What do you think?
Rate this book
Brock & Kolla #13
The Promised Land
Brock and Kolla return in an enthralling new mystery from a master of the genre.
Newly promoted Detective Chief Inspector Kathy Kolla investigates a series of brutal murders on Hampstead Heath. Under intense pressure to find answers, she arrests the unlikely figure of John Pettigrew, a failing London publisher who lives alone on the edge of the Heath.
Pettigrew's lawyer calls on recently retired David Brock for advice, and soon, unable to resist the pull of investigation, the old colleagues, Brock and Kolla, are at loggerheads.
At the heart of the gripping mystery of the Hampstead murders lies a manuscript of an unknown novel by one of the greatest literary figures of the twentieth century. Brock believes that its story will unlock the puzzle, but how?
Newly promoted Detective Chief Inspector Kathy Kolla investigates a series of brutal murders on Hampstead Heath. Under intense pressure to find answers, she arrests the unlikely figure of John Pettigrew, a failing London publisher who lives alone on the edge of the Heath.
Pettigrew's lawyer calls on recently retired David Brock for advice, and soon, unable to resist the pull of investigation, the old colleagues, Brock and Kolla, are at loggerheads.
At the heart of the gripping mystery of the Hampstead murders lies a manuscript of an unknown novel by one of the greatest literary figures of the twentieth century. Brock believes that its story will unlock the puzzle, but how?
Unknown Binding
First published January 7, 2019
17 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Barry Maitland
44 books185 followersBarry Maitland is the author of the acclaimed Brock and Kolla series of crime mystery novels, which are set in London, where Barry grew up after his family moved there.
His books have been described as whydunits as much as whodunits, concerned with the devious histories and motivations of their characters. Barry's background in architecture drew him to the structured character of the mystery novel, and his books are notable for their ingenious plots as well as for their atmospheric settings, each in a different intriguing corner of London.
Barry studied architecture at Cambridge University, and went on to work as an architect in the UK, then took a PhD in urban design at the University of Sheffield, where he also taught and wrote a number of books on architecture and urban design. In 1984 he moved to Australia to head the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, and held that position until 2000. He now writes fiction full time, and lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia.
His books have been described as whydunits as much as whodunits, concerned with the devious histories and motivations of their characters. Barry's background in architecture drew him to the structured character of the mystery novel, and his books are notable for their ingenious plots as well as for their atmospheric settings, each in a different intriguing corner of London.
Barry studied architecture at Cambridge University, and went on to work as an architect in the UK, then took a PhD in urban design at the University of Sheffield, where he also taught and wrote a number of books on architecture and urban design. In 1984 he moved to Australia to head the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, and held that position until 2000. He now writes fiction full time, and lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 1, 2019
The murders which had taken place on Hampstead Heath were particularly gruesome and Detective Chief Inspector Kathy Kolla was under intense pressure to find answers. As more people became involved and the links which had seemed tenuous solidified - at least in Kathy’s mind – she was drawn to a publisher by the name of Charles Pettigrew by another murder. The evidence was solid – they had their killer.
David Brock, newly retired and unsure of what to do with all the time he now had on his hands, was contacted by Pettigrew’s lawyer for help. But that conflict of interest created a problem between Brock and his former partner, Kathy Kolla. Then there was the manuscript entitled The Promised Land which seemed to be linked to the case…
The Promised Land is the 13th in the Brock & Kolla series by Aussie author Barry Maitland, and it was brilliantly executed in my opinion. Many twists and turns to keep me interested, red herrings and a supreme twist at the end – which I had suspected earlier – all kept me enthralled and unable to put it down. An entertaining read in a genre I always enjoy. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
David Brock, newly retired and unsure of what to do with all the time he now had on his hands, was contacted by Pettigrew’s lawyer for help. But that conflict of interest created a problem between Brock and his former partner, Kathy Kolla. Then there was the manuscript entitled The Promised Land which seemed to be linked to the case…
The Promised Land is the 13th in the Brock & Kolla series by Aussie author Barry Maitland, and it was brilliantly executed in my opinion. Many twists and turns to keep me interested, red herrings and a supreme twist at the end – which I had suspected earlier – all kept me enthralled and unable to put it down. An entertaining read in a genre I always enjoy. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Canberra Times has dubbed Barry Maitland’s work, ‘among the best crime fiction being written today…’. I was keen to see for myself what this great series was all about. Despite entering into book thirteen of this well received and long running crime fiction series, The Promised Land morphed into a compulsive read from start to finish.
Crime busting duo Brock and Kolla are back for another round of murder investigation. Detective Kathy Kolla has recently been promoted to a Chief Inspector role. Meanwhile, David Brock is off the beat officially, but he comes in to help crack this difficult case. When a series of high-profile women are murdered around the area of Hampstead, pressure mounts to find the culprit of these murders. Suspicion is soon cast on a publishing identity, but the case proves to be much more complex than it first presents. With a mysterious and lucrative manuscript belonging to one of the literary world’s greatest writers is unearthed and consequently connected to these murders, the case becomes further complicated.
It is always a bit risky taking on a book to read that is part of an established and long running series. The Promised Land, the latest book by highly experienced crime fiction novelist Barry Maitland, is the thirteenth instalment in the Brock and Kolla series. I feel a little naive not knowing about this great series and crime fighting partnership.
The Promised Land is a book that can easily be read with or without prior knowledge of the central characters, Brock and Kolla. However, for firm fans of this series, there is a nice balance between learning a little more about the personal lives of these detectives and filling in the gaps for newbies. Often with well established crime fiction series, you can feel a little out of the loop, this was not the case at all in The Promised Land.
One of my favourite aspects about The Promised Land was the central mystery concerning the case at hand. I was already intrigued by the work of a possible serial killer on the loose in Hampstead Heath, choosing high-profile women as victims. The police procedural details that go hand in hand with the process of solving this case was covered well by Maitland. This is good old-fashioned detective work and making decisions based on gut instincts – I loved it!
My favourite aspect of The Promised Land was the central case mystery. It concerns the existence of a manuscript thought to be the unpublished work of the great George Orwell. This book bounty is considered to be the missing link in a possible trilogy of books following Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. The back story the runs through this narrative thread completely absorbed me, I wanted more! I also couldn’t help but liken the literary mystery in this book to the most recent news of a number of unpublished manuscripts in existence penned by the late J.D. Salinger of The Catcher in the Rye fame. Fascintating stuff!
There is a gritty realism to the content of The Promised Land and this extends to the characterisation. Brock and Kolla are incredibly well formed, we get to know their personality traits, quirks, their partnership and their misgivings. Maitland is also able to keep this well formed characterisation to his side characters. I admired Maitland’s craftmanship in his characters, this is obviously an area he is very comfortable with in his writing.
In terms of the mechanics of the case, this delivered on all fronts. The case was defined by some tricky police tactics, plenty of back to basics groundwork and the early identification of the suspect of this case made it seem all too easy to solve. However, the plot twists and the final results that eventuate from all the hard work is definitely worth it.
I have to agree with The Age. Brock and Kolla represent a pair of crime fiction’s finest. I am very glad to have made their acquaintance through the process of reading The Promised Land. Put this one on your radar if you are seeking a new crime fiction series to commit to, or you enjoy the chase of police procedurals. This one will not let you down.
*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
*Book #2 of the 2019 Aussie male author challenge.
The Canberra Times has dubbed Barry Maitland’s work, ‘among the best crime fiction being written today…’. I was keen to see for myself what this great series was all about. Despite entering into book thirteen of this well received and long running crime fiction series, The Promised Land morphed into a compulsive read from start to finish.
Crime busting duo Brock and Kolla are back for another round of murder investigation. Detective Kathy Kolla has recently been promoted to a Chief Inspector role. Meanwhile, David Brock is off the beat officially, but he comes in to help crack this difficult case. When a series of high-profile women are murdered around the area of Hampstead, pressure mounts to find the culprit of these murders. Suspicion is soon cast on a publishing identity, but the case proves to be much more complex than it first presents. With a mysterious and lucrative manuscript belonging to one of the literary world’s greatest writers is unearthed and consequently connected to these murders, the case becomes further complicated.
It is always a bit risky taking on a book to read that is part of an established and long running series. The Promised Land, the latest book by highly experienced crime fiction novelist Barry Maitland, is the thirteenth instalment in the Brock and Kolla series. I feel a little naive not knowing about this great series and crime fighting partnership.
The Promised Land is a book that can easily be read with or without prior knowledge of the central characters, Brock and Kolla. However, for firm fans of this series, there is a nice balance between learning a little more about the personal lives of these detectives and filling in the gaps for newbies. Often with well established crime fiction series, you can feel a little out of the loop, this was not the case at all in The Promised Land.
One of my favourite aspects about The Promised Land was the central mystery concerning the case at hand. I was already intrigued by the work of a possible serial killer on the loose in Hampstead Heath, choosing high-profile women as victims. The police procedural details that go hand in hand with the process of solving this case was covered well by Maitland. This is good old-fashioned detective work and making decisions based on gut instincts – I loved it!
My favourite aspect of The Promised Land was the central case mystery. It concerns the existence of a manuscript thought to be the unpublished work of the great George Orwell. This book bounty is considered to be the missing link in a possible trilogy of books following Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. The back story the runs through this narrative thread completely absorbed me, I wanted more! I also couldn’t help but liken the literary mystery in this book to the most recent news of a number of unpublished manuscripts in existence penned by the late J.D. Salinger of The Catcher in the Rye fame. Fascintating stuff!
There is a gritty realism to the content of The Promised Land and this extends to the characterisation. Brock and Kolla are incredibly well formed, we get to know their personality traits, quirks, their partnership and their misgivings. Maitland is also able to keep this well formed characterisation to his side characters. I admired Maitland’s craftmanship in his characters, this is obviously an area he is very comfortable with in his writing.
In terms of the mechanics of the case, this delivered on all fronts. The case was defined by some tricky police tactics, plenty of back to basics groundwork and the early identification of the suspect of this case made it seem all too easy to solve. However, the plot twists and the final results that eventuate from all the hard work is definitely worth it.
I have to agree with The Age. Brock and Kolla represent a pair of crime fiction’s finest. I am very glad to have made their acquaintance through the process of reading The Promised Land. Put this one on your radar if you are seeking a new crime fiction series to commit to, or you enjoy the chase of police procedurals. This one will not let you down.
*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
*Book #2 of the 2019 Aussie male author challenge.
December 16, 2018
“Brock taught me that sometimes we pursue a wrong idea because we simply can’t bear to dump all we’ve invested in it. He said a good detective knows when it has to be done.”
The Promised Land is the thirteenth book in the Brock and Kolla series by Scots-born Australian author, architect and urban design expert, Barry Maitland. A brutal murder at a Hampstead Heath pond is followed by one almost identical just days later. Newly-promoted DCI Kathy Kolla is under pressure to get results, especially as the second victim had some high-power connections. When a third, unidentified victim is discovered in the home of the owner of a moribund minor publisher, both MO and trace evidence link the man to the second killing, and Kathy Kolla is sure she has her murderer.
Mild-mannered Charles Pettigrew, steadfastly maintaining his innocence, seems an unlikely serial killer, and his barrister contacts now-retired ex-DCI David Brock for his opinion of the accused. She believes that Pettigrew dissociated under emotional stress and therefore has no memory of his crimes. But when he listens to Pettigrew’s story, a bizarre tale involving a never-published George Orwell manuscript, Brock’s not entirely convinced of the man’s guilt, and is unable to resist making further enquiries, albeit without the power of a DCI warrant card in his wallet.
This instalment of Brock and Kolla has a brilliant plot with plenty of twists, a few jaw-dropping surprises and some clever misdirection, both for Kathy Kolla and for the reader. Maitland’s characters are realistically flawed, adding to their appeal, and his main protagonists have integrity and intelligence. Several mentions are made of earlier cases, but the potential for spoilers is, even for first-time Brock and Kolla readers, unlikely to deter them from seeking out Maitland’s excellent backlist. Exceptional crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
The Promised Land is the thirteenth book in the Brock and Kolla series by Scots-born Australian author, architect and urban design expert, Barry Maitland. A brutal murder at a Hampstead Heath pond is followed by one almost identical just days later. Newly-promoted DCI Kathy Kolla is under pressure to get results, especially as the second victim had some high-power connections. When a third, unidentified victim is discovered in the home of the owner of a moribund minor publisher, both MO and trace evidence link the man to the second killing, and Kathy Kolla is sure she has her murderer.
Mild-mannered Charles Pettigrew, steadfastly maintaining his innocence, seems an unlikely serial killer, and his barrister contacts now-retired ex-DCI David Brock for his opinion of the accused. She believes that Pettigrew dissociated under emotional stress and therefore has no memory of his crimes. But when he listens to Pettigrew’s story, a bizarre tale involving a never-published George Orwell manuscript, Brock’s not entirely convinced of the man’s guilt, and is unable to resist making further enquiries, albeit without the power of a DCI warrant card in his wallet.
This instalment of Brock and Kolla has a brilliant plot with plenty of twists, a few jaw-dropping surprises and some clever misdirection, both for Kathy Kolla and for the reader. Maitland’s characters are realistically flawed, adding to their appeal, and his main protagonists have integrity and intelligence. Several mentions are made of earlier cases, but the potential for spoilers is, even for first-time Brock and Kolla readers, unlikely to deter them from seeking out Maitland’s excellent backlist. Exceptional crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.
June 12, 2024
The Promised Land is the 13th book in the Brock and Kolla series and demonstrates why Barry Maitland has consistently been one of the most popular crime authors in Australia. This mature series comfortably sits as a great example of the value of a well constructed plot, strongly described characters and an endless supply of twists.
A woman is found beaten to death on Hampstead Heath. She’s the second woman to be murdered in this way in 5 days and Kathy Kolla, now a Detective Chief Inspector, is on the scene to work the case.
Brock is now retired but is more than a little bored, finding it difficult to adjust to the new change of pace. So being asked by a defense attorney to interview a murder suspect is a little bit out of left field. His intrigue over the case is enough to get him over the line and into Belmarsh Prison to speak to the man and what he finds is another surprise.
A lost George Orwell manuscript is enough to spark excitement among book publishers and when the first couple of pages are presented as proof of the work, titled The Promised Land, it’s enough to consider spending big money on securing the rights.
Publisher Charles Pettigrew is interested but cautious, but before he can take his interest very far he finds himself arrested for the Hampstead Heath murders and more. The quiet, unassuming man appears to be an unlikely killer but then, the evidence gathered by Kolla is compelling.
As a long time fan and reader of the series I was delighted to find that important aspects of the Silvermeadow case is revisited in the course of the investigation. It’s been awhile but this particular book stuck with me longer than many of the others and it has clearly been significant in the careers of Brock and Kolla too. The fact that it’s kind of used as a sting in the tail for the police detectives makes it even more significant.
The George Orwell side of the mystery is a fascinating one with plenty of interesting facts about the author, both his writing and personal life. It’s not hard to get caught up in the possibility that an unknown manuscript may have been discovered, one that would supposedly close off a trilogy starting with Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four.
There’s something reassuring about the cool, steady head of David Brock when he puts his mind to investigating crimes. He always seems to be in control, although there are times when that control is sorely tested and, retired or not, he demonstrates the innate talents that took him to the top of the detective pile.
Overall, there is some outstanding police detective work displayed here relying on good, old-fashioned grunt work bearing small results that grew into larger leads. It’s the kind of case where, when it explodes, you’re struggling to remember how we got to where we are, only to understand the inevitable progression of asking the right questions and understanding the answers. A real winner for crime fiction devotees.
Piled on top of the solid police work are a couple of humdingers of twists, most of which came out of left field and left me shaking my head in disbelief. The best kind of twists, to be sure.
Kathy Kolla has already had a distinguished career as a police detective who gets results. Now that her mentor has retired she continues to shine, albeit under a boss who’s a bit of a dick. Fortunately, the close friendship she formed with David Brock continues to yield results and we’re reaping the rewards with this series that remains strong and compelling.
A woman is found beaten to death on Hampstead Heath. She’s the second woman to be murdered in this way in 5 days and Kathy Kolla, now a Detective Chief Inspector, is on the scene to work the case.
Brock is now retired but is more than a little bored, finding it difficult to adjust to the new change of pace. So being asked by a defense attorney to interview a murder suspect is a little bit out of left field. His intrigue over the case is enough to get him over the line and into Belmarsh Prison to speak to the man and what he finds is another surprise.
A lost George Orwell manuscript is enough to spark excitement among book publishers and when the first couple of pages are presented as proof of the work, titled The Promised Land, it’s enough to consider spending big money on securing the rights.
Publisher Charles Pettigrew is interested but cautious, but before he can take his interest very far he finds himself arrested for the Hampstead Heath murders and more. The quiet, unassuming man appears to be an unlikely killer but then, the evidence gathered by Kolla is compelling.
As a long time fan and reader of the series I was delighted to find that important aspects of the Silvermeadow case is revisited in the course of the investigation. It’s been awhile but this particular book stuck with me longer than many of the others and it has clearly been significant in the careers of Brock and Kolla too. The fact that it’s kind of used as a sting in the tail for the police detectives makes it even more significant.
The George Orwell side of the mystery is a fascinating one with plenty of interesting facts about the author, both his writing and personal life. It’s not hard to get caught up in the possibility that an unknown manuscript may have been discovered, one that would supposedly close off a trilogy starting with Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four.
There’s something reassuring about the cool, steady head of David Brock when he puts his mind to investigating crimes. He always seems to be in control, although there are times when that control is sorely tested and, retired or not, he demonstrates the innate talents that took him to the top of the detective pile.
Overall, there is some outstanding police detective work displayed here relying on good, old-fashioned grunt work bearing small results that grew into larger leads. It’s the kind of case where, when it explodes, you’re struggling to remember how we got to where we are, only to understand the inevitable progression of asking the right questions and understanding the answers. A real winner for crime fiction devotees.
Piled on top of the solid police work are a couple of humdingers of twists, most of which came out of left field and left me shaking my head in disbelief. The best kind of twists, to be sure.
Kathy Kolla has already had a distinguished career as a police detective who gets results. Now that her mentor has retired she continues to shine, albeit under a boss who’s a bit of a dick. Fortunately, the close friendship she formed with David Brock continues to yield results and we’re reaping the rewards with this series that remains strong and compelling.
January 8, 2019
THE PROMISED LAND is the 13th Brock and Kolla police procedural from Barry Maitland. The first novel in the series, THE MARX SISTERS, was originally released in 1994, and here we are at the 13th outing, and Maitland is still writing as assured, elegant and entertaining a police procedural series as you'd want. Always with that little quirk that his designer / architect mind obviously identifies with most strongly - choice of location.
This time the location is Hampstead Heath, the case is the investigation of three brutal murders of women, and the quick identification of a suspect who happens to be a publisher who has been handed a possible literary marvel - an unknown novel by one of the greatest literary figures of the twentieth century. The added layers are that Kolla is now a DCI heading up this murder investigation squad and Brock is recently retired, struggling to find his way without the job. Which means that when the publisher is charged with all three murders, his lawyer calls on Brock for advice. Nothing too contentious, just listen to the accused's story and provide some advice to his lawyer. Leading to Brock ignoring the warnings from partner Suzanne, the bells ringing in his own mind, overstepping the mark, launching some investigations of his own, upsetting Kolla's case, getting himself a serious belting in the process.
It's always interesting to see how an author progresses the personal lives of his main characters (in this case promotion / retirement based on age alone has to happen at some stage surely), whilst simultaneously keeping everybody in play in subsequent books. Rather than head down the trusted mentor or advisor path straight up with THE PROMISED LAND, Maitland's opted to throw a bit of tension between old colleagues into the pot, add some personal jeopardy for Brock, create and solve some personal problems for them both, and generally mix things up quite nicely. All while keeping the elements of an interesting case approach in the air. Suspect Charles Pettigrew is identified very early on in the piece, as is the fact that he's as unlikely a brutal serial killer as you could get. Add in the mysterious manuscript and connections between the author and Pettigrew's family publishing firm, the connection between the manuscript and one of the victim's, and then include the publishing world's reaction to the rumours. Include a true crime writer digging around in the background, introduce Kolla to the joys of upper management, Brock to the intricacies of family life, add a romantic frisson for Kolla, get the balance of everything spot on, and you've got exactly what you'd expect from as gifted a storyteller as Maitland.
It's been a while since the last Brock & Kolla outing (THE RAVEN'S EYE in 2013 by the looks of it) and this reader has missed them. They are one of the great, solid, reliable, enduring duo's of crime fiction and it's good to see THE PROMISED LAND indicating there is some fuel left in their combined tanks.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
This time the location is Hampstead Heath, the case is the investigation of three brutal murders of women, and the quick identification of a suspect who happens to be a publisher who has been handed a possible literary marvel - an unknown novel by one of the greatest literary figures of the twentieth century. The added layers are that Kolla is now a DCI heading up this murder investigation squad and Brock is recently retired, struggling to find his way without the job. Which means that when the publisher is charged with all three murders, his lawyer calls on Brock for advice. Nothing too contentious, just listen to the accused's story and provide some advice to his lawyer. Leading to Brock ignoring the warnings from partner Suzanne, the bells ringing in his own mind, overstepping the mark, launching some investigations of his own, upsetting Kolla's case, getting himself a serious belting in the process.
It's always interesting to see how an author progresses the personal lives of his main characters (in this case promotion / retirement based on age alone has to happen at some stage surely), whilst simultaneously keeping everybody in play in subsequent books. Rather than head down the trusted mentor or advisor path straight up with THE PROMISED LAND, Maitland's opted to throw a bit of tension between old colleagues into the pot, add some personal jeopardy for Brock, create and solve some personal problems for them both, and generally mix things up quite nicely. All while keeping the elements of an interesting case approach in the air. Suspect Charles Pettigrew is identified very early on in the piece, as is the fact that he's as unlikely a brutal serial killer as you could get. Add in the mysterious manuscript and connections between the author and Pettigrew's family publishing firm, the connection between the manuscript and one of the victim's, and then include the publishing world's reaction to the rumours. Include a true crime writer digging around in the background, introduce Kolla to the joys of upper management, Brock to the intricacies of family life, add a romantic frisson for Kolla, get the balance of everything spot on, and you've got exactly what you'd expect from as gifted a storyteller as Maitland.
It's been a while since the last Brock & Kolla outing (THE RAVEN'S EYE in 2013 by the looks of it) and this reader has missed them. They are one of the great, solid, reliable, enduring duo's of crime fiction and it's good to see THE PROMISED LAND indicating there is some fuel left in their combined tanks.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
November 17, 2020
Thirteenth in the crime fiction series featuring London detectives David Brock and Kathy Kolla, opens with third-generation publisher John Pettigrew, approached by a woman of South Asian appearance with a sample of an unpublished manuscript, attributed to George Orwell, penned under his real name, Eric Blair. His company struggling, Pettigrew believes that it may solve his problems, if the manuscript is genuine.
The story switches to DCI Kolla, making her way as new crime scene boss, following the retirement of long-time partner and mentor David Brock, as she investigates the brutal murders of two women on Hampstead Heath, a stone’s throw away from the publisher’s home. When the body of the Asian women is found by his cleaning lady, and a necklace from one of the murdered women is found in a drawer, Pettigrew is arrested and charged with murder. The evidence seems overwhelming, but his lawyer seeks out Brock, asking him to talk to Pettigrew, who insist on his innocence. Advice is sought from a psychologist.
‘He was taking Temazepam for insomnia. Traces were found in his blood the next morning. It’s a benzodiazepine, with a possible side effect of anterograde amnesia.’
‘If he was suffering from a “ disease of the mind ” under the M’Naghten rules, then that disease is probably dissociative identity disorder, DID, which has rarely been accepted in British courts. This could be a landmark trial…’
Brock visits Pettigrew in remand prison, awaiting trial, listens to what the publisher has to say, but remains in the background, aware that his involvement could compromise Kolla’s investigation. Instead he goes looking for a woman answering the description of Pettigrew’s cleaning lady, following a lead to an office development.
Brock parked his car in the multi-storey and made his way onto St Thomas Street. Above him glowed the ninety-five-storey glass pinnacle of the Shard, erupting like a vast luminous icicle out of the jumble of the London Bridge neighbourhood. A gust of cold wind caught him as he turned the corner and propelled him under the legs of the tower and into the shelter of the reception foyer…
‘You’re looking for a haystack in a needle.’ She grinned. ‘Who knows how many Romanians there are working in here? Half the cleaners are employed through third-party agencies who pay cash and don’t know and don’t care what their clients’ nationalities or immigration status really are.’
First he is roughed up, and then he is drawn into a trap. With the cleaning lady’s body found in the boot of his car at Hampstead Heath, he finds himself in the same remand prison as Pettigrew.
I was in two-minds about this one: enjoyed it at the beginning, especially the tracking down of the suspects and eventually the vicious killers, but when the mastermind is revealed in the final pages I felt disappointed. It was good as far as police procedural's go, but I found nothing here to make me want to read the author’s earlier works.
The story switches to DCI Kolla, making her way as new crime scene boss, following the retirement of long-time partner and mentor David Brock, as she investigates the brutal murders of two women on Hampstead Heath, a stone’s throw away from the publisher’s home. When the body of the Asian women is found by his cleaning lady, and a necklace from one of the murdered women is found in a drawer, Pettigrew is arrested and charged with murder. The evidence seems overwhelming, but his lawyer seeks out Brock, asking him to talk to Pettigrew, who insist on his innocence. Advice is sought from a psychologist.
‘He was taking Temazepam for insomnia. Traces were found in his blood the next morning. It’s a benzodiazepine, with a possible side effect of anterograde amnesia.’
‘If he was suffering from a “ disease of the mind ” under the M’Naghten rules, then that disease is probably dissociative identity disorder, DID, which has rarely been accepted in British courts. This could be a landmark trial…’
Brock visits Pettigrew in remand prison, awaiting trial, listens to what the publisher has to say, but remains in the background, aware that his involvement could compromise Kolla’s investigation. Instead he goes looking for a woman answering the description of Pettigrew’s cleaning lady, following a lead to an office development.
Brock parked his car in the multi-storey and made his way onto St Thomas Street. Above him glowed the ninety-five-storey glass pinnacle of the Shard, erupting like a vast luminous icicle out of the jumble of the London Bridge neighbourhood. A gust of cold wind caught him as he turned the corner and propelled him under the legs of the tower and into the shelter of the reception foyer…
‘You’re looking for a haystack in a needle.’ She grinned. ‘Who knows how many Romanians there are working in here? Half the cleaners are employed through third-party agencies who pay cash and don’t know and don’t care what their clients’ nationalities or immigration status really are.’
First he is roughed up, and then he is drawn into a trap. With the cleaning lady’s body found in the boot of his car at Hampstead Heath, he finds himself in the same remand prison as Pettigrew.
I was in two-minds about this one: enjoyed it at the beginning, especially the tracking down of the suspects and eventually the vicious killers, but when the mastermind is revealed in the final pages I felt disappointed. It was good as far as police procedural's go, but I found nothing here to make me want to read the author’s earlier works.
December 26, 2018
Imagine my delight when I discovered I had won an advanced copy of this title from Allen and Unwin.
It proved to be a Christmas cracker of a mystery! Pages were turned faster and faster as I tried to discover if my hunches were correct.
This is #13 in the Brock and Kolla series but I don't think you need to have read any of the previous stories to keep up. No doubt there are many fans out there champing at the bit for the next instalment and they won't be disappointed.
Set in London, Detective Chief Inspector Kathy Kolla is now working alone, since her long-time partner Brock recently retired. Can she crack the new case without his help? More importantly, can he survive retirement? This is very much a play within a play, and without wanting to give too much away, it will help to have your literary wits about you. Enjoy!
It proved to be a Christmas cracker of a mystery! Pages were turned faster and faster as I tried to discover if my hunches were correct.
This is #13 in the Brock and Kolla series but I don't think you need to have read any of the previous stories to keep up. No doubt there are many fans out there champing at the bit for the next instalment and they won't be disappointed.
Set in London, Detective Chief Inspector Kathy Kolla is now working alone, since her long-time partner Brock recently retired. Can she crack the new case without his help? More importantly, can he survive retirement? This is very much a play within a play, and without wanting to give too much away, it will help to have your literary wits about you. Enjoy!
May 28, 2023
I've talked again and again here (and in my most recent crime fiction / thriller reviews just last week) about the challenges of discovering a series part-way through. I prefer to start at the beginning. Cos I've heard it's a very good place to start. You apparently begin with ABC and... oops #sorrynotsorry... couldn't help myself.
Anyhoo, upon receiving this book (which I'd requested cos the plot sounded interesting) I discovered it was part of a series. And then I opened it to discover it was number 13!!! So I worried - how on earth would I have any idea who anyone was etc?
Thankfully it wasn't at all a problem (it's easily able to be read as a stand-alone) and I was intrigued enough by the series lead characters, our temporary cast and crew and the plot itself that I read it in one night.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Anyhoo, upon receiving this book (which I'd requested cos the plot sounded interesting) I discovered it was part of a series. And then I opened it to discover it was number 13!!! So I worried - how on earth would I have any idea who anyone was etc?
Thankfully it wasn't at all a problem (it's easily able to be read as a stand-alone) and I was intrigued enough by the series lead characters, our temporary cast and crew and the plot itself that I read it in one night.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
December 28, 2018
I received this as an advanced uncorrected proof from Allen and Unwin. I was worried that because I hadn’t read any books prior in the series I may get a bit lost in the narrative. I need not have worried. I was hooked within the first ten pages as a murdered body was found dead in the heath. DCI Kathy Kolla is the lead investigator in the suspected serial killings. Her longtime work partner Brock has now retired. He is contacted by the suspect’s lawyer to interview the suspect. As the plot unravelled I kept turning page after page in this literary crime mystery thriller. It is full of twists right up to the very end. I think I will find more titles in the series as I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
July 28, 2019
4.5 Stars. What a fantastic way to start my year of reading! Barry Maitland is one of several prolific authors whose work I’ve been meaning to read for an embarrassingly long time. So, when the opportunity arose to read his new release, Book 13 in his much-lauded Brock and Kolla Series, I dived right in.
It was not long before I could not put this book down. The Promised Land has practically everything I could want in a quality page-turner. Maitland’s lead characters span generations but share a mix of wisdom, conviction and emotional maturity that I found instantly appealing. They are world-wise without being world-weary, their doubts and anxieties contextually appropriate and their dialogue and interactions feel authentic. Continue reading >> http://bookloverbookreviews.com/2019/...
It was not long before I could not put this book down. The Promised Land has practically everything I could want in a quality page-turner. Maitland’s lead characters span generations but share a mix of wisdom, conviction and emotional maturity that I found instantly appealing. They are world-wise without being world-weary, their doubts and anxieties contextually appropriate and their dialogue and interactions feel authentic. Continue reading >> http://bookloverbookreviews.com/2019/...
January 13, 2019
‘Psychopaths don’t reform, Kathy. It’s innate. All we can do is try to teach them about consequences.’
As far as crime novels go, this one is top shelf. The Promised Land is more in line with the police procedural side of crime fiction, which honestly suits me perfectly. I have little patience for the domestic noir thrillers that are currently saturating the market. The Promised Land is the 13th title in Barry Maitland’s bestselling Brock and Kolla Series, but it’s the first one I’ve read and I really don’t think coming into the series this late affected my appreciation of it. Maitland is a skilled writer and he sets this novel up in a way that can be read as a standalone while still adding enough of the serial elements to keep ongoing fans happy. A tricky balance but he nails it.
Kolla is recently promoted while Brock is recently retired, yet a call for help from the other side of justice, the defence, sees Brock jumping right back into law enforcement without hesitation. ‘Once a detective always a detective’ is the mindset here. Unfortunately for Brock, he becomes more entangled in the case at hand than he could have ever envisaged. Given that Kolla is the lead detective on the case, she shouldn’t really be helping to disentangle him, but she can’t help picking at the threads of coincidence and motive. I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two former partners, and I think this is a series I wouldn’t mind diving into. Finding out a bit more of their background appeals, and while not essential to enjoying this novel, the strong character development really pulled me in. All the while I was reading, I could really see this series playing out on the screen, it has that gritty police drama feel to it that is entirely unique to UK TV.
In terms of plot, The Promised Land delivers on several fronts. It keeps you guessing with the mystery, the case in hand spinning out into something much more complex and chilling than I could have possibly imagined. And then there’s the police investigation. I have to say, if the policing represented in this novel is in any way at all reflective of real life, then it really is luck and chance at times that the correct person is arrested for the crime. And too bad if you’re actually in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have to wonder if solving the case is driven by actually solving it or more by closing it, because a closed case is a very different beast to a solved one.
I do admire authors of crime fiction. It can’t be easy coming up with plots that haven’t been done before while also weaving a web of deceit that shocks and thrills in equal measure. Barry Maitland has crafted a clever mix of police drama, mystery, and psychological thriller with The Promised Land. It’s a novel that has wide appeal, to both avid readers of crime and occasional dabblers like myself.
Thanks is extended to Allen and Unwin for providing me with a copy of The Promised Land for review.
As far as crime novels go, this one is top shelf. The Promised Land is more in line with the police procedural side of crime fiction, which honestly suits me perfectly. I have little patience for the domestic noir thrillers that are currently saturating the market. The Promised Land is the 13th title in Barry Maitland’s bestselling Brock and Kolla Series, but it’s the first one I’ve read and I really don’t think coming into the series this late affected my appreciation of it. Maitland is a skilled writer and he sets this novel up in a way that can be read as a standalone while still adding enough of the serial elements to keep ongoing fans happy. A tricky balance but he nails it.
Kolla is recently promoted while Brock is recently retired, yet a call for help from the other side of justice, the defence, sees Brock jumping right back into law enforcement without hesitation. ‘Once a detective always a detective’ is the mindset here. Unfortunately for Brock, he becomes more entangled in the case at hand than he could have ever envisaged. Given that Kolla is the lead detective on the case, she shouldn’t really be helping to disentangle him, but she can’t help picking at the threads of coincidence and motive. I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two former partners, and I think this is a series I wouldn’t mind diving into. Finding out a bit more of their background appeals, and while not essential to enjoying this novel, the strong character development really pulled me in. All the while I was reading, I could really see this series playing out on the screen, it has that gritty police drama feel to it that is entirely unique to UK TV.
In terms of plot, The Promised Land delivers on several fronts. It keeps you guessing with the mystery, the case in hand spinning out into something much more complex and chilling than I could have possibly imagined. And then there’s the police investigation. I have to say, if the policing represented in this novel is in any way at all reflective of real life, then it really is luck and chance at times that the correct person is arrested for the crime. And too bad if you’re actually in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have to wonder if solving the case is driven by actually solving it or more by closing it, because a closed case is a very different beast to a solved one.
I do admire authors of crime fiction. It can’t be easy coming up with plots that haven’t been done before while also weaving a web of deceit that shocks and thrills in equal measure. Barry Maitland has crafted a clever mix of police drama, mystery, and psychological thriller with The Promised Land. It’s a novel that has wide appeal, to both avid readers of crime and occasional dabblers like myself.
Thanks is extended to Allen and Unwin for providing me with a copy of The Promised Land for review.
January 5, 2019
The Promised Land is the thirteenth episode in Barry Maitland's Brock and Kolla crime thriller series and it's a rollicking read. I managed to get through a mountain of good books over the end of 2018 and the first few days of 2019, and The Promised Land was one of the best.
Kathy Kolla is finding her feet in her new role as Chief Detective Inspector and being challenged by a series of brutal murders on Hampstead Heath. With seemingly watertight evidence she arrests John Pettigrew, a down on his luck books publisher, who lives by himself near the Heath. Pettigrew's lawyer enlists the help of now retired but former local detective David Brock and its game on between Brock and Kolla.
At the heart of the investigation it seems like a newly found manuscript by one of the true giants of the publishing world is the cause of the deaths and Pettigrew's involvement puts him in the frame, alongside the fact that the latest victim is found murdered in his home.
Maitland shows off a deft approach to his characters, as you would expect after twelve previous adventures based on Brock and Kolla. The Promised Land rated highly for me amongst a top selection of holiday reading.
Kathy Kolla is finding her feet in her new role as Chief Detective Inspector and being challenged by a series of brutal murders on Hampstead Heath. With seemingly watertight evidence she arrests John Pettigrew, a down on his luck books publisher, who lives by himself near the Heath. Pettigrew's lawyer enlists the help of now retired but former local detective David Brock and its game on between Brock and Kolla.
At the heart of the investigation it seems like a newly found manuscript by one of the true giants of the publishing world is the cause of the deaths and Pettigrew's involvement puts him in the frame, alongside the fact that the latest victim is found murdered in his home.
Maitland shows off a deft approach to his characters, as you would expect after twelve previous adventures based on Brock and Kolla. The Promised Land rated highly for me amongst a top selection of holiday reading.
January 11, 2019
Great book, with fantastic twists in the plot. If you love crime novels this should be on your list
March 12, 2019
My View:
This is my very first Brock and Kolla read but not my first Barry Maitland, what a versatile, talented writer!
A little bit about Barry Maitland for those who have not yet had the pleasure of reading any of his novels.
About the Author http://www.barrymaitland.com/on-life-...
“My family came from Paisley, an industrial city near Glasgow in Scotland, where I was born. When I was young we moved to London, where I went to a school with an English teacher who inspired me about literature. But I wanted to be an architect, which I studied at Cambridge University. After a period in practice I studied urban design at the University of Sheffield, where I also taught.
In 1984 I was offered the position of head of the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in Australia, and moved there with my family. Six years later Newcastle was struck by an earthquake, and Margaret, my wife, was almost killed when the house fell in. It was a dramatic and chaotic time, and as a reaction to what was going on around us I began to think about the plot of a murder mystery, The Marx Sisters. This was published in 1994, and became the first of a series of twelve Brock and Kolla novels published over the next 20 years, together with one stand-alone mystery thriller Bright Air, set in Australia.
In 2000 I retired from the University of Newcastle in order to write full time, and my latest project is a full-blooded Australian set of novels, the Belltree Trilogy. I live and write in a small town in the Hunter Valley, an attractive wine-growing and agricultural area in New South Wales on the Pacific Coast of Australia, which coexists with one of the largest coal ports in the world, in the harbour of Newcastle, which is where the second Belltree novel is set.”
As I started reading this, the 13th booking he Brock and Kolla series (and yes it can be read as an excellent standalone) I wondered how this author could have such realistic landscapes both in this series set in London and the Belltree series set in Australia. (I have read the first in the Belltree series, and it too is a wonderful, exciting read.) Now I have read Barry’s brief author bio the landscapes now make sense.
Regardless of which landscape Barry Maitland’s novels are set in you find realistic settings, characters that are humble, intelligent and fearless and plots that are complex and well executed.
I really love discovering a new to me series that has a back catalogue of many. I love immersing myself in such an existing series, reading 1 - 12 of the Brock and Kolla will be such a fabulous way to really get to know the writer and his characters and settings
The Promised Land is a captivating read! I am hooked. I want more!
This is my very first Brock and Kolla read but not my first Barry Maitland, what a versatile, talented writer!
A little bit about Barry Maitland for those who have not yet had the pleasure of reading any of his novels.
About the Author http://www.barrymaitland.com/on-life-...
“My family came from Paisley, an industrial city near Glasgow in Scotland, where I was born. When I was young we moved to London, where I went to a school with an English teacher who inspired me about literature. But I wanted to be an architect, which I studied at Cambridge University. After a period in practice I studied urban design at the University of Sheffield, where I also taught.
In 1984 I was offered the position of head of the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in Australia, and moved there with my family. Six years later Newcastle was struck by an earthquake, and Margaret, my wife, was almost killed when the house fell in. It was a dramatic and chaotic time, and as a reaction to what was going on around us I began to think about the plot of a murder mystery, The Marx Sisters. This was published in 1994, and became the first of a series of twelve Brock and Kolla novels published over the next 20 years, together with one stand-alone mystery thriller Bright Air, set in Australia.
In 2000 I retired from the University of Newcastle in order to write full time, and my latest project is a full-blooded Australian set of novels, the Belltree Trilogy. I live and write in a small town in the Hunter Valley, an attractive wine-growing and agricultural area in New South Wales on the Pacific Coast of Australia, which coexists with one of the largest coal ports in the world, in the harbour of Newcastle, which is where the second Belltree novel is set.”
As I started reading this, the 13th booking he Brock and Kolla series (and yes it can be read as an excellent standalone) I wondered how this author could have such realistic landscapes both in this series set in London and the Belltree series set in Australia. (I have read the first in the Belltree series, and it too is a wonderful, exciting read.) Now I have read Barry’s brief author bio the landscapes now make sense.
Regardless of which landscape Barry Maitland’s novels are set in you find realistic settings, characters that are humble, intelligent and fearless and plots that are complex and well executed.
I really love discovering a new to me series that has a back catalogue of many. I love immersing myself in such an existing series, reading 1 - 12 of the Brock and Kolla will be such a fabulous way to really get to know the writer and his characters and settings
The Promised Land is a captivating read! I am hooked. I want more!
October 22, 2023
I’ve been reading all types of books for sixty years including Murder mysteries written by some of the proclaimed Best? I’d never even heard of this Author, Barry Maitland despite him being an Aussie of Scottish birth. I’m just so grateful to the Library God’s for not allowing that to happen, and for me to not miss the opportunity of reading this, new, unbelievably good author, in fact they almost physically led me back to check the shelves, something I rarely do and Bingo!! did I ever hit the Booklovers jackpot!
If you’re expecting a blow by blow synopsis then sorry... I don’t do those they’ve already been done perfectly well by other reviewers.
Firstly I loved the believable living breathing Characters that were for once not bullied or rushed into changing their opinions due to budgetary cuts or just plain dyspeptic bosses. That type of book is so common now with most writers and it annoys the hell out of me.
What an amazing conglomeration of plots and sub plots this very clever author has woven seamlessly into his story. I truly could not put it down even the fact that the level of concentration needed to keep up with all those extra little strands and layers of suspense was at times mind numbing but nevertheless so riveting that my brain was constantly being refreshed and challenged. Heady stuff! Wonderful book and Five Stars well deserved!
If you’re expecting a blow by blow synopsis then sorry... I don’t do those they’ve already been done perfectly well by other reviewers.
Firstly I loved the believable living breathing Characters that were for once not bullied or rushed into changing their opinions due to budgetary cuts or just plain dyspeptic bosses. That type of book is so common now with most writers and it annoys the hell out of me.
What an amazing conglomeration of plots and sub plots this very clever author has woven seamlessly into his story. I truly could not put it down even the fact that the level of concentration needed to keep up with all those extra little strands and layers of suspense was at times mind numbing but nevertheless so riveting that my brain was constantly being refreshed and challenged. Heady stuff! Wonderful book and Five Stars well deserved!
January 19, 2021
Ok to begin with - solid police procedural with a side of retired inspector turned unofficial private eye, but the latter stages relied too much on the extremely lucky find of incredibly incriminating evidence, and the over the top subplot with the true crime writer was just silly.
June 7, 2020
It was so nice to visit with Brock and Kolla again, and I'd forgotten how literary Maitland's plots tend to be. It was a welcome little bit of crime fiction that distracted me for a few days.
February 17, 2019
David Brock has retired and his protege Kathy Kolla has replaced him as DCI. so here is her first case as DCI without her mentor.
In four days, two women have been found murdered on Hampstead Heath, bashed with a hammer. The second is the wife of a judge. The judge is convinced that he is somehow the target of the murder but there is no evidence of that.
Kathy Kolla believes the two murders are linked somehow. And then a third body is found in the second bedroom of a London publisher but he has no memory of how she got there. Evidence is then found that seems to link him to the two earlier murders.
Meanwhile ex-Inspector Brock is at a loose end, when John Pettigrew's lawyer asks if he will talk with her client. Although Brock is aware that Kathy Kolla is leading the investigation of the Hampstead Heath murders, he doesn't believe she ever need know about this consultancy. And of course he is wrong.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over the years crime fiction authors have dealt with the problem of ageing detectives, partnerships that must eventually come to an end, and what to do as popular protagonists have to retire.
This novel raises one possible solution.
An excellent read. My best so far this year.
In four days, two women have been found murdered on Hampstead Heath, bashed with a hammer. The second is the wife of a judge. The judge is convinced that he is somehow the target of the murder but there is no evidence of that.
Kathy Kolla believes the two murders are linked somehow. And then a third body is found in the second bedroom of a London publisher but he has no memory of how she got there. Evidence is then found that seems to link him to the two earlier murders.
Meanwhile ex-Inspector Brock is at a loose end, when John Pettigrew's lawyer asks if he will talk with her client. Although Brock is aware that Kathy Kolla is leading the investigation of the Hampstead Heath murders, he doesn't believe she ever need know about this consultancy. And of course he is wrong.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over the years crime fiction authors have dealt with the problem of ageing detectives, partnerships that must eventually come to an end, and what to do as popular protagonists have to retire.
This novel raises one possible solution.
An excellent read. My best so far this year.
January 21, 2019
A very clever plot underpins this addictive read.
What starts as a seemingly straightforward police procedural takes a left turn when a long unpublished manuscript potentially written by one of the 20th century’s greatest writers comes to light.
Some excellent twists to keep you guessing, and an ending I didn’t see coming.
Although there are a number of Brock and Kolla novels, this is easily read as a stand alone.
What starts as a seemingly straightforward police procedural takes a left turn when a long unpublished manuscript potentially written by one of the 20th century’s greatest writers comes to light.
Some excellent twists to keep you guessing, and an ending I didn’t see coming.
Although there are a number of Brock and Kolla novels, this is easily read as a stand alone.
May 1, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. I finished this yesterday, but I’m struggling to remember the whole plot. A police procedural entangled with a literary/ publishing mystery. It was a good story, but there was no real tension or suspense or excitement. But mostly, I found the characters flat .
March 31, 2019
Barry seems to have gone a bit rogue...all blood and guts and shit. Very violent and not very pleasant to read.
February 14, 2019
Is it possible you are perhaps a newcomer to reading British crime fiction and in particular, police procedurals? Just let us start you off on the right path here with THE PROMISED LAND.
Charles Pettigrew has always wanted to replicate the success of his grandfather who founded the family publishing firm, Golden Press. After a long time in the editor’s chair, it does not seem that the one ‘great’ novel will however come to Charles before the doors of Golden Press are regretfully closed forever. At home on Hampstead Heath, Charles however finds the greatest discovery of his professional life has instead been delivered to him direct. Could it be true that he is holding an unpublished manuscript written by George Orwell?
Hampstead Heath is a well heeled area and so thus are its murder victims. DCI Kathy Kolla is not immune to subtle pressure to obtain a quick solve, which is inevitably the demand when the wife of a High Court Judge has been slain so close to her own home. With the slaying coming just four days after the murder of a another Hampstead Heath wife, Kolla is in all new territory now that she is a Detective Chief Inspector. Her impressive track record whilst partnered with David Brock means little now. Proving herself on the job has always been necessary, and so it becomes necessary once again. Finding out that Kolla’s old partner Brock has been asked to weigh in, is not reassuring. In fact it is anything but.
It has been a long time between drinks. Author Barry Maitland has always had a dab hand with the police procedural, and it is a relief to once again encounter the sensibilities and stoicism of his stellar creations David Brock and Kathy Kolla. Paired even in retirement, the two continue in THE PROMISED LAND to bring an intensity and realism to the page that consistently makes sense and entertains.
Who doesn’t love a good literary mystery also?
If you’re a bit slow to the party and picked this title up in the last month without having read any of the series priors, fear not. The new reader is fed enough back story to keep up, and the regular reader won’t be encountering any onerous repetition of what they already know. Barry Maitland dropping another Brock and Kolla serves as a timely reminder as to why we read investigation centric crime fiction, with all of its coal face examinations of both the act and the community in which the killer and victim once existed together.
Maitland’s Brock and Kolla series is always one of the first that springs to mind when offering crime fiction recommendations. THE PROMISED LAND delivers another confident dose of elegantly constructed crime writing that is both insightful and challenging to unravel. Tuck yourself in, you’re in good hands.
Charles Pettigrew has always wanted to replicate the success of his grandfather who founded the family publishing firm, Golden Press. After a long time in the editor’s chair, it does not seem that the one ‘great’ novel will however come to Charles before the doors of Golden Press are regretfully closed forever. At home on Hampstead Heath, Charles however finds the greatest discovery of his professional life has instead been delivered to him direct. Could it be true that he is holding an unpublished manuscript written by George Orwell?
Hampstead Heath is a well heeled area and so thus are its murder victims. DCI Kathy Kolla is not immune to subtle pressure to obtain a quick solve, which is inevitably the demand when the wife of a High Court Judge has been slain so close to her own home. With the slaying coming just four days after the murder of a another Hampstead Heath wife, Kolla is in all new territory now that she is a Detective Chief Inspector. Her impressive track record whilst partnered with David Brock means little now. Proving herself on the job has always been necessary, and so it becomes necessary once again. Finding out that Kolla’s old partner Brock has been asked to weigh in, is not reassuring. In fact it is anything but.
It has been a long time between drinks. Author Barry Maitland has always had a dab hand with the police procedural, and it is a relief to once again encounter the sensibilities and stoicism of his stellar creations David Brock and Kathy Kolla. Paired even in retirement, the two continue in THE PROMISED LAND to bring an intensity and realism to the page that consistently makes sense and entertains.
Who doesn’t love a good literary mystery also?
If you’re a bit slow to the party and picked this title up in the last month without having read any of the series priors, fear not. The new reader is fed enough back story to keep up, and the regular reader won’t be encountering any onerous repetition of what they already know. Barry Maitland dropping another Brock and Kolla serves as a timely reminder as to why we read investigation centric crime fiction, with all of its coal face examinations of both the act and the community in which the killer and victim once existed together.
Maitland’s Brock and Kolla series is always one of the first that springs to mind when offering crime fiction recommendations. THE PROMISED LAND delivers another confident dose of elegantly constructed crime writing that is both insightful and challenging to unravel. Tuck yourself in, you’re in good hands.
February 18, 2019
BROCK AND KOLLA ARE BACK!
After a nearly six-year absence, Barry Maitland has returned with a new novel about his popular detective pairing of David Brock and Kathy Kolla.
In the six years since we last saw them, Brock has retired and is aimlessly spending his time at his partner’s, Suzanne, place on the Sussex coast, while Kolla has been promoted. She is now a Detective Chief Inspector in charge of her first major case, a series of brutal murders on the Hampstead Heath. The killer has been leaving little in the way of clues, but when a similar murder of a young woman occurs in the house of a failing London publisher on the edge of the Heath, she arrests the owner, John Pettigrew, and charges him with murder. Pettigrew is an unlikely murderer and his lawyer contacts Brock and asks for him to come to London and speak to the publisher. Brock is initially reluctant, but acquiesces and soon finds himself caught up in the case and at loggerheads with his former police colleagues, including Kolla.
I think that this is one of Maitland's best novels. The detectives are engaging and flawed, the secondary characters are well fleshed-out and the plot is cleverly constructed and full of interest. There is stunning mid-book twist and a good underpinning literary mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
See my full review at: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
After a nearly six-year absence, Barry Maitland has returned with a new novel about his popular detective pairing of David Brock and Kathy Kolla.
In the six years since we last saw them, Brock has retired and is aimlessly spending his time at his partner’s, Suzanne, place on the Sussex coast, while Kolla has been promoted. She is now a Detective Chief Inspector in charge of her first major case, a series of brutal murders on the Hampstead Heath. The killer has been leaving little in the way of clues, but when a similar murder of a young woman occurs in the house of a failing London publisher on the edge of the Heath, she arrests the owner, John Pettigrew, and charges him with murder. Pettigrew is an unlikely murderer and his lawyer contacts Brock and asks for him to come to London and speak to the publisher. Brock is initially reluctant, but acquiesces and soon finds himself caught up in the case and at loggerheads with his former police colleagues, including Kolla.
I think that this is one of Maitland's best novels. The detectives are engaging and flawed, the secondary characters are well fleshed-out and the plot is cleverly constructed and full of interest. There is stunning mid-book twist and a good underpinning literary mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
See my full review at: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
June 23, 2020
The Promised Land is the latest in the Brockets and Kolla series .
This book is typical Barry Maitland - an extremely good and intricate plot that keeps both reader and detective (in this book, Cathy does most of the detecting; Brockets is in jail for much of the book) wondering what's going to happen next.
Character drawing is good, but not brilliant (I'd have given the book five stars if the characters were a bit more interesting) but this is typical Maitland. His plots always seem much stronger than his characters.
My reviews DON'T focus on a step-by-step recount of the plot; you need to read the book for that. I prefer to express some of the "feelings" I had for the book.
I tend to do most of my reading via the Kindle app on my iPad. However, I was "between iPads", having sold my old one and waiting for the Chinese government to release my new one so I picked an unread paperback from my shelves to fill in the gap. The Promised Land was that choice and I'm pleased I did. This is a well written crime drama by one of the best practitioners of "the art".
Highly recommended and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Regards,
Peter
This book is typical Barry Maitland - an extremely good and intricate plot that keeps both reader and detective (in this book, Cathy does most of the detecting; Brockets is in jail for much of the book) wondering what's going to happen next.
Character drawing is good, but not brilliant (I'd have given the book five stars if the characters were a bit more interesting) but this is typical Maitland. His plots always seem much stronger than his characters.
My reviews DON'T focus on a step-by-step recount of the plot; you need to read the book for that. I prefer to express some of the "feelings" I had for the book.
I tend to do most of my reading via the Kindle app on my iPad. However, I was "between iPads", having sold my old one and waiting for the Chinese government to release my new one so I picked an unread paperback from my shelves to fill in the gap. The Promised Land was that choice and I'm pleased I did. This is a well written crime drama by one of the best practitioners of "the art".
Highly recommended and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Regards,
Peter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
As this was my first Brock & Kolla mystery, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. As a massive fan of the crime genre, I had quite high expectations, considering that this was Maitland’s third installment in this particular dynamic duos series.
Something I found particularly enthralling about the plot of this mystery was the intricately layered literary puzzles that were scattered throughout the story. I thought Maitland’s skillful use of intertextuality allowed for a greater depth to the crime to be created – rather than it just being some sick, perverted individual who gets their kicks out of intense violence.
I also enjoyed the depth of the characters and how they handled the challenges and threats that were thrown their way. Brock and Kolla were genuine and interesting, but not always likeable, which is something I love about my raw, gritty and flawed detectives.
This is definitely a must read for all you crime buffs out there!
Thank you for @allenandunwin for gifting me a copy to review!
Something I found particularly enthralling about the plot of this mystery was the intricately layered literary puzzles that were scattered throughout the story. I thought Maitland’s skillful use of intertextuality allowed for a greater depth to the crime to be created – rather than it just being some sick, perverted individual who gets their kicks out of intense violence.
I also enjoyed the depth of the characters and how they handled the challenges and threats that were thrown their way. Brock and Kolla were genuine and interesting, but not always likeable, which is something I love about my raw, gritty and flawed detectives.
This is definitely a must read for all you crime buffs out there!
Thank you for @allenandunwin for gifting me a copy to review!
August 13, 2020
This is the new Brock and Kolla novel, several years in the waiting. I've always loved the characters and this book still has their characteristics intact. Brock is now retired and Kathy has taken over a new role as a Detective Chief Inspector. The plot is interesting, involving some heinous murders and the unexpected complication of Brock being arrested for murder! The book is tense and exciting, but the added twist at the end seem a bit lame and really unnecessary. Still, it's great to have Brock and Kolla back. May more be in the offering and soon!
April 9, 2023
Too long between books, forgotten how much I enjoy the team of Brock and Kolla investigate crimes. Although no longer a team due to Brock''s retirement, individually both were still up to the job investigating and following up leads, especially Brock. The story held you in suspense throughout wondering what supposed serial killings and an unknown manuscript by a dead famous author have in common. Lots of twists and turns in the investigations, as supposedly unconnected deaths crop up and even in the end after they catch the perpetrators.
January 26, 2019
I received a copy from Allen & Unwin, and so glad I did. This book is great! I love the idea that there was a possibility that George Orwell (Eric Blair) wrote another book, titled The Promised Land, and the manuscript was considered very valuable if it indeed, was by Orwell. There are murders and arrests and more murders. The story speeds along getting more twisted and perplexing, but totally engrossing. Such a good read!! Don't miss this one.
May 26, 2019
I had to order this from Australia, but I'm glad I did.
Brock has retired, but is asked by a defence lawyer to look into an aspect of her client's defence. This causes him to believe the client may be innocent. It is Kathy who has led the investigation resulting in the client being charged.
I thought this was excellent and am glad the door seems to have been left open fr further instalments. I'm not entirely convinced by the John/Kathy relationship, but that's a minor niggle.
Brock has retired, but is asked by a defence lawyer to look into an aspect of her client's defence. This causes him to believe the client may be innocent. It is Kathy who has led the investigation resulting in the client being charged.
I thought this was excellent and am glad the door seems to have been left open fr further instalments. I'm not entirely convinced by the John/Kathy relationship, but that's a minor niggle.
August 4, 2021
DCI Kathy Kolla investigates a crime and arrests an unlikely book publisher. The defense consults retired David Brock on the case. At the heart of the case is an allegedly recently discovered manuscript of a book written by a classic author. Can they work together to find the truth?
Great writing. We all knew Brock had to retire sometime...this is a great way to keep him in the loop.
Good author.
Great writing. We all knew Brock had to retire sometime...this is a great way to keep him in the loop.
Good author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews