Under Construction

by Bradd Chambers

The Mother

Nuala's childhood home is being knocked down in favour of the new dual carriageway connecting the two major cities in Northern Ireland.

The Daughter

Danielle's father's body is found in the rubble of their old garage. He's been missing for three years now with no answers as to why he left them.

The Detective Inspector

Detective Inspector McNally has to hit the ground running when he moves to Derry and investigates the biggest missing person case the city has had in a long time.

The Ex-Boyfriend

Chris has to make amends with a grief striken family that he hasn't spoken to in years. Just so he can keep his darkest secret underground.

From the author who brought you In Too Deep and Daddy's Little Girl

469 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2020

About the author

Bradd Chambers is a writer from Derry~Londonderry in Northern Ireland. He has an NCTJ Diploma in Journalism from his local North West Regional College, as well as a BA (Hons) degree in the same subject from Liverpool John Moores University. He has studied Creative Writing for years at colleges around the UK and currently writes for several online magazines.

He started out setting his books in a fictional English town called Rong Valley, before relocating to his hometown of Derry. He's also set a book in Liverpool. If you're new to Bradd's books, he suggests reading them in order of publication, as there are some repeat characters and Easter eggs, as well as follow on events, but they can also be read easily as standalones. They are as follows:

‘Someone Else’s Life’ - Released June 2017

‘Our Jilly’ - Released November 2017

‘In Too Deep’ - Released February 2019

‘Daddy’s Little Girl’ - Released January 2020

‘Under Construction’ - Released October 2020

'Who's Next?' - Released July 2021

‘Why Did They Not Take You?’ - Released June 2023

You can find Bradd on the usual social media: @braddchambers

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nuala's old home is being torn down. She and her mostly-grown children have moved into a new home.

Nuala's husband, a politician, has been missing for three years. He walked away and was never seen again. Some thought he had a girlfriend and went away to start a new life with her. His wife has always believed something happened to him.

And she's proven right when construction workers find her husband's body buried behind the garage of her old home. The medical examiner states that he was hit in the head .. and that's probably what killed him.

But who killed him ... and why?

The suspects include his wife and their children. And being in politics, it could have been any number of others. DI McNally and DS Ferguson find themselves investigating the family, friends, and especially his known enemies. It's frustrating because several of the questioned persons of interest have secrets ... secrets they do not want exposed. But how far will anyone go to keep their secrets hidden in the darkness?

The mystery starts on the first page and fast-paced suspense holds steady to the very end. The characters are solidly drawn and their personal lives lend credibility to the story. The ending was unexpected. All the boxes checked for me.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNDER CONSTRUCTION is a Crime/Psychological Thriller by Bradd Chambers, and the second book in his Derry City series. Having enjoyed reading the first book, “In Too Deep”, I was looking forward to following the series. While this novel can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the books in order to follow the character story lines.

Nuala's childhood home is being knocked down, to be replaced by a road connecting the two major cities in Northern Ireland. She and her seventeen- year old teenager, Michelle are moving into a new home. Nuala is driving to Belfast City Airport to drop off her eldest daughter, Danielle is off for 2nd year at University. The eldest son, Richie had shipped off to Cardiff and got a job before graduation. Michelle is to go to college and live at home with her mum.

Nuala’s husband, Aaron, a politician has been missing for three years. There was no trace as to where he went, and Nuala is convinced he was taken out because he was a threat to one of the organizations in Northern Ireland.

After an intense search for months, Nuala had to admit that her husband was dead and to try to move on.

Then one day, when construction workers find Aaron’s body buried behind the garage of her old home. He had been hit in the head. But who killed him?

DI McNally and DS Ferguson are assigned to investigate the discovery of the body. The list of suspects is lengthy, including his wife and their children, family, friends and being in politics…his known enemies.

So many hidden secrets…

This was a well written novel with well-developed relatable characters in this fast-paced crime thriller. Twists and turns with increasing suspense levels come to a highpoint with this unpredicted ending. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under Construction
Bradd Chambers
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book Under Construction by Bradd Chambers. It is a story that pulled me in from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. The author has an amazing way of making both the storyline and the characters come alive. I felt like I was right there with the characters listening to their part of the story. The story revolves around the disappearance of a man who is a husband and father. Will his disappearance be solved? Read this book to find out. In this story, you read about how many of the characters feel and react. Reading about them had my emotions going up and down the entire time. The author keeps you guessing all the way through. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The story has mystery, suspense, and danger. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. This is a thrilling tale that is sure to be enjoyed by anyone who loves crime/psychological thrillers. This is the second book that I have read by the author and I can honestly say that his stories don’t disappoint. I can’t wait to find out what he writes next. Don’t miss out on reading an exciting story. I highly recommend it.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just read book 1 in this Derry/Londonderry series, I was anticipating a good book and was not disappointed. Based around a family whose father had 'disappeared' in 2016 after a night out, when the family home is under a compulsory purchase order to build a new road to Belfast 3 years later, his body is literally unearthed and so a new investigation begins with a different DI in charge. The story sways between the two years building up to whoever killed Aaron Parker, a politician who had been trying to get support for his middle of the road party. I did not see the ending coming nor the finale!
What I liked about the story was how Bradd highlighted the sectarianism which still permeates through society there but without it taking over the story. It was very informative. I would highly recommend reading this book.
I read this book as an ARC for my book club.

[Louise Sowter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been given the chance to read this book through a review group I was excited first reading in too deep in one evening and eager to start this .. the way the author writes leaves even when I put the books down in the heart of Ireland and engrossed in the characters life.. sometimes my heart in mouth wondering what is coming next .. I enjoyed this book equally as much and was not disappointed.. it was a book left me considering how far people go to conceal a dark secret and felt totally enamoured by the characters .. I will for sure continue to read books by this author and recommend to other readers.. a definite five stars all the way

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Derry Series and as good as the first one In Too Deep.

Di McNally and DS Ferguson are investigating following the discovery of a body by builders constructing a new road.

The body is found behind a garage in the home of Nuala and is her husband, a politician, who disappeared 3 years ago. Was this a sectarian murder?

The story also follows Nuala’s three children, and their friends and the relationships between them.

Well written with plenty of twists and turns and whilst elucidating the intricacies of the religious divide in Northern Ireland it also shows how family relate to each other during stressful times.

Great read and a 5* from me.

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex story about family, politics and murder. Uncomfortable pasts are brought to light. people are all too human. Danielle and her family want answers, don't they? NcNally and Ferguson have so many hidden truths to sort through, investigating what really happened to Aaron Parker. Excellent character development.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a e book for my i pad from a face book group that I am a member of. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I have other books by this author and liked them too. I look forward to the next book by this author.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished book 1 of this series which was great and book 2 was even better. Really good characters that are developing their own stories within the story. Read in one sitting as I couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out what had happened. Lots of twists and turns. Can’t wait for book 3.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second novel in the Derry series by Bradd Chambers and again this did not disappoint.

This focuses on Nuala and her family trying to cope with the disappearance of her husband one night. Everyone assumes he had left the family but she refuses to believe this and a gruesome discovery during the construction of a motorway proves her correct.

I found the characters well developed and believable. The development of this story kept me engrossed and wanting to read more. I particularly enjoyed the insight into the political parties in Northern Ireland and the ongoing undercurrents.

Thank you to TBC Reviewer group for my copy of this novel.

[Geeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable Bradd Chambers book, so I was looking forward to this. I didn't have a clue who had committed the crime as there were so many characters and possibilities. The past and present clearly kept me informed and gave me an understanding of the event.
I really liked McNally's character.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by this author that I devoured in one day. I love the setting of these books in Northern Ireland and the characters feel very real and genuine. This time our story follows the discovery of a missing mans body behind the garage in his old house three years after his disappearance.

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love Bradd's DI McNally's books and this one is no exception (to be fair I've yet to read a bad book by Bradd)
Another well written offering with a gripping storyline, excellent characters and relationships between them- a cracking read!

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Underconstruction by Brad Chambers.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were thorough and the story was captivating. I had no clue who the killer was. The ending i was not expecting. That was a surprise. 4*.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written book. I enjoyed it alot. The ending sure surprised me. I can't wait for the next read by this author.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, suspenseful read, that I found I did not want to put down! The story was original and exciting with characters that were realistic and likable. It is everything you could want in a thriller that keeps you glued to the pages.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Angie Jones-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second Bradd Chambers and it won't be my last!

Well written and it kept me on my toes from start to finish. I had very little idea who was to blame for the death of body which was found, it really was a tough one to figure out.

With the timeline changes from one era to the next, it kept me focused and intrigued. The complex long term relationships and feuds for that matter, had my attention.

I think it's a brilliant book and I will go and look for more to carry on my Bradd Chambers reading!

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with too many excellent UK and Irish authors, Bradd Chambers, in my opinion, joins the ranks of those who deserve much more attention given their consistency and absorbing work ,which always concludes with a ‘wow’ on conclusion.

This is the 3rd book I have read by this author and, as with Into Deep and Someone Else’s Life, it was a super engaging and rewarding read.

Switching between those investigating the discovery of a body of a man who suddenly disappeared 3 years previously, the family the victim left behind, Daniella his daughter in particular, and her ex-boyfriend, Chris, the truth of what occurred proves a marathon challenge. Was it political? He was afterall a politician who was presenting himself as a force to unite a very politically divided Northern Ireland. Or closer to home?

Under Construction is a rich, brooding thriller that fully captured my attention and left me (wrongly as it turned out) trying to guess the truth to his murder (there were so very many credible twists and turns) and realising, until the very end, I wasn’t even close!

Highly recommend Under Construction and it’s author, Bradd Chambers.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all of Bradd Chambers’ other books, I had high hopes for Under Construction and he didn’t fail to deliver. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, this is the second book in a series and it would be better to read them in order.

Set in the backdrop of Derry/Londonderry, Chambers didn’t shy away from the politics, sectarianism and violence, and intricately wove it all into the story as DI McNally and DS Ferguson picked their way through the lies to try to establish who killed Aaron Parker back in 2016. The characters were well developed and believable, and the family dynamics were particularly well written. I couldn’t help but warm to or despise individuals as the writing and story pulled me into their lives. The story unfolds and builds as the chapters move between the past and present and there are plenty of twists to keep you on your toes along the way in this well paced thriller.

[Karen Cuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel pulled me in from the very first chapter. It follows the disappearance of politician Aaron Parker in 2016 and then jumps forward to 2019, when his body is found buried at the site of his family’s old house — a house demolished to make way for the new Belfast–Derry road. The dual timelines worked really well, keeping me gripped as the truth slowly came to light. What made the story stand out were the layers of context: nods to the Troubles, the fragile political landscape, and the strained relationship many in Derry have with the PSNI. The return of Dermott, the family’s former liaison officer, brought both comfort and unease, as it became clear that someone close to the Parkers was hiding something. Alongside the crime, the book explores family tensions and fractured relationships with real depth. Another fantastic read from Bradd Chambers — tense, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. Thanks to TBC reviewer group and author for the opportunity to read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a thriller that hooks me in from the very first page and doesn’t let up and Under Construction did exactly that. I found myself not wanting to put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next.

What I really enjoyed was being kept guessing. So many thrillers give the game away early, but here I honestly didn’t work out who the perpetrator was until the reveal. That made it so much more satisfying.

I also liked getting to know all the different characters. Each one felt distinct and I appreciated having that insight into who they were and what made them tick.

I have previously read Someone Else’s Life by Bradd Chambers and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to pick this one up too. It didn’t disappoint it’s a clever, well-paced thriller that had me completely absorbed

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was engaging and full of twists and turns and I had no prior idea of who the murderer was.

Nuala Parker and her three grown up children Richie, Danielle and Michelle had recently moved home. They were sad to leave their old home, which was being demolished. Nuala’s politician husband Aaron had gone missing three years before. The case had gone cold and Aaron had never been found.

During the demolition a body was found behind their garage and it was identified as the body of Aaron.

DI McNally and DS Ferguson were assigned to the case. Two of the opposing political parties members were on the list of suspects as Aaron was very vocal in his views on their policies and refused to unite with their parties.

A fab read and one where you are kept guessing right to the very end.

[Helen Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good gritty read with an Irish backdrop, stunning description and atmosphere together with a feel of the history and tensions.
Nuala’s husband has been missing for three years and when construction works begins in her garden he is found, obviously murdered, so suspicions start to mount including with her adult children.
This is the second book I have read in the series and although it would read really well as a stand-alone I loved the continuity of finding out more about characters I’d already ‘met’ in the first book and admire the way they develop.
The tension and interest built steadily, gathering pace towards the end as the secrets spill out and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nuala's childhood home is being torn down to build a major roadway, but what they find hidden in the rubble surprises, everyone.

Aaron had been missing for the last 3 years, and everyone thought this politician had run off with another woman. I mean he left no trace when he left so what else could have happened to him?

DI McNally and DS Ferguson are assigned to investigate the discovery of the body. The list of suspects was so long that I had no idea who really did it!

This book is a book about secrets. It is a very fast-paced read and will keep you turning the pages long into the night! And with all the twists and turns it will definitely keep you guessing.

Great book and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for me!

[Emma Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read. The story focuses upon Nuala and her family after her husband goes missing and is later found murdered, buried in their own garden. The story moves between 2016 and 2019 to give some background of what happened. It was nice to have familiar characters back in this story; Cathal for one, getting a bit more of an insight into his character was a nice. I did figure out who the murderer was early on in the story but the reasoning for it did surprise me. Can’t wait to move onto the next book.

[Claire-Louise Armstrong-Brealey · Rating 4 out of 5]

fabulous!! The author used arse instead of ass and it made my day... until he slipped up once haha.

The story is excellent. If you do not know of the problems that have been ongoing in Northern Ireland and Ireland, please, please read up on them. This tale touches on the underground groups that still cause issues, right or wrong. It also speaks of the difficulty the police have, even still, with these factions. Mistrust is abound.

The ending reveals, I had guessed fairly early on, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

On to book three in the series now...

[Willow Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book from Bradd who is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.

A gripping mystery from start to finish with an ending I didn't see coming. Normally I'm quite good at picking out a killer way before the book finishes but this kept me guessing until the end.

I'd highly recommend this book and all of Bradd's books. You won't be disappointed. I look forward to more amazing stories.

Thank you Bradd and TBC reviews for the copy. I shall for sure read this again.

[Sue Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the body of a politician turns up in the garden of his home after going missing three years before. It is down to DI McNally and DS Ferguson to solve who is responsible. Here starts a gripping crime story involving two dangerous political parties that will do anything to gain power. The family are just about holding it together but they have secrets too. This is another excellent book by Bradd Chambers once you start to read you can't put it down. Highly recommend.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under construction is a good crime/ psychological thriller. After reading book one I wanted to continue on to book2. This book however can be read as a stand alone but I recommend you do read them in order so understand some of the characters. Yet again the story pulls you in and you don’t want to leave. On to book 3.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series. The multiple perspectives used in the telling of this story helped to keep up the suspense because you were fed just enough information to think that you had it all figured out. This was a great story that had me on the edge of my seat. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.