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Senseless
THREE MISSING PEOPLE... ONE TWISTED PREDATOR.'Chilling, highly original, and highly recommended.' Caz Frear, SWEET LITTLE LIES'Just when your heart rate is getting back to normal, SENSELESS smacks you in the face with another twist' JENNY BLACKHURST, No.1 bestselling authorDAY ONESix weeks after vanishing, Sarah Langton is suddenly found - delirious and starved close to death.The police struggle to find any answers.DAY TWOWhen another missing person reappears, half-crazed and hysterical, a terrifying pattern a twisted predator is pushing his victims to insanity.DS Corcoran, haunted by a previous case, and Dr Marie Palmer, a leading criminal psychiatrist, must try to establish a link between the survivors.DAY THREEAs it becomes clear others are in grave danger, every second will be critical. But can Corcoran and Palmer unravel the deadliest of puzzles in time?This twisting and page-turning thriller is perfect for readers of Chris Carter, M.J. Arlidge, Sharon Bolton and Fiona Cummins.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2020
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422 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 15, 2023
In brief - I'm guessing this won't be the "most chilling crime thriller of the year" but it is a tense well paced read.
In full
Nice start to this. Six weeks after she disappeared a woman is found by the side of a road naked. She is miles from where she was last seen. She is almost staved to death. The big question is why. Two cops - DS Aidan Corcoran and DI Alana Thompson - are diverted from another case to investigate. This case looks strange. When another missing person is found again - almost out of his mind - things start looking very twisted.
In the main this book follows Aidan Corcoran's investigation of the case although DI Thompson is in charge. Corcoran is ex Met police. There is no doubt that he had some issues with that force but what are they and how might they impact on the current case. A civilian criminal psychologist joins the team. Dr Marie Palmer has some experience of talking to violent and serial offenders. How useful will she be on a live case?
I found that the characters came through well in this book. The minor ones were good enough. Palmer and Corcoran were good. This book does not have massive depth to it - it is a straightforward crime read in many ways. The plus here - compared to some - is the pace and tension that is worked in. When you get that some of the niceties of scene setting etc are less important.
The tag line that this book would be good for fans of MJ Arlidge and his DI Helen Grace books is understandable. This is a pacey mysterious case. However Corcoran is no Helen Grace. Or certainly the Helen Grace of the early books. That said this is a decent crime read that fans of similar authors should find enjoyable. I found it a worthwhile read and would happily recommend it to others. I'll certainly look at reading the next book in the series when it comes out (I hope!).
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
Nice start to this. Six weeks after she disappeared a woman is found by the side of a road naked. She is miles from where she was last seen. She is almost staved to death. The big question is why. Two cops - DS Aidan Corcoran and DI Alana Thompson - are diverted from another case to investigate. This case looks strange. When another missing person is found again - almost out of his mind - things start looking very twisted.
In the main this book follows Aidan Corcoran's investigation of the case although DI Thompson is in charge. Corcoran is ex Met police. There is no doubt that he had some issues with that force but what are they and how might they impact on the current case. A civilian criminal psychologist joins the team. Dr Marie Palmer has some experience of talking to violent and serial offenders. How useful will she be on a live case?
I found that the characters came through well in this book. The minor ones were good enough. Palmer and Corcoran were good. This book does not have massive depth to it - it is a straightforward crime read in many ways. The plus here - compared to some - is the pace and tension that is worked in. When you get that some of the niceties of scene setting etc are less important.
The tag line that this book would be good for fans of MJ Arlidge and his DI Helen Grace books is understandable. This is a pacey mysterious case. However Corcoran is no Helen Grace. Or certainly the Helen Grace of the early books. That said this is a decent crime read that fans of similar authors should find enjoyable. I found it a worthwhile read and would happily recommend it to others. I'll certainly look at reading the next book in the series when it comes out (I hope!).
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
May 8, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, great characters, who I can’t wait to get to know better. A gripping plot, engrossing and engaging storyline, what more could you want.
DS Aiden Corcoran still feels guilty for not catching a serial killer before he had killed his last two victims, but he had caught him, he had also sustained a hip injury at the same time. He just can’t seem to accept the fact that he hadn’t stopped the killer sooner. Now he has moved away from his old job and has been demoted. When a young woman Sarah Langton is dumped on a roadside, emaciated, barely clinging to life, she had been missing for 6 weeks, but where had she been? Aiden is assigned the case by his boss DI Thompson. When he finds he has to work with Marie Palmer a Criminal Psychologist he is not impressed. But as they work together on the case, they begin to get along better and develop a mutual respect for each other. A day after Sarah is found another person is dumped, Howard, he had been deprived of sleep, and made to listen to the same song over and over, he had been missing for two weeks. On day three of the investigation another person is dumped, Matt doesn’t even know if he is real, he has been missing for 5 months, has been put in and out of a tank of water, practically eradicating everything he knows, he can’t even remember the name of what was his month old son, when he had disappeared. When a forth woman is taken, it’s up to Aiden and Marie to try and put the pieces together, to work out what these people have in common if anything. What links them? They all come from different parts of the UK, they don’t know each other, but they all seem to have been held in the same block of cells.
This is a brilliantly plotted police procedural, I love the developing relationship between Aiden and Marie and look forward to see where that goes in the future. Told in a timeline over the three days, alternate chapters through the viewpoints of Aiden and Marie, interspersed with a chapter from each victim as they tell of their ordeal. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, if you like a good police procedural and are looking for a new series, with some new characters to get to know I would definitely recommend this one. The tension builds as Aiden and Marie race to try and find Dawn before time runs out.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #Headline for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest fair and unbiased review.
DS Aiden Corcoran still feels guilty for not catching a serial killer before he had killed his last two victims, but he had caught him, he had also sustained a hip injury at the same time. He just can’t seem to accept the fact that he hadn’t stopped the killer sooner. Now he has moved away from his old job and has been demoted. When a young woman Sarah Langton is dumped on a roadside, emaciated, barely clinging to life, she had been missing for 6 weeks, but where had she been? Aiden is assigned the case by his boss DI Thompson. When he finds he has to work with Marie Palmer a Criminal Psychologist he is not impressed. But as they work together on the case, they begin to get along better and develop a mutual respect for each other. A day after Sarah is found another person is dumped, Howard, he had been deprived of sleep, and made to listen to the same song over and over, he had been missing for two weeks. On day three of the investigation another person is dumped, Matt doesn’t even know if he is real, he has been missing for 5 months, has been put in and out of a tank of water, practically eradicating everything he knows, he can’t even remember the name of what was his month old son, when he had disappeared. When a forth woman is taken, it’s up to Aiden and Marie to try and put the pieces together, to work out what these people have in common if anything. What links them? They all come from different parts of the UK, they don’t know each other, but they all seem to have been held in the same block of cells.
This is a brilliantly plotted police procedural, I love the developing relationship between Aiden and Marie and look forward to see where that goes in the future. Told in a timeline over the three days, alternate chapters through the viewpoints of Aiden and Marie, interspersed with a chapter from each victim as they tell of their ordeal. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, if you like a good police procedural and are looking for a new series, with some new characters to get to know I would definitely recommend this one. The tension builds as Aiden and Marie race to try and find Dawn before time runs out.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #Headline for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest fair and unbiased review.
September 20, 2020
Wat een boek...spannend van begin tot eind, en dan nog een verrassend plot.
Kijk al uit naar een vervolg erop.
Kijk al uit naar een vervolg erop.
February 18, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for an advance copy of Senseless, the first novel to feature DS Aidan Corcoran of the Thames Valley Police and forensic psychiatrist Dr Marie Palmer.
When Sarah Langton is found close to death from malnutrition DI Alana Thompson pairs Corcoran with profiler Dr Marie Palmer as there is obviously more going on than a simple abduction. Sarah has been missing for six weeks. When another two survivors are found at different times in different parts of the country, suffering from different symptoms Corcoran and Palmer are under pressure to find the perpetrator.
I thoroughly enjoyed Senseless, but then I like all of Mr James’ books. He has a simple, clear style of writing that draws the reader in and doesn’t let go and Senseless is so easy to read that I read it in one sitting. The plot is equally easy to follow. That’s not to say it is simple as it has plenty of twists and turns, some heart pounding moments and some real nastiness at its heart. I hesitate to say evil because everyone is damaged and damage begets consequences. The plot starts with mysteries, why is this happening and why these victims? These are slowly teased out over the course of the novel via various red herrings and blind alleys. It’s quite compulsive, wondering what will come next. The explanation doesn’t offer much new in crime fiction terms but the journey is great.
Corcoran and Palmer have a few teething problems at the start of their professional relationship, she’s frightened of up close and personal involvement in a live case and he’s not so sure of her worth. Gradually they find a way to become an effective team. The slow reveal of his backstory is interesting, yet another damaged detective, so it will be interesting to see if he learns from the psychological positivity that Palmer dishes out. She is a bit of a cypher in this novel so I can only assume that her story will be at the forefront of any sequel. I must admit that I found all the mutual character re-enforcement a bit too touchy feely for my taste but it seems to be the modern way. I much preferred DI Thompson’s rather brutal “just get on with it” mentality as it added a bit of fun to proceedings.
Senseless is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Sarah Langton is found close to death from malnutrition DI Alana Thompson pairs Corcoran with profiler Dr Marie Palmer as there is obviously more going on than a simple abduction. Sarah has been missing for six weeks. When another two survivors are found at different times in different parts of the country, suffering from different symptoms Corcoran and Palmer are under pressure to find the perpetrator.
I thoroughly enjoyed Senseless, but then I like all of Mr James’ books. He has a simple, clear style of writing that draws the reader in and doesn’t let go and Senseless is so easy to read that I read it in one sitting. The plot is equally easy to follow. That’s not to say it is simple as it has plenty of twists and turns, some heart pounding moments and some real nastiness at its heart. I hesitate to say evil because everyone is damaged and damage begets consequences. The plot starts with mysteries, why is this happening and why these victims? These are slowly teased out over the course of the novel via various red herrings and blind alleys. It’s quite compulsive, wondering what will come next. The explanation doesn’t offer much new in crime fiction terms but the journey is great.
Corcoran and Palmer have a few teething problems at the start of their professional relationship, she’s frightened of up close and personal involvement in a live case and he’s not so sure of her worth. Gradually they find a way to become an effective team. The slow reveal of his backstory is interesting, yet another damaged detective, so it will be interesting to see if he learns from the psychological positivity that Palmer dishes out. She is a bit of a cypher in this novel so I can only assume that her story will be at the forefront of any sequel. I must admit that I found all the mutual character re-enforcement a bit too touchy feely for my taste but it seems to be the modern way. I much preferred DI Thompson’s rather brutal “just get on with it” mentality as it added a bit of fun to proceedings.
Senseless is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
October 21, 2020
3*. Op zich was het geen onaardig verhaal maar ik vond het een beetje tegenvallen. Zat ook niet helemaal lekker in het verhaal, denk ik. Hoe dan ook: Ik vond het minder boeiend en spannend dan ik had verwacht.
January 5, 2023
DNF...
Es gibt Bücher, da weiß ich schon nach wenigen Seiten, dass es nicht funktionieren wird.
Dies ist leider eines von diesen Büchern, was mich echt enttäuscht, da ich wirklich große Erwartungen hatte. Es hörte sich so gut an!
Ich musste aber leider feststellen, dass ich den Schreibstil absolut nicht mag, genauso wenig die Charaktere.
Schade, aber da ich noch genug andere Bücher im SuB habe, halte ich mich nicht weiter damit auf.
Es gibt Bücher, da weiß ich schon nach wenigen Seiten, dass es nicht funktionieren wird.
Dies ist leider eines von diesen Büchern, was mich echt enttäuscht, da ich wirklich große Erwartungen hatte. Es hörte sich so gut an!
Ich musste aber leider feststellen, dass ich den Schreibstil absolut nicht mag, genauso wenig die Charaktere.
Schade, aber da ich noch genug andere Bücher im SuB habe, halte ich mich nicht weiter damit auf.
March 21, 2021
Senseless
is an amazing book!! A very easy 5 stars to give!
I was hooked from the very first chapter, and finished it much sooner than I intended to. I just couldn't put it down! It was extremely well-paced, full of relentless tension and an abundance of twists. I loved every second of this book! I think this is the first thriller I've read that was dominantly in the point-of-view of the investigators, and it's something I definitely want to read more of in the future. It involved some really likeable characters, ones that I can't wait to get to know better in future instalments, if there are any... I have my fingers crossed that there will be!
Overall, this was an immensely enjoyable and gripping read. It chilled me to the bone in several places, and very nearly made me cry, too. Highly recommended to all crime thriller fans!
I was hooked from the very first chapter, and finished it much sooner than I intended to. I just couldn't put it down! It was extremely well-paced, full of relentless tension and an abundance of twists. I loved every second of this book! I think this is the first thriller I've read that was dominantly in the point-of-view of the investigators, and it's something I definitely want to read more of in the future. It involved some really likeable characters, ones that I can't wait to get to know better in future instalments, if there are any... I have my fingers crossed that there will be!
Overall, this was an immensely enjoyable and gripping read. It chilled me to the bone in several places, and very nearly made me cry, too. Highly recommended to all crime thriller fans!
March 5, 2021
Sarah Langton was al wekenlang vermist wanneer ze – meer dood dan levend – wordt teruggevonden langs een autoweg. Ze is volledig uitgehongerd en verzwakt en omdat de politie haar niet kan verhoren, tasten ze volledig in het duister. Inspecteur Aidan Corcoran wordt op de zaak gezet en zodra Sarah wakker is, krijgt hij hulp van forensisch psycholoog Marie Palmer.
De volgende dag komt er een nieuwe melding binnen. Een man die fysiek in goede conditie is, maar mentaal volledig gebroken lijkt, is door de politie naar het ziekenhuis gebracht. Al snel wordt duidelijk dat slachtoffers worden ontvoerd en op verschillende wijzen worden gemarteld voordat ze weer worden vrijgelaten, er wordt gespeeld met hun zintuigen. Wie is de dader? Wat is het motief? Bestaat er een verband tussen de slachtoffers? Wanneer uit gesprekken blijkt dat er meer slachtoffers kunnen zijn, start een race tegen de klok.
Corcoran is een ‘typische’ mannelijke inspecteur: humeurig, getroebleerd, overgeplaatst door gebeurtenissen in het verleden die lang onduidelijk blijven en Palmer is wel erg onzeker en zenuwachtig voor een ervaren psycholoog. De personages blijven eerst wat oppervlakkig, maar hun wisselwerking wordt gedurende het verhaal steeds leuker.
De (spannings)opbouw van het boek is sterk, je zit direct in het verhaal en er wordt geschakeld tussen verschillende perspectieven waardoor je nieuwsgierig blijft naar het verloop van het verhaal. De plot is erg origineel en zit vol potentie, ook al is die potentie voor mij niet volledig waargemaakt. De hoofdstukken vanuit het perspectief van de slachtoffers zijn vrij kort en ook best feitelijk beschreven. De grootste gruwel in thrillers zit voor mij echter altijd in de wijze waarop beschreven wordt wat gebeurtenissen emotioneel met de slachtoffers doen of wat er in het brein van de dader omgaat, en hier miste ik dat een beetje.
Ed James schrijft vlot, gemakkelijk en vertelt het verhaal in een stevig tempo, waardoor het geen moment saai wordt. Er zitten verrassende wendingen in en dit eerste deel maakt je zeker nieuwsgierig naar de rest van de serie. Ik ben benieuwd wat Corcoran en Palmer dan gaan beleven!
3-3.5⭐️
De volgende dag komt er een nieuwe melding binnen. Een man die fysiek in goede conditie is, maar mentaal volledig gebroken lijkt, is door de politie naar het ziekenhuis gebracht. Al snel wordt duidelijk dat slachtoffers worden ontvoerd en op verschillende wijzen worden gemarteld voordat ze weer worden vrijgelaten, er wordt gespeeld met hun zintuigen. Wie is de dader? Wat is het motief? Bestaat er een verband tussen de slachtoffers? Wanneer uit gesprekken blijkt dat er meer slachtoffers kunnen zijn, start een race tegen de klok.
Corcoran is een ‘typische’ mannelijke inspecteur: humeurig, getroebleerd, overgeplaatst door gebeurtenissen in het verleden die lang onduidelijk blijven en Palmer is wel erg onzeker en zenuwachtig voor een ervaren psycholoog. De personages blijven eerst wat oppervlakkig, maar hun wisselwerking wordt gedurende het verhaal steeds leuker.
De (spannings)opbouw van het boek is sterk, je zit direct in het verhaal en er wordt geschakeld tussen verschillende perspectieven waardoor je nieuwsgierig blijft naar het verloop van het verhaal. De plot is erg origineel en zit vol potentie, ook al is die potentie voor mij niet volledig waargemaakt. De hoofdstukken vanuit het perspectief van de slachtoffers zijn vrij kort en ook best feitelijk beschreven. De grootste gruwel in thrillers zit voor mij echter altijd in de wijze waarop beschreven wordt wat gebeurtenissen emotioneel met de slachtoffers doen of wat er in het brein van de dader omgaat, en hier miste ik dat een beetje.
Ed James schrijft vlot, gemakkelijk en vertelt het verhaal in een stevig tempo, waardoor het geen moment saai wordt. Er zitten verrassende wendingen in en dit eerste deel maakt je zeker nieuwsgierig naar de rest van de serie. Ik ben benieuwd wat Corcoran en Palmer dan gaan beleven!
3-3.5⭐️
July 24, 2020
I enjoyed the plot but found the characters and a lot of the dialogue on the whole not realistic. I can’t believe a police officer would tell a paramedic to “ get out of my way” for example . The pace of the book is good and lots of things happening with twists and turns to the story.
December 5, 2020
Bij het lezen van de titel had ik een heel andere voorstelling van de inhoud van dit boek.
Maar wat een ontzettend goed verhaal.
Spannend van het begin tot het einde.
Zo spannend dat ik het op één dag uitgelezen heb.
Voor mij 4,5 *
Maar wat een ontzettend goed verhaal.
Spannend van het begin tot het einde.
Zo spannend dat ik het op één dag uitgelezen heb.
Voor mij 4,5 *
March 21, 2021
Gran bel thriller che mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine.
Un rapitore seriale preleva le sue vittime dalla loro realtà, le sottopone a torture di vario genere, per poi rilasciarle in uno stato di prostrazione grave.
A seguire il caso ci sono il detective Corcoran, uomo di grande talento che cerca di sopperire, con le sue indagini, alla superficialità dei suoi colleghi, che hanno fatto le indagini preliminari. Ma come poliziotto è un uomo di azione, quindi viene affiancato dalla psicoterapeuta Marie Palmer che fornirà un approccio diverso all’elaborazione delle informazioni, cercando di delineare il profilo psicologico del carceriere. Corcoran ha un cruccio nel cuore, legato ad un caso del passato, che lo fa agire in modo a tratti esasperato e Marie dovrà indagare anche nei meandri della sua mente per capirne le motivazioni. Mentre inizialmente l’interferenza di Marie viene vista come fastidiosa ed inutile, col tempo il detective si renderà conto di quanto il suo apporto si rileverà d’aiuto, sia per il caso che come supporto personale.
Una corsa contro il tempo per trovare questo psicopatico, cercando un collegamento fra le vittime che sembra non esserci ma, quando il numero dei casi aumenta, il quadro si delinea e tutto appare chiaro.
Interessante l’alternarsi dei capitoli raccontati dai vari personaggi, mentre il carnefice rimane nell’ombra come silenzioso giustiziere. Un ottimo romanzo da leggere tutto d’un fiato e che lascia aperta la strada ad un seguito, che attendo con impazienza.
- Le Chat
Un rapitore seriale preleva le sue vittime dalla loro realtà, le sottopone a torture di vario genere, per poi rilasciarle in uno stato di prostrazione grave.
A seguire il caso ci sono il detective Corcoran, uomo di grande talento che cerca di sopperire, con le sue indagini, alla superficialità dei suoi colleghi, che hanno fatto le indagini preliminari. Ma come poliziotto è un uomo di azione, quindi viene affiancato dalla psicoterapeuta Marie Palmer che fornirà un approccio diverso all’elaborazione delle informazioni, cercando di delineare il profilo psicologico del carceriere. Corcoran ha un cruccio nel cuore, legato ad un caso del passato, che lo fa agire in modo a tratti esasperato e Marie dovrà indagare anche nei meandri della sua mente per capirne le motivazioni. Mentre inizialmente l’interferenza di Marie viene vista come fastidiosa ed inutile, col tempo il detective si renderà conto di quanto il suo apporto si rileverà d’aiuto, sia per il caso che come supporto personale.
Una corsa contro il tempo per trovare questo psicopatico, cercando un collegamento fra le vittime che sembra non esserci ma, quando il numero dei casi aumenta, il quadro si delinea e tutto appare chiaro.
Interessante l’alternarsi dei capitoli raccontati dai vari personaggi, mentre il carnefice rimane nell’ombra come silenzioso giustiziere. Un ottimo romanzo da leggere tutto d’un fiato e che lascia aperta la strada ad un seguito, che attendo con impazienza.
- Le Chat
October 25, 2020
A police procedural based in the Thames Valley featuring towns I know from living in the area. A little slow moving in parts with the almost total reliance on the Detective Sergeant and the psychologist to solve the serial abductions lacking credibility. Overall, not quite as good as his other books.
November 9, 2020
Enorm tegenvallend. Absoluut geen spanning. Saaie "politie-procedure" thriller. 90% van het boek is ingevuld met dialoog over de evt. motieven en daderprofiel. De karakters springen er niet uit. Meestal grijze muizen en 10 in een dozijn.
June 4, 2020
This has got to be one of the most chilling and well paced thrillers I have read this year.
I've enjoyed all of Ed James' novels but this one gripped me in its jaws immediately and shook me around! I love Ed's clear style of writing that always just grabs you and doesn't let go.
Told through the POV's of Aiden and Marie over 3 days, interspersed with each victims own story.
A plot full of twists and turns, shocks and real heart pounding moments that are expertly brought together with a clear 'no loose ends' ending. The tension throughout had me hooked, once I started reading I don't think my eyes left the page!
The characters are fantastically written, you feel compelled to get to know them better. Their stories are intricately weaved in a way that comes together magnificently.
One thing I really liked was the 'everyone is damaged' take to the story. It shows that's actions can have serious consequences.
A superb police procedural plot, I can't wait to see where Ed takes these new characters to next!
4.5*
Massive thanks to netgalley and Headline for the ARC.
I've enjoyed all of Ed James' novels but this one gripped me in its jaws immediately and shook me around! I love Ed's clear style of writing that always just grabs you and doesn't let go.
Told through the POV's of Aiden and Marie over 3 days, interspersed with each victims own story.
A plot full of twists and turns, shocks and real heart pounding moments that are expertly brought together with a clear 'no loose ends' ending. The tension throughout had me hooked, once I started reading I don't think my eyes left the page!
The characters are fantastically written, you feel compelled to get to know them better. Their stories are intricately weaved in a way that comes together magnificently.
One thing I really liked was the 'everyone is damaged' take to the story. It shows that's actions can have serious consequences.
A superb police procedural plot, I can't wait to see where Ed takes these new characters to next!
4.5*
Massive thanks to netgalley and Headline for the ARC.
April 1, 2021
Duurde lang voor het echt spannend werd. Veel dialogen maar wel een mppi verhaal. Wel benieuwd naar volgende boek maar of ik het ga lezen weet ik nog niet. Wel een verrassend einde
July 3, 2022
Leest heel vlot, maar spanning is minder aanwezig dan gehoopt en het plot was matig. Irritant onzeker personage 🫣
April 25, 2020
Hooked from the beginning
So fast paced, full of tension
Plenty of twists turns and red herrings to keep you on your toes
Couldn't put it down
Thought the characters where well written
Loved the ending and can't now wait to read the next instalment
This should be a film
Thank you netgalley, Ed James and Headlines for allowing me to read and review this book.
So fast paced, full of tension
Plenty of twists turns and red herrings to keep you on your toes
Couldn't put it down
Thought the characters where well written
Loved the ending and can't now wait to read the next instalment
This should be a film
Thank you netgalley, Ed James and Headlines for allowing me to read and review this book.
April 19, 2020
But Whew. This one was a ride.
To say this book has had me on the edge of my seat would be an understatement. Not only was the plot unique and intriguing; the story telling of Ed has been an absolutely amazing experience.
A serial abductor is on the loose, detectives and a criminal psychologist are attempting to hunt him down. Unfortunately, there seems to be no pattern to his antics. When the pair start to believe all hope is lost, they discover the missing puzzle piece. Readers-anxiety ensues and finally the answers become clear.
Read. This. Book.
To say this book has had me on the edge of my seat would be an understatement. Not only was the plot unique and intriguing; the story telling of Ed has been an absolutely amazing experience.
A serial abductor is on the loose, detectives and a criminal psychologist are attempting to hunt him down. Unfortunately, there seems to be no pattern to his antics. When the pair start to believe all hope is lost, they discover the missing puzzle piece. Readers-anxiety ensues and finally the answers become clear.
Read. This. Book.
May 5, 2020
I’ve never read one of Ed James’ books before though have listened to half of one which I enjoyed (and must go back to finish!). To begin with, I was hooked, an interesting plot and no idea who was responsible for the damage caused. I really enjoyed the story from the different perspectives and the idea of the senseless kidnappings. Overall though it didn’t quite come together for me, the long-held grudge didn’t seem to be strong enough or perhaps just not well developed enough to really fit with the story and the ending could have been a little better. Having said all that though if there was a sequel I wouldn’t hesitate to read it.
The two main characters, DS Concoron and Dr Maria Palmer, a criminal psychiatrist was very well developed and learning more about their relationship and its twists and turns were really enjoyable. A solid four!
The two main characters, DS Concoron and Dr Maria Palmer, a criminal psychiatrist was very well developed and learning more about their relationship and its twists and turns were really enjoyable. A solid four!
April 2, 2020
This Ed James book has a very different feel to his usual murder mysteries. From the first page the reader is trying to piece together scant clues about the links between apparently distinct kidnappings as tortured and bewildered victims turn up. The combined efforts of DS Corcoran and Dr Marie Palmer, a criminal psychologist, are needed in order to work out what may have driven someone to kidnap and torture people in different ways.
The pacing of the book is superb as the reader is barely given a moment to catch their breathe before the next twist to the story, or revelation. Some good characters and interesting back stories come together for a truly gripping page-turner.
The pacing of the book is superb as the reader is barely given a moment to catch their breathe before the next twist to the story, or revelation. Some good characters and interesting back stories come together for a truly gripping page-turner.
September 16, 2020
Well this did not disappoint. Simple and clear style of writing, well written, quick to pick up. Great pace with plenty of twists and turns. Great start and it caught my interest straight away. I particularly liked the short chapters.
Sarah Langton turns up after being kidnapped for 6 weeks, she’s been starved and is emaciated.
‘’I’ve found a girl’s body.’ Bob looked over again. She was painfully skinny. He groaned. ‘Listen, she’s like a sack of bones. I think she might be a druggy.’ ‘Is she breathing?’ ‘Mate, you need to send someone out to sort this—’ The woman rolled over onto her side. ‘Christ!’ Bob jumped back, pressing himself against his van. The woman’s eyes were shut, but her chest was moving, like she was sipping shallow breaths. ‘She’s alive.’ ‘Thanks, Bob.’’
She’s just the first, 3 more people are kidnapped and tortured, and it’s all about revenge. Shocking conditions, quite horrific ill-treatment and I’m not usually squeamish... Infidelity is thrown into the equation too.
I didn’t take to DI Alana Thompson, she was rude and her attitude was demeaning. However, all part of the incredible plot.
As most thrillers do, it kept me guessing until the end, it was an exceptional page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat.
DS Corcoran was a great guy and he partnered Dr Marie Palmer, to his dismay initially, a criminal psychiatrist who was put on the case to support him. Corcoran has got history, he was demoted from the Met. The way their relationship developed over the case intrigued me and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.... hopefully there is one.
Dark and edgy. Could have been improved with a little more depth to the characters, however James will most probably develop the team in his next book.
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Headline for this ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
Sarah Langton turns up after being kidnapped for 6 weeks, she’s been starved and is emaciated.
‘’I’ve found a girl’s body.’ Bob looked over again. She was painfully skinny. He groaned. ‘Listen, she’s like a sack of bones. I think she might be a druggy.’ ‘Is she breathing?’ ‘Mate, you need to send someone out to sort this—’ The woman rolled over onto her side. ‘Christ!’ Bob jumped back, pressing himself against his van. The woman’s eyes were shut, but her chest was moving, like she was sipping shallow breaths. ‘She’s alive.’ ‘Thanks, Bob.’’
She’s just the first, 3 more people are kidnapped and tortured, and it’s all about revenge. Shocking conditions, quite horrific ill-treatment and I’m not usually squeamish... Infidelity is thrown into the equation too.
I didn’t take to DI Alana Thompson, she was rude and her attitude was demeaning. However, all part of the incredible plot.
As most thrillers do, it kept me guessing until the end, it was an exceptional page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat.
DS Corcoran was a great guy and he partnered Dr Marie Palmer, to his dismay initially, a criminal psychiatrist who was put on the case to support him. Corcoran has got history, he was demoted from the Met. The way their relationship developed over the case intrigued me and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.... hopefully there is one.
Dark and edgy. Could have been improved with a little more depth to the characters, however James will most probably develop the team in his next book.
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Headline for this ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.
October 25, 2022
Ich persönlich fand das Buch höllisch langweilig.
Weder Erzählstruktur noch Erzählstil haben mich packen können. Der recht lineare Aufbau, der sich im Wesentlichen in einem Handlungsstrang abspielte (mit gelegentlichen Rückblicken) war für mich einfach öde zu lesen - Thriller, die verschachtelte Handlungen haben, bei denen Täter und Ermittler parallel agieren, packen mich um ein Vielfaches mehr.
Zudem hat mich die Erzähl-Art komplett abgeturnt: ich fand die Dialoge nicht packend, und auch der Spannungsbogen der Ermittlungsarbeit war meiner Meinung nach zu lahm.
Grundsätzlich war die Auflösung und das Motiv und der „rote Faden“ sehr originell angelegt, so dass die Überraschung tatsächlich da war, als „das Ganze aufgelöst wurde“, das war‘s dann aber auch schon.
Neeee. Hat‘s für mich nicht gebracht.
Weder Erzählstruktur noch Erzählstil haben mich packen können. Der recht lineare Aufbau, der sich im Wesentlichen in einem Handlungsstrang abspielte (mit gelegentlichen Rückblicken) war für mich einfach öde zu lesen - Thriller, die verschachtelte Handlungen haben, bei denen Täter und Ermittler parallel agieren, packen mich um ein Vielfaches mehr.
Zudem hat mich die Erzähl-Art komplett abgeturnt: ich fand die Dialoge nicht packend, und auch der Spannungsbogen der Ermittlungsarbeit war meiner Meinung nach zu lahm.
Grundsätzlich war die Auflösung und das Motiv und der „rote Faden“ sehr originell angelegt, so dass die Überraschung tatsächlich da war, als „das Ganze aufgelöst wurde“, das war‘s dann aber auch schon.
Neeee. Hat‘s für mich nicht gebracht.
May 18, 2020
I really enjoyed the beginning of this novel, finding it tense and slightly nerve wracking - enough so that I binge read this in a couple of days! I enjoyed the set-up, the different chapters being told from different characters perspectives and the 'senseless' kidnappings. However, for me, the story was incredibly cliched towards the end and it felt a little forced to tie everything up. The characters were interesting enough to keep you involved in the story but, due to the cliches mentioned, they appeared to act in ways that seemed out of character towards the end. A good little thriller with potential for growth if there's a sequel.
July 18, 2020
A great story, but it was difficult to connect with the writing. Particularly Marie Palmer and Aidan Corcoran going on about how much pressure they were under was unconvincing—a classic example of being told but not shown. The dialogues were stunted and sometimes made it difficult to follow the story. Despite that, and despite the prolonged climax, it was an okay read.
(Review copy from NetGalley)
(Review copy from NetGalley)
March 8, 2020
A good start,with some good central characters.
An interesting crime,where people are getting abducted and tortured in strange ways before being release.
I felt slightly tortured by the kids song myself.
For me it fell a bit flat when a motive came to light,and a bit rushed to it's conclusion.
Id definitely read James again, hopefully with same characters.
An interesting crime,where people are getting abducted and tortured in strange ways before being release.
I felt slightly tortured by the kids song myself.
For me it fell a bit flat when a motive came to light,and a bit rushed to it's conclusion.
Id definitely read James again, hopefully with same characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2020
A decent enough read for this genre, but certainly nothing special. It follows the standard template right down to the villain- uninspired bad guy with an equally uninspired and stale motive. Cops investigate the crimes, following the clues to the reveal at the end. Filled with cliches and cliched characters. Hardly ground breaking but an okay way to spend a few hours if you like this genre.
July 22, 2020
I feel the author miss a chance here, interesting ideas of captivity but the victims are found then gone, over with :( so turned into a run of the mill read, too much police stuff, too much profile talk which lead to nothing :(
July 4, 2024
Goed bedacht, een beetje langdradig, maar dat was het uiteindelijk wel waard voor het mooie einde :)
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