Eye Thief’ and the concern is that there will be more victims and soon. Her boss heads the task force and she and her partner are sent to investigate cctv and any other leads. Taking her father to a care home for a visit leaves her catching a glimpse of someone from the past, but she can’t place him. Her husband sees someone watching the house. Are any of these things connected? Her birthday is coming up at the end of the week, but she hasn’t celebrated, since the events that occurred on her birthday six years ago and which have haunted her ever since.
A horrific event from her past is about to collide with the actions of a sick individual, to destroy her present and even her future. Why the killer is so focussed on removing the victim’s, will possibly give the police a clue as to who the killer is. The killer is out for revenge, but the question is why? If they can find that out, then maybe they will have some idea of who the killer might be. This is a hard hitting thriller, with a main character who is the bread winner of her family, a hard working police officer with a difficult job, coping with a father who has been changed deeply by dementia, all while trying to do her job and find a sick killer, before they kill again. The killer is out for revenge and Erica may be on his radar.
This was a full on read, that I finished in one sitting. The main character is so realistic and struggling with both her work and home life. She is lucky to have a loving husband who is happy to deal with her long hours and take most of the childcare role upon himself. This is certainly a series I want to read ore of. DI Swift is a character who nearly broke years before and has persevered. This case will change her forever and will make for an interesting series. Hard hitting action and the grimy streets of London allow for great reading. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
To add to her issues, her father has moved in with her, her husband Chris and their young daughter, as he is suffering from dementia and can no longer cope at home alone. Neither Erica nor her sister wish to put him into a home, but her sister has three children and no room, so Erica has taken on this burden. Her father was high up in the police force and it was all Erica ever wanted to be, to follow in her father’s footsteps. Her husband works from home and manages the school run as well. But her father isn’t settling in well and is causing a lot of sleepless nights and calls that take her out of work, to sort issues at home, much to the dislike of her boss! Her role in the Violent Crimes Task Force is extremely demanding and once they have a case, it is all in and working long hours until they find the attacker.
Another victim is discovered, but this one has died. He is a much older man in his fifties and has the same injuries, with his eyes having been removed. But what is the connection between the two cases? The first victim was a young teenaged thug, whereas the second is so much older and a working man. The media have dubbed it ‘The Eye Thief’ and the concern is that there will be more victims and soon. Her boss heads the task force and she and her partner are sent to investigate cctv and any other leads. Taking her father to a care home for a visit leaves her catching a glimpse of someone from the past, but she can’t place him. Her husband sees someone watching the house. Are any of these things connected? Her birthday is coming up at the end of the week, but she hasn’t celebrated, since the events that occurred on her birthday six years ago and which have haunted her ever since.
A horrific event from her past is about to collide with the actions of a sick individual, to destroy her present and even her future. Why the killer is so focussed on removing the victim’s, will possibly give the police a clue as to who the killer is. The killer is out for revenge, but the question is why? If they can find that out, then maybe they will have some idea of who the killer might be. This is a hard hitting thriller, with a main character who is the bread winner of her family, a hard working police officer with a difficult job, coping with a father who has been changed deeply by dementia, all while trying to do her job and find a sick killer, before they kill again. The killer is out for revenge and Erica may be on his radar.
This was a full on read, that I finished in one sitting. The main character is so realistic and struggling with both her work and home life. She is lucky to have a loving husband who is happy to deal with her long hours and take most of the childcare role upon himself. This is certainly a series I want to read ore of. DI Swift is a character who nearly broke years before and has persevered. This case will change her forever and will make for an interesting series. Hard hitting action and the grimy streets of London allow for great reading. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
May 15, 2020
This was an extremely well-written book and I became engrossed very quickly. This is the first book in what I hope will become a series.
DI Erica Swift And her team have the task of investigating the gruesome case of a perpetrator who abducts and removes the eyes of the victims hence the media calling them The Eye Thief. It is a complex case which leaves them baffled. Aside from Erika’s busy working life, she has a fraught family life Including caring for her father who has dementia.
She is a strong character and I love the mix of work and home life. The story is gripping and I highly recommend it.
DI Erica Swift And her team have the task of investigating the gruesome case of a perpetrator who abducts and removes the eyes of the victims hence the media calling them The Eye Thief. It is a complex case which leaves them baffled. Aside from Erika’s busy working life, she has a fraught family life Including caring for her father who has dementia.
She is a strong character and I love the mix of work and home life. The story is gripping and I highly recommend it.
June 10, 2020
This is the first in a new crime thriller series featuring DI Erica Swift. In this story her and her team investigate two cases of men being discovered with their eyes removed. Mixed in with the investigation are some chapters in the past. They highlight events that began to put into motion what happens in the present. I found these chapters really interesting.
The investigation is well written and seemed realistic. There was also just enough of Erica's personal life mixed into the story to help begin to get to know her. Because of how the story is put together you know quite early on who the attacker is, but it's the why that really gripped me. It shows how much of an impact events in childhood can have on someone as an adult.
If the rest of the series is as good as this, then Farrar is in to a winner! Recommended to all crime fiction fans looking for a new series.
The investigation is well written and seemed realistic. There was also just enough of Erica's personal life mixed into the story to help begin to get to know her. Because of how the story is put together you know quite early on who the attacker is, but it's the why that really gripped me. It shows how much of an impact events in childhood can have on someone as an adult.
If the rest of the series is as good as this, then Farrar is in to a winner! Recommended to all crime fiction fans looking for a new series.
May 24, 2020
We meet DI Erica Swift.
She’s a cop and a mother. Her husband takes care of their young daughter while she works.
I was surprised to hear about a man being attacked, and his life messed up,
because of his injuries.
We hear of more victims. What is going on?
The team are doing their very best to find out who is doing this.
But they are struggling to find a link.
I couldn’t put this down. I got to the end and couldn’t believe what had
happened, and why.
Now I’ll buy the next story for my, to be read list.
She’s a cop and a mother. Her husband takes care of their young daughter while she works.
I was surprised to hear about a man being attacked, and his life messed up,
because of his injuries.
We hear of more victims. What is going on?
The team are doing their very best to find out who is doing this.
But they are struggling to find a link.
I couldn’t put this down. I got to the end and couldn’t believe what had
happened, and why.
Now I’ll buy the next story for my, to be read list.
January 1, 2021
What an adrenaline filled read this is for the first book in a new crime series!
This was one of those books that I read in one sitting. It literally took me a few hours to read and I was so engrossed that all of a sudden I was at the end of the story. Even now just thinking about the storyline, my heart is racing.
I loved Erica. She has a happy home life of which isn’t without its issues, with a dad who is suffering with dementia which is putting pressure on her and her family. I really felt for her in deciding on what action to take. It’s a position that I don’t think any of us ever wish to be put in and my heart went out to her.
The story flicks between present day as well as from 10 years and less, letting us have an insight into the killers background which was both chilling and heart breaking. It kind of has you having empathy, although by the end, that pretty much vanished. The attacks on the victims, taking their eyes, it seriously sent shivers up and down my spine and I had to keep trying to shake the images from my head. It is pretty gruesome just thinking about it never minding reading about it!
The Eye Thief is a fantastic start to a new series. I absolutely loved it! This is one book that will guarantee to have you on the edge if your seat, of which I nearly fell off a couple of times towards the end. I think I’m still in shock now at how it all ends. The author has set the bar very high with this book and I can not wait to see what is in store in other books in the series.
This was one of those books that I read in one sitting. It literally took me a few hours to read and I was so engrossed that all of a sudden I was at the end of the story. Even now just thinking about the storyline, my heart is racing.
I loved Erica. She has a happy home life of which isn’t without its issues, with a dad who is suffering with dementia which is putting pressure on her and her family. I really felt for her in deciding on what action to take. It’s a position that I don’t think any of us ever wish to be put in and my heart went out to her.
The story flicks between present day as well as from 10 years and less, letting us have an insight into the killers background which was both chilling and heart breaking. It kind of has you having empathy, although by the end, that pretty much vanished. The attacks on the victims, taking their eyes, it seriously sent shivers up and down my spine and I had to keep trying to shake the images from my head. It is pretty gruesome just thinking about it never minding reading about it!
The Eye Thief is a fantastic start to a new series. I absolutely loved it! This is one book that will guarantee to have you on the edge if your seat, of which I nearly fell off a couple of times towards the end. I think I’m still in shock now at how it all ends. The author has set the bar very high with this book and I can not wait to see what is in store in other books in the series.
May 14, 2020
Let me say at the start that I am tight as hell with my four and five stars and a book needs to be particularly good for four stars and exceptional for five. The Eye Thief is this good.
The story sets off at a bang and didn’t fail at any time to not deliver an exciting but also a compassionate read. The characters were beautifully drawn and I was impressed with the storyline and look forward to the next novel in this series.
I was given an ARC by the author for a fair review.
The story sets off at a bang and didn’t fail at any time to not deliver an exciting but also a compassionate read. The characters were beautifully drawn and I was impressed with the storyline and look forward to the next novel in this series.
I was given an ARC by the author for a fair review.
November 6, 2024
Just the typical run of the mill sloppy detective who has too much going on, trying to find a heinous killer. While I usually let the repetitiveness slide because I always read this trope, this was just like you want a police/killer, check these boxes. It checked all the boxes but was just nothing overly new.
August 10, 2024
Poorly written
It's obvious where the story is headed almost from the start. The plot is thin and the characters are bland. The entire book feels empty of anything compelling.
It's obvious where the story is headed almost from the start. The plot is thin and the characters are bland. The entire book feels empty of anything compelling.
January 7, 2022
Quite a good read, one I would have preferred be longer. There are a number of teasers that are explained as the book progresses, and each serves to holds your attention. I appreciate that - all too often teasers are used to interest you in a sequel. An excellent plot line; you can see, dimly, what's going on - but without giving away the entire story.
The character development is good, and develops slowly allowing you to better follow what's going on (and without looking too much like "It's plot exposition, it has to go somewhere."). The characters have real-life problems, and those problems aren't resolved quickly or easily (or, in some cases, at all).
******** SPOILER ALERT ********
One thing I really appreciated was that, when there was no apparent solution to what would be a devastating blow to the hero, there really was no solution. All too often something bordering on magical occurs and saves the day, avoiding a tragic ending. For example, often the police - who have been doing a good job throughout the book, all of a sudden manage to put everything together (whereas up to this point they've only been able to be average) and fix things. In this case, they were consistent throughout - and that meant that, at the end, they were too late.
The character development is good, and develops slowly allowing you to better follow what's going on (and without looking too much like "It's plot exposition, it has to go somewhere."). The characters have real-life problems, and those problems aren't resolved quickly or easily (or, in some cases, at all).
******** SPOILER ALERT ********
One thing I really appreciated was that, when there was no apparent solution to what would be a devastating blow to the hero, there really was no solution. All too often something bordering on magical occurs and saves the day, avoiding a tragic ending. For example, often the police - who have been doing a good job throughout the book, all of a sudden manage to put everything together (whereas up to this point they've only been able to be average) and fix things. In this case, they were consistent throughout - and that meant that, at the end, they were too late.
December 28, 2020
Absolutely loved this book a nice easy flow to the story. DI Erica Swift was a fantastic character to follow and will be great to see how she unfolds in the next book. Definitely an author I will be reading again
Want to read
April 25, 2023FreeBooksy's first three of her Erica Swift series free
The Eye Theif
The Silent One
The Artisan
The Eye Theif
The Silent One
The Artisan
July 24, 2021
I'd gotten this one because I'd picked up book #2 for free, and it kept referring back. So, I stopped that to read this first. It was mostly ok - the events a bit forced, didn't flow right for me. (And I immediately noticed some things were too similar to book 2 - both start with a young women who had drunk a bit much while out and was now uncomfortably walking home alone in the middle of the night. oh, and both women carry small purses - just enough for phone, (cash, cards? can't remember) and a few important pieces of makeup. Yes, odd that I mention it - but it was striking that the exact same scene seemed to be opening both books.)
Anyway, so this was probably moving along at a 3* until the ending which really just came together too fast.
But, ok - off to read book 2, anyway.
Anyway, so this was probably moving along at a 3* until the ending which really just came together too fast.
But, ok - off to read book 2, anyway.
January 7, 2021
I am speechless, I’m not sure how to write this review without giving the plot away so I’m just going to say that the story is an attention grabber from the start, as it continues and all the pieces start coming together I found there were little surprises that I didn’t expect and one particularly big one that hit me full on and left me breathless, I actually had to put the book down because I didn’t want to believe what I’d read, then I had to pick it back up again to see if some twist of fate would make it not be real, the words may have got a bit blurry but that definitely wasn’t caused by tears, nope, I just got something in my eye.
I was completely invested in the storyline and the characters and DI Erica Swift is not a name I’m going to forget in a hurry. I’ll be eagerly reaching for the next book..... once my heart rate is back under control.
I was completely invested in the storyline and the characters and DI Erica Swift is not a name I’m going to forget in a hurry. I’ll be eagerly reaching for the next book..... once my heart rate is back under control.
July 1, 2021
Very disappointing, on so many fronts. Where to start? The perpetrator is already known by chapter 2, so the rest of the book really needed to pack a punch somewhere else to grab and keep attention. But it just never fired for me. There were lots of potential areas where I should have been able to relate to Emily but I felt no connection at all. Most of the other characters were barely or poorly developed, spreading the line up too thin, perhaps trying to shoe-hoorn in too many in readiness for the ongoing series. And all were unremittingly nice - even the stereotypical mysogenistic boss had little bite. The jeopardy, such as it was, felt contrived and was totally predictable. So irritating and yawn-inducing that I skip-read from chapter 3 onwards. I won’t be reading any more in this series.
August 7, 2021
Every now and then you go to review a book and find that your opinion is so different to the majority of the other reviewers. That appears to be the case with this one, I thought it was an decent read but it failed to lift me to the type of acclaim given by many others on here. Well I suppose that what makes us all unique.
Characters were ok but I failed to get to grips with the plot and felt I never ever got fully engrossed in the book.
Characters were ok but I failed to get to grips with the plot and felt I never ever got fully engrossed in the book.
September 6, 2021
It’s always difficult to write a review of a really good book without giving away spoilers. I read this one in an afternoon because once I started I simply couldn’t put it down. Well-written, excellent characterization and a plot that opens your eyes to the difficulties of being a wife, mother, daughter and DI, as well as the deep emotional pain of abuse and the scars it leaves behind for two young men.
I found myself pulled in by the very first chapter as a young woman, Becca, walks home through the dark streets of London. Fearful for her life she’s also compassionate and when a man stumbles into the street in apparent distress she can’t ignore his plea for help.
Our main character, DI Erica Swift is well-crafted with issues at home as well as work. The case is assigned to her and shocked by the condition of the young man she’s determined to find out what kind of person kidnaps, removes eyes and turns their victims back on the streets.
This was my first M. K. Farrar book and I’m looking forward to many more as I loved her style. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers than I can highly recommend this one.
I found myself pulled in by the very first chapter as a young woman, Becca, walks home through the dark streets of London. Fearful for her life she’s also compassionate and when a man stumbles into the street in apparent distress she can’t ignore his plea for help.
Our main character, DI Erica Swift is well-crafted with issues at home as well as work. The case is assigned to her and shocked by the condition of the young man she’s determined to find out what kind of person kidnaps, removes eyes and turns their victims back on the streets.
This was my first M. K. Farrar book and I’m looking forward to many more as I loved her style. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers than I can highly recommend this one.
June 28, 2020
Fantastic New Series
The Eye Thief is the first book in the new series starring DI Erica Swift and her Partner DS Shawn Turner. The story starts with a young man who is discovered having experienced a horrific attack, where his eyes have been gouged out. It isn't long before another victim is found, having suffered the same type of attack. It's up to Erica and her team to find out who would commit such a heinous crime and why? Erica is a likeable character, with her own issues to deal with. She has her father living with her and her family. He is suffering from dementia, which seems to be getting worse. She herself suffered a traumatic event a few years ago, which still haunts her, and almost caused her to quit the force. Having read the follow up to this book The Silent Ones, I can truly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a gripping crime series, characters with depth,and an interesting back story which draws you in, making it hard to put your book/kindle down. 5 Stars.
The Eye Thief is the first book in the new series starring DI Erica Swift and her Partner DS Shawn Turner. The story starts with a young man who is discovered having experienced a horrific attack, where his eyes have been gouged out. It isn't long before another victim is found, having suffered the same type of attack. It's up to Erica and her team to find out who would commit such a heinous crime and why? Erica is a likeable character, with her own issues to deal with. She has her father living with her and her family. He is suffering from dementia, which seems to be getting worse. She herself suffered a traumatic event a few years ago, which still haunts her, and almost caused her to quit the force. Having read the follow up to this book The Silent Ones, I can truly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a gripping crime series, characters with depth,and an interesting back story which draws you in, making it hard to put your book/kindle down. 5 Stars.
September 26, 2022
Nothing new here in terms of plot - young ambitious cop fights a gruesome serial killer that takes the eyes from his victims while juggling her time between work and marriage (and now with the inner dilemma of having to institutionalize her father that suffers with advanced dementia). But I really enjoyed this book, the author has the ability of tell a tale we heard so many times before in a way that makes you want to keep going even if most parts are really predictable. The backstory with the Nicholas and Danny is very good and the descriptions of Erica feelings about her father illness made me shiver how exact they were (my father died with dementia, so I really understant that suffering)
Another nice surprise on the Amazon free store – this is a very competent crime thriller by another author completely unknown to me (one of the things I really love in this e-Book revolutionary times is the amount of new authors that bloom) and a honest series starter, tying the ends instead of finishing with a cliffhanger (kudos to that, dear M. K.)… I will definitely read #2 soon!
Another nice surprise on the Amazon free store – this is a very competent crime thriller by another author completely unknown to me (one of the things I really love in this e-Book revolutionary times is the amount of new authors that bloom) and a honest series starter, tying the ends instead of finishing with a cliffhanger (kudos to that, dear M. K.)… I will definitely read #2 soon!
November 2, 2023
Während die junge Ermittlerin Erica Swift versucht ihren beruflichen Anforderungen und Privatleben mit ständigen Schuldgefühlen als Mutter, Ehefrau und Tochter nicht genug zu leisten zu meistern, macht der "Augendieb" die Straßen Londons unsicher, in dem er seine Opfer verstümmelt und schutzlos aussetzt. Ein Lauf gegen die Zeit beginnt und Erica sieht sich gezwungen den Abgründen ihrer eigenen Vergangenheit tief in die Augen zu blicken...
Während der Einstieg in die Geschichte sehr gut gelungen ist und auch sprachlich der Thriller sehr angenehm zu lesen ist, verliert sich die Spannung leider sehr schnell, was an der eher geradlinigen und wenig twistreichen Entwicklung mit einer kaum überraschenden Auflösung einhergeht. Zum Ende hin nimmt die Geschichte noch etwas Fahrt auf und schafft eine gute Vorlage für die Folgebände. Leider konnte die Spannung nicht im ganzen Buch aufrechterhalten werden und für mich hat der gewisse Nervenkitzel gefehlt. Die Hauptfigur Erica wird sehr menschlich und authentisch dargestellt, ihr Charakter ist insgesamt gut gezeichnet und überzeugt mit der nötigen Tiefe. Sehr gut fand ich zudem die gesellschaftskritische Auseinandersetzung mit wichtigen Themen, wie Armut, Zivilcourage und der Frauenrolle in der heutigen Gesellschaft.
Insgesamt hat mich das Buch gut unterhalten aber nicht aus den Socken gehauen, die Geschichte war dafür viel zu überschaubar und offensichtlich und hat mich so zu sehr an einen typischen Tatort-Fall erinnert. Für eingefleischte und erfahrene Krimifans kann "der Augendieb" leider wenig Neues bieten, als Einstieg in das Gerne eignet sich der Thriller aber recht gut.
Während der Einstieg in die Geschichte sehr gut gelungen ist und auch sprachlich der Thriller sehr angenehm zu lesen ist, verliert sich die Spannung leider sehr schnell, was an der eher geradlinigen und wenig twistreichen Entwicklung mit einer kaum überraschenden Auflösung einhergeht. Zum Ende hin nimmt die Geschichte noch etwas Fahrt auf und schafft eine gute Vorlage für die Folgebände. Leider konnte die Spannung nicht im ganzen Buch aufrechterhalten werden und für mich hat der gewisse Nervenkitzel gefehlt. Die Hauptfigur Erica wird sehr menschlich und authentisch dargestellt, ihr Charakter ist insgesamt gut gezeichnet und überzeugt mit der nötigen Tiefe. Sehr gut fand ich zudem die gesellschaftskritische Auseinandersetzung mit wichtigen Themen, wie Armut, Zivilcourage und der Frauenrolle in der heutigen Gesellschaft.
Insgesamt hat mich das Buch gut unterhalten aber nicht aus den Socken gehauen, die Geschichte war dafür viel zu überschaubar und offensichtlich und hat mich so zu sehr an einen typischen Tatort-Fall erinnert. Für eingefleischte und erfahrene Krimifans kann "der Augendieb" leider wenig Neues bieten, als Einstieg in das Gerne eignet sich der Thriller aber recht gut.
June 17, 2023
This was definitely a gruesome thriller that dealt with the darker side of human behaviour. In this story, nurture outweighs nature due to the damage that is caused by how parents treat their offspring - very sad and disturbing.
I enjoyed the writing style and proper English (except for the use of 'me either ' when it should have been 'me neither' in one instance). After reading American stories, it was refreshing to find good grammar and the English way of life - yes, it's SOCO, not CSI as in many other supposedly English police detective stories. I liked Erica and the highlighted issues that women have to face in the workplace, especially with male attitudes.
I don't give spoilers, but will say that this was a great story with suitable, well-developed characters and an intriguing plot.
Recommended.
I enjoyed the writing style and proper English (except for the use of 'me either ' when it should have been 'me neither' in one instance). After reading American stories, it was refreshing to find good grammar and the English way of life - yes, it's SOCO, not CSI as in many other supposedly English police detective stories. I liked Erica and the highlighted issues that women have to face in the workplace, especially with male attitudes.
I don't give spoilers, but will say that this was a great story with suitable, well-developed characters and an intriguing plot.
Recommended.
May 15, 2020
Book Review: The Eye Thief
Author: M.K. Farrar
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
A new book in a new series by an author who sure knows how to put the thrill in thriller.
Erica Swift is a detective and it's been anything but easy lately what with folks dying without eyes? What? Her plate lately has been overflowing. Dad with Dementia, young daughter just starting school, her husband thank goodness is a good man who works from home and helps her out there.
But when your husband goes missing then what?
But it's her partner Shawn at work that will be her saving grace or will he?
This story gutted me, had me yelling at the words, it's that twisted...
Holy smokes this is one THRILLING READ!!!
Author: M.K. Farrar
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
A new book in a new series by an author who sure knows how to put the thrill in thriller.
Erica Swift is a detective and it's been anything but easy lately what with folks dying without eyes? What? Her plate lately has been overflowing. Dad with Dementia, young daughter just starting school, her husband thank goodness is a good man who works from home and helps her out there.
But when your husband goes missing then what?
But it's her partner Shawn at work that will be her saving grace or will he?
This story gutted me, had me yelling at the words, it's that twisted...
Holy smokes this is one THRILLING READ!!!
January 12, 2025
This was a great listen! It hooked me from the very beginning and I enjoyed the narration & writing very much. The characters were great, although I thought that DI Swift perhaps stumbled upon the clues she needed rather than discovering them, particularly towards the end. I would have preferred more of the detective work written, and less of the side story of her family troubles. Though don’t get me wrong it was a compelling side story, I just felt it took up too much focus. I very much enjoyed going back and forth with the POVs of Swift and the two brothers, I thought that was incredibly captivating though heartbreaking to listen to!
Will definitely be checking out the rest of the series to see how things go from here!
Will definitely be checking out the rest of the series to see how things go from here!
June 14, 2021
I liked the main character, DI Erica Swift and her problems were a bit different to that of other police officers and ones I could relate to. However I thought the writing was just a bit stilted to start with and readers of this genre don't need to have SOCOs explained or the reason for suiting up at a crime scene. Also as far as I know toxicology results take a lot longer than 24 hours to come back. The ending was a bit shocking, but it was a good read despite these little quibbles. I've bought the 2nd in the series when I got this one on the basis of other reviews, so I'll see how things progress.
May 3, 2023
WOW
I found this book to be an absolute brilliant read from start to finish I finished it in a couple of days including a couple of late night reading sessions and an over extended dinner break at work I just couldn't put it down until it was finished. I found the story utterly engrossing and believable especially the great flash back chapter's which
gave the villain a great back story and a reason for doing what he was doing which I found compelling and as for the main character Detective Swift I think she is great creation by the author as she deals with problems at home and at work that give way to a fantastic pulse pounding ending WOW!! now on to book 2.
I found this book to be an absolute brilliant read from start to finish I finished it in a couple of days including a couple of late night reading sessions and an over extended dinner break at work I just couldn't put it down until it was finished. I found the story utterly engrossing and believable especially the great flash back chapter's which
gave the villain a great back story and a reason for doing what he was doing which I found compelling and as for the main character Detective Swift I think she is great creation by the author as she deals with problems at home and at work that give way to a fantastic pulse pounding ending WOW!! now on to book 2.
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