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In the week before Christmas, two people are brutally murdered in their homes. There is no sign of a struggle and both victims have had their throats slashed open. Detective Jason Smith is on holiday for the Christmas period, but he finds himself in the middle of the investigation before he knows it. There are no clues left at the murder scenes besides a bizarre series of numbers and letters left in random places - E6TOM. Smith and the team are baffled. What is the relevance of this ambiguous message? As the bodies start to pile up, and the tensions heat up within the team, Smith soon senses that someone in his team knows more about this than they're letting on. Is there a rat in their midst? And if so, who is it? And, why is someone killing people without any obvious motive? In the most bizarre case of Smith's career, will this be the murderer that finally beats him?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2020
82 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Giles
83 books85 followersAfter reading English at 3 Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling around the world with my wife, Ann, finally settling in South Africa, where we still live. After Ann dropped a rather large speaker on my head I came up with the idea for a detective series. DS Jason Smith was born. Smith, the first in the series was finished a few months later. 3 years and 8 DS Smith books later, Joffe Books wondered if I would be interested in working with them. As a self-published author, I agreed. However, we decided on a new series - the DC Harriet Taylor Cornwall series. The Beekeeper hit the shelves and hit the number one spot in Australia. The second in the series, The Perfect Murder did just as well. The third in the series, The Backpacker I have self-published and is now available.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 31, 2020
People are being murdered in their own homes. First an elderly man, found in his living room, with his throat slashed. His lady-friend found him. The the older lady was found in the same condition.
There are no clues, but there is a bizarre series of numbers and letter left in random places. E 6 T 0 M. No one seems to figure out what this means.
Than a young man is found, drowned. The same strange code was found on a tree near where his body was found .. but no slashed throat.
When a journalist starts writing about things about this case that she certainly shouldn't have known... and she's also found dead ... Smith senses that someone connected to the case, his team, has been leaking to the press.
And Smith's only question ... what is the motive? None of the victims are connected in any way that they've found ... and there are no clues, no forensics.
Having read all the books in this series, I can say that each book is better than the last. Plots are tightly woven around solid characters with nicely paced suspicion throughout. Conclusions are unexpected, leading one to go back and see if they can spot the clues.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Book Promotions for the digital copy of this riveting crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 10, 2020
This is book number thirteen in the brilliant series featuring DS Jason Smith, an Australian who now works in York as part of a loyal established team of detectives. These include his wife DC Erica Whitton, DC Yang Chu and DS Bridge, and they now have a new DI, Oliver Smyth (already being nicknamed “junior”) who, despite being the nephew of their complete buffoon of a Superintendent Smyth, is already gaining a lot of respect in Smith’s eyes and that is saying something. It’s the week before Christmas and just for once Smith and Whitten have time off together, meaning that they will be able to have a proper family Christmas with daughter Laura and dogs (Theakston the Lazy Bull Terrier and Fred the Ugly Pug). Things have gradually got back on a more even keel between husband and wife after “that night” and there may even be snow to make it all perfect. Famous last words, of course, as Smith has barely got into the holiday mood when a phone call summons him to a murder scene. A man called Alfred Ferguson has been found tied up and with his throat slashed. He was discovered by his girlfriend and a strange message has been left by the killer in blood. He was a good kind man so could money be the reason for his death? With DS Bridge incapacitated through booze and Whitten childminding, Smith jumps at the chance of some help from PC Dennis Fields, an officer who wants to join CID and work with Smith. Grant Webber, Head of Forensics, also has a new recruit, Brian, who is very clever and knows it all. Smith hates him instantly! Before the team of detectives have made much headway into their new case, a second victim turns up later in the same day. This time the body belongs to a retired midwife who was killed in the same manner as Alfred during a very narrow timeframe while her husband walked the dog. It becomes clear to Smith that these are very well planned attacks but the only link to the first death is the same strange message left at the crime scene. They have no common suspect nor the most important thing in Smith’s eyes – motive. This is what he drums into his officers, means and opportunity coming further down the list, and it is what will lead them to their killer every time. Only this time Smith is baffled and even his famous gut is only telling him one thing – they seem to have a leak. As the stakes are raised by the killer, it starts to look like this will be the case that finally defeats Smith.
Once again it's a completely engrossing read from start to finish as Smith battles to keep the people of York safe and stop these bizarre crimes. The characters are so familiar now that they're more like family and as a reader you really care about them. Their interactions, teamed with little dashes of humour and a clever and original plot, all go to produce a winning combination in another hit for Stewart Giles as this fabulous series just gets better and better. Thoroughly recommended! 5*
Once again it's a completely engrossing read from start to finish as Smith battles to keep the people of York safe and stop these bizarre crimes. The characters are so familiar now that they're more like family and as a reader you really care about them. Their interactions, teamed with little dashes of humour and a clever and original plot, all go to produce a winning combination in another hit for Stewart Giles as this fabulous series just gets better and better. Thoroughly recommended! 5*
August 11, 2020
OH WOW, it's time for book thirteen in detective Jason Smith. I loved the whole of this series, everyone has a different story to tell, so I was eager to get started.
Set in York, Smith and Whitton are enjoying some quality time off with their daughter, when the call comes through they are both needed back at work ASAP.
Alfred Ferguson, is dead with a sack over his head lying on the floor in his house, that is full of security, so he must have let his killer in , it is not long till its Christmas, but he never made it to the season of goodwill, a millionaire, who works at the hospital something just doesn't add up. He was well liked , then Smith spots the fridge door with the blood, and the word E6TOM, some kind of code? Password? Murder for money has to be one possible MOTIVE. Time to do some digging, before more bodies are yet to follow.
Firstly I just want to say, Motive is one of this author's best books so far, it's got so much action and twist's going on, I doubt this author will never ever bore me, Is there more on the way? I hope so. loved it till the end, with lots of chilling moment that will make your hair curl. what more can I say? worth double star's. this book made my day, so any more bring them on please.
Set in York, Smith and Whitton are enjoying some quality time off with their daughter, when the call comes through they are both needed back at work ASAP.
Alfred Ferguson, is dead with a sack over his head lying on the floor in his house, that is full of security, so he must have let his killer in , it is not long till its Christmas, but he never made it to the season of goodwill, a millionaire, who works at the hospital something just doesn't add up. He was well liked , then Smith spots the fridge door with the blood, and the word E6TOM, some kind of code? Password? Murder for money has to be one possible MOTIVE. Time to do some digging, before more bodies are yet to follow.
Firstly I just want to say, Motive is one of this author's best books so far, it's got so much action and twist's going on, I doubt this author will never ever bore me, Is there more on the way? I hope so. loved it till the end, with lots of chilling moment that will make your hair curl. what more can I say? worth double star's. this book made my day, so any more bring them on please.
January 20, 2021
So I missed reading this book last year, and I thought I better catch up before I jump into the next in the series Australia.
I can't quite believe this is book thirteen in the series! It can be read easily as a standalone, but I would recommend reading a few of the previous novels just to get to know the characters better.
Smith and his wife Whitton are meant to be enjoying a peaceful Christmas, that's until bodies keep turning up with a strange message written in blood. To make matters worse, the killer leaves behind no trace and the victims are all seemingly unrelated to each other. Can Smith and his team figure out the motive and catch the killer?
I really enjoyed this story. It reminded me of some of my favourites from earlier in the series, like Harlequin or Venom. It has a fast pace, a dastardly murderer, and it kept me guessing throughout.
The ending and motive were a little unrealistic, but it didn't spoil my overall enjoyment of the novel.
Motive is a quick, absorbing read that had me hooked from start to finish.
I can't quite believe this is book thirteen in the series! It can be read easily as a standalone, but I would recommend reading a few of the previous novels just to get to know the characters better.
Smith and his wife Whitton are meant to be enjoying a peaceful Christmas, that's until bodies keep turning up with a strange message written in blood. To make matters worse, the killer leaves behind no trace and the victims are all seemingly unrelated to each other. Can Smith and his team figure out the motive and catch the killer?
I really enjoyed this story. It reminded me of some of my favourites from earlier in the series, like Harlequin or Venom. It has a fast pace, a dastardly murderer, and it kept me guessing throughout.
The ending and motive were a little unrealistic, but it didn't spoil my overall enjoyment of the novel.
Motive is a quick, absorbing read that had me hooked from start to finish.
September 14, 2020
I have been a fan of Stewart’s work for a couple of years now. I haven’t quite caught up with all of his books, of which there are a lot, but I try to keep pace with his new releases whilst at the same time trying to read as much of his back catalogue as I can and when I have a minute. I have a particular fondness for the series featuring DS Jason Smith. Stewart’s latest book is a case for DS Smith. The book is called ‘Motive’ and it was released on 31st August 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Motive’ but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Sergeant Jason Smith? Well apart from the fact that I have adopted him as my cousin. (I know this is a work of fiction and therefore not real but if I find a character I like and we have something in common then I tend to claim them as a relative. In this case we have the Smith surname in common.) Smith is different to a lot of police officers in that he is from Australia and he works as a police officer in North Yorkshire. Smith lived in Australia until his mid teens, when something happened and he was sent to live with his beloved Grandma, who lived in York. She sadly passed away years ago but Smith has stayed in York. ‘Motive’ sees Smith back together with his wife and child. There was a bit of a hiccup in the previous book but the couple seem to be working to save their marriage and remain as a family. Smith is a canny man. He is hard working, determined, dedicated, fiercely protective of his friends and family, he mostly follows the rules but every now and then the case demands that such rules are slightly bent. Smith generally has a good working relationship with his colleagues although he does have a bit of an issue with his superiors and has been known to blow up at them. I loved Smith and I look forward to reading many more books about his shenanigans.
Stewart has done it again and he has written one hell of a bloody good book. I fell under this book’s spell from the moment I first picked the book up and I remained under that spell until the moment I closed the back cover. I literally read this book in one long reading binge because I simply couldn’t bear to be parted from the book. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. The pages turned so quickly that it was as if they were turning themselves. I was gripped by this thrilling story and on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Motive’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Stewart Giles. He instantly grabs your attention and draws you into the story. He then takes you on one hell of a fast paced, scary, unpredictable, adrenaline rush of a rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns to it than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. Just when you thought that you might be able to take a breather, gather your thoughts, reclaim your stomach then off the action would go again. I loved the characters and of course Smith was my favourite one. I do wonder how much more the poor fella will have to go through. He is a bit like the Terminator in that despite being knocked down again and again, he bounces back tougher and stronger than he was before.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Motive’. I would have no hesitation in recommending this book, this series and this author to other readers. I will definitely be reading a lot more of Stewart’s work in the future. The series featuring DS Jason Smith, is one of those series that goes from strength to strength with each new book better than the last. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
What can I say about Detective Sergeant Jason Smith? Well apart from the fact that I have adopted him as my cousin. (I know this is a work of fiction and therefore not real but if I find a character I like and we have something in common then I tend to claim them as a relative. In this case we have the Smith surname in common.) Smith is different to a lot of police officers in that he is from Australia and he works as a police officer in North Yorkshire. Smith lived in Australia until his mid teens, when something happened and he was sent to live with his beloved Grandma, who lived in York. She sadly passed away years ago but Smith has stayed in York. ‘Motive’ sees Smith back together with his wife and child. There was a bit of a hiccup in the previous book but the couple seem to be working to save their marriage and remain as a family. Smith is a canny man. He is hard working, determined, dedicated, fiercely protective of his friends and family, he mostly follows the rules but every now and then the case demands that such rules are slightly bent. Smith generally has a good working relationship with his colleagues although he does have a bit of an issue with his superiors and has been known to blow up at them. I loved Smith and I look forward to reading many more books about his shenanigans.
Stewart has done it again and he has written one hell of a bloody good book. I fell under this book’s spell from the moment I first picked the book up and I remained under that spell until the moment I closed the back cover. I literally read this book in one long reading binge because I simply couldn’t bear to be parted from the book. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. The pages turned so quickly that it was as if they were turning themselves. I was gripped by this thrilling story and on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘Motive’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Stewart Giles. He instantly grabs your attention and draws you into the story. He then takes you on one hell of a fast paced, scary, unpredictable, adrenaline rush of a rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns to it than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. Just when you thought that you might be able to take a breather, gather your thoughts, reclaim your stomach then off the action would go again. I loved the characters and of course Smith was my favourite one. I do wonder how much more the poor fella will have to go through. He is a bit like the Terminator in that despite being knocked down again and again, he bounces back tougher and stronger than he was before.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Motive’. I would have no hesitation in recommending this book, this series and this author to other readers. I will definitely be reading a lot more of Stewart’s work in the future. The series featuring DS Jason Smith, is one of those series that goes from strength to strength with each new book better than the last. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 19, 2020
DS Smith’s life is back on an even keel after a turbulent year. His wife and daughter have moved back in and they are looking forward to a long Christmas holiday together. But then the phone rings and Smith and Whitton are called back to work for a murder investigation. Two more bodies are discovered and the police are unable to find any connection. DS Smith suspects someone in the team…
Motive is the thirteenth book in Stewart Giles’ Jason Smith series. I have read books 10 and 12 (Severed and Deadeye) and was eager to catch up of the life and love of the lead detective.
The dynamics between the characters is just so good. Smith and Whitton are married with a young daughter so have to negotiate the personal and professional lives. Giles has a way of making you really care about the characters: they have a reality that is refreshing and the dialogue feels natural.
There are also the dynamics of the relationships with other characters, including superior officers, the forensic team and the colleague that Smith had a one night stand with. In Motive, the other characters have an increased significance as Smith believes that one of them is leaking information to the press and could even be the murderer they are searching for.
The plot begins with a murder and, while this is quite graphic, it does not seem gratuitous. Later murders are described in forensic detail but with the added personal reaction of Smith and his team.
The ending was certainly dramatic but didn’t feel very realistic. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation but felt a little let down with the actual reveal of the culprit. However, the rest of the book is such high quality that it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of Motive and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Smith’s life.
Motive is the thirteenth book in Stewart Giles’ Jason Smith series. I have read books 10 and 12 (Severed and Deadeye) and was eager to catch up of the life and love of the lead detective.
The dynamics between the characters is just so good. Smith and Whitton are married with a young daughter so have to negotiate the personal and professional lives. Giles has a way of making you really care about the characters: they have a reality that is refreshing and the dialogue feels natural.
There are also the dynamics of the relationships with other characters, including superior officers, the forensic team and the colleague that Smith had a one night stand with. In Motive, the other characters have an increased significance as Smith believes that one of them is leaking information to the press and could even be the murderer they are searching for.
The plot begins with a murder and, while this is quite graphic, it does not seem gratuitous. Later murders are described in forensic detail but with the added personal reaction of Smith and his team.
The ending was certainly dramatic but didn’t feel very realistic. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation but felt a little let down with the actual reveal of the culprit. However, the rest of the book is such high quality that it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of Motive and I can’t wait to see what happens next in Smith’s life.
August 31, 2020
Brilliant book
This is book 13 in Stewart’s amazing Jason Smith series and they keep getting better.
This time it’s Christmas again when Smith and Whitton are called into work whilst on leave.
They have been called in as a body has been found and the man had his throat slit.
Very soon more bodies keep turning up but the team struggle to find a link connecting the victims and also a motive to the killings as they appear to be totally random and no reason for the people to have been killed.
As usual with Stewart’s books someone very close to Smith will be put in mortal danger before the end of the book and Stewart is now walking a very fine line about what I will allow before going over to see him and have very stern words about how he treats his characters.
The book had me hooked from the very start and, just like Smith and his team, I couldn’t work out who did it or why until the very end, and if anyone says they worked it out I’d be extremely impressed.
I really love the way the team work together throughout the investigation even when Smith thinks that one of his team are involved, or at least know more than they are saying. This is one reason the Smith series works so well as Stewart isn’t afraid of breaking the team up or throwing things into the story line to make you think there is a mole within his tight team, whether real or just assumed.
I really love the Smith books and cannot wait for the next one to come out as the series keeps getting better with each book.
This is book 13 in Stewart’s amazing Jason Smith series and they keep getting better.
This time it’s Christmas again when Smith and Whitton are called into work whilst on leave.
They have been called in as a body has been found and the man had his throat slit.
Very soon more bodies keep turning up but the team struggle to find a link connecting the victims and also a motive to the killings as they appear to be totally random and no reason for the people to have been killed.
As usual with Stewart’s books someone very close to Smith will be put in mortal danger before the end of the book and Stewart is now walking a very fine line about what I will allow before going over to see him and have very stern words about how he treats his characters.
The book had me hooked from the very start and, just like Smith and his team, I couldn’t work out who did it or why until the very end, and if anyone says they worked it out I’d be extremely impressed.
I really love the way the team work together throughout the investigation even when Smith thinks that one of his team are involved, or at least know more than they are saying. This is one reason the Smith series works so well as Stewart isn’t afraid of breaking the team up or throwing things into the story line to make you think there is a mole within his tight team, whether real or just assumed.
I really love the Smith books and cannot wait for the next one to come out as the series keeps getting better with each book.
August 13, 2020
This is the next in the series of Detective Jason Smith crime thrillers #13. It will stand alone but relationships etc will make more sense if at least some of the others in the series have been read- and why miss out on other brilliant reads? Smith and Whitton are off duty for 10 days………….so they thought, when they get a shout as there has been a murder of a millionaire. No prizes for motive there is the first thought, until another muder happens. Each one has the same cryptic clue at the scene written in blood. What is the connection and why have these people been killed and what on earth is the motive? I love this series. Jason Smith is a gritty says-what-he-thinks-and- doesn’t- give- a damn type character although he does care about the right people and his heart is very much in the right place. He has this knack of thinking very much not in the box and when he says something isn't quite right (or in his language” this stinks”) he is more often than not correct. There is a nice balance of character with Whitton, his wife and their daughter and his equaliser in life- his pivot and love. This is a wonderful series, brilliantly written every one has kept me very entertained and wanting more. One truly stunning read
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
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September 20, 2020
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I loved this book!!
It was a wonderful read and I was fully absorbed in the story by the first chapters – it does make me wonder though how on earth we got to 13 books in the main Detective Jason Smith series so quickly but I am delighted we have and it is still going strong too!
I knew as soon as I read the blurb for the book that it was one that I needed to get my hands on and I thought that it was superb!
I thought that the characterisation was spot on, the characters were genuine and believable as I have come to expect now from this author – I have read almost all of his books now and he has never disappointed!
This story was very well written, it had a brilliant flow to it and the author did a fantastic job with the descriptions and scene setting.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I loved everything about the book from cover to cover, it was excellent, well developed and an additive read! Very highly recommended!!
I loved this book!!
It was a wonderful read and I was fully absorbed in the story by the first chapters – it does make me wonder though how on earth we got to 13 books in the main Detective Jason Smith series so quickly but I am delighted we have and it is still going strong too!
I knew as soon as I read the blurb for the book that it was one that I needed to get my hands on and I thought that it was superb!
I thought that the characterisation was spot on, the characters were genuine and believable as I have come to expect now from this author – I have read almost all of his books now and he has never disappointed!
This story was very well written, it had a brilliant flow to it and the author did a fantastic job with the descriptions and scene setting.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I loved everything about the book from cover to cover, it was excellent, well developed and an additive read! Very highly recommended!!
Read
September 16, 2020Motive by Stewart Giles is the thirteenth book in the Jason Smith series. Well, what can be said about this series? Fantastic for a start! Love Smith and the team.
In this particular book Smith and Whetton are having some well deserved time off with their daughter.Yes ,you know it,they get a call and they are needed, like yesterday, back at work.
A man has been found with his throat cut, in no time at all the bodies start appearing but the team are struggling to find a connection. or motive. These killings seem random with no reason for the murders.At the same time there is someone leaking information to the press which further muddies the water.
Has Jason Smith met his match?
Anybody who keeps up with my blog knows I love Smith and I think this is Stewart's best book yet! With many thanks to Stewart for the copy of Motive for the blog tour, also thank you to Joffe books for having me on the tour today.
In this particular book Smith and Whetton are having some well deserved time off with their daughter.Yes ,you know it,they get a call and they are needed, like yesterday, back at work.
A man has been found with his throat cut, in no time at all the bodies start appearing but the team are struggling to find a connection. or motive. These killings seem random with no reason for the murders.At the same time there is someone leaking information to the press which further muddies the water.
Has Jason Smith met his match?
Anybody who keeps up with my blog knows I love Smith and I think this is Stewart's best book yet! With many thanks to Stewart for the copy of Motive for the blog tour, also thank you to Joffe books for having me on the tour today.
August 24, 2020
Wow Stewart has done it again. Another fantastic read about DS Jason Smith. This is book 13 in this series, but I hope it’s not going to be unlucky for the readers by being the last. Smith and Whitton are just about to start a well earned break when they both get called back into work. A new serial killer seems to be at work but Smith can’t work out the Motive. Is someone at work also leaking information to the press. Has a killer finally stumped Smith and his perfect record. A well deserved 5 star read.
August 12, 2020
MOTIVE throws a horrific, inexplicable incident out of nowhere. Swamped with indecipherable mysteries, heart racing suspense builds to harrowing proportions. When violence hits close to home anger, fear and frustration arise with equal measure. The suspense really ramps up when it becomes personal culminating in a dynamite explosive finish.
MOTIVE IS A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ MUST READ!
MOTIVE IS A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ MUST READ!
August 31, 2020
Jason Smith is awesome
He always solves the case. He is brillant,determined, relentless and deeply flawed. But he always catches the bad guy or girl because he never gives up.
He always solves the case. He is brillant,determined, relentless and deeply flawed. But he always catches the bad guy or girl because he never gives up.
June 14, 2022
Another excellent read
August 30, 2023
excellent
Plenty of action going on and quite a lot of intrigue. Stewart really doesn’t disappoint. Have read all the books in the series and can’t wait for the next one.
Plenty of action going on and quite a lot of intrigue. Stewart really doesn’t disappoint. Have read all the books in the series and can’t wait for the next one.
May 23, 2025
another great episode in the saga of Ds Smith and Co and Stuart rwslky knows how yo keep you on the edge of your seat . thankyou and bring on #14
October 16, 2020
DS Smith's life is back on an even keel after a turbulent year. His wife and daughter have moved back in and they are looking forward to a long Christmas holiday together. But then the phone rings and Smith and Whitton are called back to work for a murder investigation. Two more bodies are discovered and the police are unable to find any connection. DS Smith suspects someone in the team...
Motive is the thirteenth book in Stewart Giles' Jason Smith series. I have read books 10 and 12 (Severed and Deadeye) and was eager to catch up of the life and love of the lead detective.
The dynamics between the characters is just so good. Smith and Whitton are married with a young daughter so have to negotiate the personal and professional lives. Giles has a way of making you really care about the characters: they have a reality that is refreshing and the dialogue feels natural.
There are also the dynamics of the relationships with other characters, including superior officers, the forensic team and the colleague that Smith had a one night stand with. In Motive, the other characters have an increased significance as Smith believes that one of them is leaking information to the press and could even be the murderer they are searching for.
The plot begins with a murder and, while this is quite graphic, it does not seem gratuitous. Later murders are described in forensic detail but with the added personal reaction of Smith and his team.
The ending was certainly dramatic but didn't feel very realistic. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation but felt a little let down with the actual reveal of the culprit. However, the rest of the book is such high quality that it didn't spoil my enjoyment of Motive and I can't wait to see what happens next in Smith's life.
Motive is the thirteenth book in Stewart Giles' Jason Smith series. I have read books 10 and 12 (Severed and Deadeye) and was eager to catch up of the life and love of the lead detective.
The dynamics between the characters is just so good. Smith and Whitton are married with a young daughter so have to negotiate the personal and professional lives. Giles has a way of making you really care about the characters: they have a reality that is refreshing and the dialogue feels natural.
There are also the dynamics of the relationships with other characters, including superior officers, the forensic team and the colleague that Smith had a one night stand with. In Motive, the other characters have an increased significance as Smith believes that one of them is leaking information to the press and could even be the murderer they are searching for.
The plot begins with a murder and, while this is quite graphic, it does not seem gratuitous. Later murders are described in forensic detail but with the added personal reaction of Smith and his team.
The ending was certainly dramatic but didn't feel very realistic. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation but felt a little let down with the actual reveal of the culprit. However, the rest of the book is such high quality that it didn't spoil my enjoyment of Motive and I can't wait to see what happens next in Smith's life.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews