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Paterson & Clocks #6
Child Behind the Wall
Discover a crime thriller full of shocking twists by one of the most exciting new authors you’ll read this year. Child Behind the Wall is a finalist in the Page Turner Awards 2021!YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT THIS DOWN, PAGE AFTER PAGE OF ACTION AND CLIFFHANGERS . . .4 a.m. on the outskirts of LondonA police squad descend swiftly on a house, eager to exploit the rare opportunity of catching a burglar in the act.Nothing could have prepared them for what they find.From inside a room on the ground floor, comes the eerie sound of a woman singing, ‘the childmaker . . . the childmaker . . . beware the childmaker’.Four officers break down the door to enter a darkened room. Their flashlights illuminate the body of a man with a knife in his chest and a bloody mess where his face should be.Nearby, stands a small, thin woman. In her hand is a kitchen knife . . .By the time, Detectives Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks arrive at the scene, there is carnage.But what is bricked up behind the wall is far, far worse.A RACE-AGAINST-TIME THRILLER WHICH WILL HAVE YOU TOTALLY ADDICTED.This is the sixth in a series of action-packed, edge-of-your-seat crime thrillers, with an ending that will have your heart in your mouth.Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Damien Boyd, Rachel Abbott, Patricia Gibney or Martina Cole.WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT STEVE PARKER’S “A must-read for all crime thriller fans.” Viv“A fast-moving action-packed thriller which will keep you enthralled from page one.” Barbara“Another gripping, fast-paced and twisted caper for the most unorthodox police duo in UK fiction.” Donna“Loved the book, Clocks makes me laugh out loud.” AileenTHE DETECTIVESDetective Superintendent Ray Paterson is a young and (thanks to family money) wealthy womaniser, separated from his model wife and tipped to be the youngest ever commissioner of police. He knows he’s weak when it comes to practical policing and struggles to find a place among his peers, desperate to be a good policeman and not just a 'climber'.Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks is a foul-mouthed, working-class officer. He grew up surrounded by rogues and villains to become a first-class thief taker with the Met police. However, his childish attitude has short-circuited his career and he spends his days antagonising as many people as he can.THE AUTHORSteve Parker is a retired police officer who served for 20 years in numerous high-profiles squads.DETECTIVE RAY PATERSONBook 1: THEIR LAST WORDSBook 2: THE LOST CHILDRENBook 3: THE BURNING MENBook 4: YOU CAN’T HIDEBook 5: THEIR DYING BREATHBook 6: CHILD BEHIND THE WALLBook 7: HIS MOTHER’S BONESBook 8: DEAD ON DELIVERYBook 9: SLAUGHTERED AS THEY SLEPT
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2020
1207 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
September 4, 2020
Paterson & Clocks #6
Lynton Road in London: one man is dead, a knife is still stuck in his chest. His face is missing. Theres also a crazy woman holding a knife whilst repeating "the child maker did it". The house is covered in body parts.
Paterson and Clocks are like chalk and cheese. They come from different backgrounds but they work well together. They don't always follow protocol but they always get the job done. They are now investigating one of the most horrific cases of their career. The more they search the house the more body parts they find. Paterson and Clocks have to face against time to hunt down the "childmaker" down. There are some gruesome details.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks and the author #MichaelHambling for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lynton Road in London: one man is dead, a knife is still stuck in his chest. His face is missing. Theres also a crazy woman holding a knife whilst repeating "the child maker did it". The house is covered in body parts.
Paterson and Clocks are like chalk and cheese. They come from different backgrounds but they work well together. They don't always follow protocol but they always get the job done. They are now investigating one of the most horrific cases of their career. The more they search the house the more body parts they find. Paterson and Clocks have to face against time to hunt down the "childmaker" down. There are some gruesome details.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks and the author #MichaelHambling for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2020
This is the 6th book in the Patterson and Clocks series by author Steve Parker and my 1st read. A good solid crime novel, fast moving, strong characters that I am pretty sure will develop on reading others in the series. All in all a good introduction to the series for me personally.
The two main characters are Patterson and Clocks, Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson is a wealthy man due to family money with an eye for the women. Separated from his model wife he is highly backed to be the youngest ever commissioner of police. Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks is the other extreme and loves nothing more than antagonising others and is a foul-mouthed, working-class officer. Very immature and having grown up has become an effective policeman.
This novel certainly starts off quickly and the fast pace continues throughout. Opens with a gruesome discovery when the police break into an house at a suspected burglary to find a dead body and a woman wearing the dead mans face as a mask.
Good solid read and an entertaining 3.5 stars.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The two main characters are Patterson and Clocks, Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson is a wealthy man due to family money with an eye for the women. Separated from his model wife he is highly backed to be the youngest ever commissioner of police. Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks is the other extreme and loves nothing more than antagonising others and is a foul-mouthed, working-class officer. Very immature and having grown up has become an effective policeman.
This novel certainly starts off quickly and the fast pace continues throughout. Opens with a gruesome discovery when the police break into an house at a suspected burglary to find a dead body and a woman wearing the dead mans face as a mask.
Good solid read and an entertaining 3.5 stars.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Joffe books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
DS Ray Paterson and DI John Clocks are back in a crime fiction thriller extraordinaire.
Paterson and Clocks, along with a squad of cops, are about to break into a house to catch a burglar red-handed. What they find is far different .....
They hear a woman singing about the childmaker while holding a knife in her hand. The burglar has been stabbed to death ... and his face removed. When confronted by the police, she goes mad and stabs one of the police.
What they find while searching the house, behind a wall, is far worse than anything they've ever seen.
This is a fast-moving action-packed thriller, full of twists and turns, amid an intricate plot. The deftly drawn characters keep the reader engaged. For those who have not read any of the series ... Paterson is a wealthy man, determined to be an excellent policeman. His wife was killed by a serial killer, and unknown to most .. he took care of the killer himself. Clocks ..sometimes known as Timex .. is a working class officer, with a foul mouth and a wicked sense of humor. He is not liked by many ...especially by his superiors.
Although 6th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do recommend starting at the beginning .. this is a terrific series.
The author, himself, is a retired police office who served for 20 years. Due to his background, I always expect a great deal of realism/credibility to his stories .... I have never been disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books 'n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 24, 2020
Hated the ending
Of course the horrible man who had it out for Clocks and Ray is still set on nefarious deeds. Just sick. The story itself was gruesome, disturbing in so many ways and has deaths of children, incest, dismemberment, and child abuse in the past. Clocks for on my nerves but I liked Ray. The villains were evil and mad. It was almost too much but the rest of the book was the investigation and it was solid. It was set in England and the slang and terms for police procedural are a little confusing but I definitely enjoyed the investigation on this. Not the back story of the bad guys because that was seriously twisted and then the ending after the ending where the vengeful jealous disgraced boss thinks he's got something that would hurt the two investigators just pissed me off. I wish it had been different. This is the first book I have read by this author and there must be a prior book and and a follow up. I will definitely read this author again.
Of course the horrible man who had it out for Clocks and Ray is still set on nefarious deeds. Just sick. The story itself was gruesome, disturbing in so many ways and has deaths of children, incest, dismemberment, and child abuse in the past. Clocks for on my nerves but I liked Ray. The villains were evil and mad. It was almost too much but the rest of the book was the investigation and it was solid. It was set in England and the slang and terms for police procedural are a little confusing but I definitely enjoyed the investigation on this. Not the back story of the bad guys because that was seriously twisted and then the ending after the ending where the vengeful jealous disgraced boss thinks he's got something that would hurt the two investigators just pissed me off. I wish it had been different. This is the first book I have read by this author and there must be a prior book and and a follow up. I will definitely read this author again.
September 17, 2020
Wow!!! Just wow!!! I absolutely loved this book as it has everything that I like in a thriller novel: great characters, humour, it's gruesome, suspenseful, action packed and fast paced from beginning to end.
I adore DI Johnny Clocks - I can't get enough of him! He has heart, he really does, but even in the darkest of grim scenes he still makes me laugh out loud!
A suspected burglary in Lynton Road and the Police walk into a house of horror! I love films such as Saw and Texas Chainsaw Massacre but still, my stomach turned!
This is a brilliant storyline, full of twists and turns, that had me totally gripped and at one point I was thinking, no, no, no!!!... If you read it then you will understand why.
I can't fault this author's work - he uses some of his own experiences, yet doesn't overload us with detail, he is straight to the point and gives us only what we need to know. I have read some books and the author drones on and on and there's less of the story, but not this author.
This is book six in the Detective Ray Paterson series but it can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this series.
My thanks to Joffe books via NetGalley and to Books 'n' all Promotions.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
I adore DI Johnny Clocks - I can't get enough of him! He has heart, he really does, but even in the darkest of grim scenes he still makes me laugh out loud!
A suspected burglary in Lynton Road and the Police walk into a house of horror! I love films such as Saw and Texas Chainsaw Massacre but still, my stomach turned!
This is a brilliant storyline, full of twists and turns, that had me totally gripped and at one point I was thinking, no, no, no!!!... If you read it then you will understand why.
I can't fault this author's work - he uses some of his own experiences, yet doesn't overload us with detail, he is straight to the point and gives us only what we need to know. I have read some books and the author drones on and on and there's less of the story, but not this author.
This is book six in the Detective Ray Paterson series but it can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this series.
My thanks to Joffe books via NetGalley and to Books 'n' all Promotions.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
August 28, 2020
Okay, first of all, I didn't realize this is book 6 in a series so oops. I wasn't super duper lost though, there were just mentionings of old events and characters. This was a full story on it's own. And it had plenty of WTF moments. Gruesome details, shocking things. Then the author would lull you into a comfortable spot again with the police details and the banter between the cops. Then boom again, more shock and messed up events.
The dialect threw me for sure, but I got used to it. I did sometimes wish there was more action related to the crime they were solving than the side issues with other police levels, but that may be an ongoing story. Like I said, I started on book 6. It for sure intrigued me enough I would read the next book.
The dialect threw me for sure, but I got used to it. I did sometimes wish there was more action related to the crime they were solving than the side issues with other police levels, but that may be an ongoing story. Like I said, I started on book 6. It for sure intrigued me enough I would read the next book.
September 15, 2020
1915 kb
4 stars
Superintendent Ray Paterson and DCI Johnny Clacks walk into a nightmare when they are called to the scene of a murder on a quiet street. Seeking to arrest a burglar, four officers entered the house. One officer is killed, one critically injured and the burglar they were seeking is dead of stab wounds...and his face has been removed.
A woman if found who is clearly unhinged. She is singing and wearing the dead burglar's face. Hearing moans, they tear down a brick wall and find a badly injured child – and several others who are already dead. There are body parts strewn about the house.
They begin their investigation. The woman they have arrested seems to be insane; they can't get much information out of her. The team looks int oher family. She has an older brother and sister. Paterson believes he knows the brother from childhood run ins.
I must admit that I did not like Paterson and Clocks so much. I didn't appreciate the way they ragged on one another all the time. While they were good friends, they really could be nasty. They were very competent detectives, however, and nastiness aside, they did work well together. The book is well written and plotted. It moved along quickly and held my attention well. I did like Paterson's team members. Especially the ladies. They were kind and caring. This was my first Steve Parker book and I will read another one of Mr. Parker's novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
4 stars
Superintendent Ray Paterson and DCI Johnny Clacks walk into a nightmare when they are called to the scene of a murder on a quiet street. Seeking to arrest a burglar, four officers entered the house. One officer is killed, one critically injured and the burglar they were seeking is dead of stab wounds...and his face has been removed.
A woman if found who is clearly unhinged. She is singing and wearing the dead burglar's face. Hearing moans, they tear down a brick wall and find a badly injured child – and several others who are already dead. There are body parts strewn about the house.
They begin their investigation. The woman they have arrested seems to be insane; they can't get much information out of her. The team looks int oher family. She has an older brother and sister. Paterson believes he knows the brother from childhood run ins.
I must admit that I did not like Paterson and Clocks so much. I didn't appreciate the way they ragged on one another all the time. While they were good friends, they really could be nasty. They were very competent detectives, however, and nastiness aside, they did work well together. The book is well written and plotted. It moved along quickly and held my attention well. I did like Paterson's team members. Especially the ladies. They were kind and caring. This was my first Steve Parker book and I will read another one of Mr. Parker's novels.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
September 24, 2020
2.5 - 3 Stars
First of all, if I had known this was the sixth book in a series, I never would’ve requested it from Netgalley. I don’t really think that not having read the previous books really affected my ability to read and understand the story itself, but I may have been more forgiving to the main protagonists if I had some background on them. Ultimately, I hated the main characters and could not care less about what ended up happening to them. It’s also important to note that this takes place in the UK so there is a lot of slang terms used that are completely unfamiliar for most people in the U.S. (where I’m at). This wasn’t a problem for me mainly being that I read a lot of books that take place in the UK and have plenty of friends and acquaintances that have used most of the slang, so it wasn’t a struggle for me. For those that would have no idea, it’s important to note that at the end of the book there is a glossary of the different slang and what they mean. But I really think most people could garner the meaning simply from the context of what’s being talked about. It’s also important to note that this book is seriously messed up. And I mean seriously messed up. HUGE TRIGGER WARNINGS for violence against children, incest and abuse.
I know I won’t be reading anymore of this series, even with the cliffy that’s provided at the end with regards to the two main protagonists. But, being that I couldn’t stand the men and didn’t care about them at all, I don’t care about finding out what happens to them in the next book.
Received via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
First of all, if I had known this was the sixth book in a series, I never would’ve requested it from Netgalley. I don’t really think that not having read the previous books really affected my ability to read and understand the story itself, but I may have been more forgiving to the main protagonists if I had some background on them. Ultimately, I hated the main characters and could not care less about what ended up happening to them. It’s also important to note that this takes place in the UK so there is a lot of slang terms used that are completely unfamiliar for most people in the U.S. (where I’m at). This wasn’t a problem for me mainly being that I read a lot of books that take place in the UK and have plenty of friends and acquaintances that have used most of the slang, so it wasn’t a struggle for me. For those that would have no idea, it’s important to note that at the end of the book there is a glossary of the different slang and what they mean. But I really think most people could garner the meaning simply from the context of what’s being talked about. It’s also important to note that this book is seriously messed up. And I mean seriously messed up. HUGE TRIGGER WARNINGS for violence against children, incest and abuse.
I know I won’t be reading anymore of this series, even with the cliffy that’s provided at the end with regards to the two main protagonists. But, being that I couldn’t stand the men and didn’t care about them at all, I don’t care about finding out what happens to them in the next book.
Received via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 28, 2020
Although this is the 6th book in this series, it is readable as a stand-alone. There were enough little bits of back story to let me know what had happened to, and between, characters, before getting to this instalment.
I'm not going to lie, parts of this book turned my stomach. The descriptions of what had happened to child murder victims were clear and vivid. I had images in my head that I didn't want sticking round for quite a while after I'd finished reading them.
The main investigators, Paterson and Clocks gave the story some much needed comic relief. Their banter, especially from Clocks, did make me laugh. I liked Clocks as a character but think that if I were to meet him in real life he may piss me off!
I enjoyed the story and will do what most people normally do, and go back and start the series at the beginning.
I'm not going to lie, parts of this book turned my stomach. The descriptions of what had happened to child murder victims were clear and vivid. I had images in my head that I didn't want sticking round for quite a while after I'd finished reading them.
The main investigators, Paterson and Clocks gave the story some much needed comic relief. Their banter, especially from Clocks, did make me laugh. I liked Clocks as a character but think that if I were to meet him in real life he may piss me off!
I enjoyed the story and will do what most people normally do, and go back and start the series at the beginning.
November 1, 2020
First off Trigger warnings: child abuse, violence against children, graphic violence, mentally ill psychopaths
This book could have been so much more but it failed in a lot of places. The mystery aspect was good, or I should say, kept me borderline digusted with all the gore, and that too involving children. It starts unapologetically horrific, and moves on so. What put me off, was the two main leads, Paterson and Clocks, who have a devil may care attitude, and cocky nature, that really puts you off big time. Pair that with an equally misogynistic attitude some of the times, along with bullying people to get their way(and not taking it, coz nope, they aren’t bullies, others are). Add to this mix, a very jealous Commissioner who just wants to abuse power. I get it, that the police force is all about rough and tough things, but seriosly, too kuch machoism did not sit well with me. There was no balance. The crime and the violence itself gave me nightmares, and their attitude was no a buffer, nor a hood distraction, but made me even more angrier. The last plot twist, was absolutely ruined with the professional jealousy kneaded into it.
Thank you netgalley for providing the ebook for review.
This book could have been so much more but it failed in a lot of places. The mystery aspect was good, or I should say, kept me borderline digusted with all the gore, and that too involving children. It starts unapologetically horrific, and moves on so. What put me off, was the two main leads, Paterson and Clocks, who have a devil may care attitude, and cocky nature, that really puts you off big time. Pair that with an equally misogynistic attitude some of the times, along with bullying people to get their way(and not taking it, coz nope, they aren’t bullies, others are). Add to this mix, a very jealous Commissioner who just wants to abuse power. I get it, that the police force is all about rough and tough things, but seriosly, too kuch machoism did not sit well with me. There was no balance. The crime and the violence itself gave me nightmares, and their attitude was no a buffer, nor a hood distraction, but made me even more angrier. The last plot twist, was absolutely ruined with the professional jealousy kneaded into it.
Thank you netgalley for providing the ebook for review.
August 27, 2020
An early morning 999 call gives reports of a break in and the suspect is believed to be still inside. Several units attend to find a dead body on the floor and a disturbed woman holding a knife and singing about a "childmaker" and not all the officers attending make it out unscathed. When DCI Ray Paterson and DI Johnny Clocks arrive some disturbing discoveries have been made in the house but it's what Paterson finds behind the basement wall that disturbs everyone most. The ensuing investigation pushes both Paterson and Clocks, along with their team, to the limits and leaves them wondering whether they continue as police officers.
Read this bookin a couple of hours - simply couldn't put it down. Best yet in this series - 5 stars!!
Thanks to Joffe Books and Steve Parker for the ARC in return for a honest review.
Read this bookin a couple of hours - simply couldn't put it down. Best yet in this series - 5 stars!!
Thanks to Joffe Books and Steve Parker for the ARC in return for a honest review.
August 26, 2020
CHILD BEHIND THE WALL Kicks off with a tragic, horrific incident. This leads to the discovery of unconscionable atrocities. Spine tingling, horrifying suspense builds as the pieces of the monstrous, barbaric mystery of these vile, abhorrent acts are attempted to be assembled.
Behind the scenes, the persistent and incessant diatribes and vilification lead to treacherous behavior adversely affecting the investigation. In spite of this, it concludes with an incendiary, meteoric finish.
Will there be more volatile, turbulent situations and acts of subversion?
CHILD BEHIND THE WALL MUST BE YOUR NEXT READ!
Behind the scenes, the persistent and incessant diatribes and vilification lead to treacherous behavior adversely affecting the investigation. In spite of this, it concludes with an incendiary, meteoric finish.
Will there be more volatile, turbulent situations and acts of subversion?
CHILD BEHIND THE WALL MUST BE YOUR NEXT READ!
October 10, 2020
Let down by the main characters
This was a good story but totally ruined by the misogynistic and obnoxious “Clocks”. There was nothing likeable about him whatsoever. It’s a shame as I would have liked to have read other books by this author because the story idea was good, but I can’t face another book with that guy in it. I struggled to finish it in the end and found myself skimming to get past his parts.
This was a good story but totally ruined by the misogynistic and obnoxious “Clocks”. There was nothing likeable about him whatsoever. It’s a shame as I would have liked to have read other books by this author because the story idea was good, but I can’t face another book with that guy in it. I struggled to finish it in the end and found myself skimming to get past his parts.
October 11, 2022
Brilliant 🤩 another great crime gripping book with Paterson and Clocks. Love this series, probably one of the best I have read
September 22, 2020
The only good thing about this book was the humour from both of the main characters. The rest of the book wasn't good. They find a house full of dead children - this would be huge news. This doesn't happen every day in Britain or anywhere in else in western society without it being a big deal. Also there didn't seem to be any mention of the victims or of their families. Both detectives displayed behaviour which just would't happen - and yes I understand it is fiction but it just wasn't believable. Also the fact that both dectectives seemed shocked by the revatlations regarding missing children and child abuse was silly - in reality they would have known these reasons being in the police for years
September 18, 2020
I do love this series Steve Parker goes where other authors fear to tread. It is not for the feint hearted but if you like a gritty thriller that personifies the evil that lives among us then this book is definitely for you.
Paterson and Clocks started their working relationship hating each other. They are total opposites. Paterson is suave, sophisticated and rich whereas Clocks is rough around the edges and pretty tactless with it but inside is a big softie that you have to love. Despite having little in common they both share a common goal and that is to take down the baddies in any way they can and that often means disobeying rules and sometimes direct orders. The team is a mish mash of personalities but they all work brilliantly together supporting each other at all times.
A burglary is reported and the Police attending stumble into a horrific scene which they certainly weren't expecting but when Paterson and Clocks arrive they find the devastation in the bedroom is not the only horror to be found in the house.
The investigation takes the team many miles as they try to work out what is behind the manic behaviour.
An absolutely gripping read that had me turning the pages all the way to the adrenaline pumping ending.
A big thank you to the author and Joffe Books for the advance digital copy of this book. These are my unbiased thoughts and opinions.
Paterson and Clocks started their working relationship hating each other. They are total opposites. Paterson is suave, sophisticated and rich whereas Clocks is rough around the edges and pretty tactless with it but inside is a big softie that you have to love. Despite having little in common they both share a common goal and that is to take down the baddies in any way they can and that often means disobeying rules and sometimes direct orders. The team is a mish mash of personalities but they all work brilliantly together supporting each other at all times.
A burglary is reported and the Police attending stumble into a horrific scene which they certainly weren't expecting but when Paterson and Clocks arrive they find the devastation in the bedroom is not the only horror to be found in the house.
The investigation takes the team many miles as they try to work out what is behind the manic behaviour.
An absolutely gripping read that had me turning the pages all the way to the adrenaline pumping ending.
A big thank you to the author and Joffe Books for the advance digital copy of this book. These are my unbiased thoughts and opinions.
August 28, 2020
Definitely an absolutely gripping killer thriller.
It's not for the faint hearted.
Ray Patterson is back. book six.
A call out to Lynton Road in London, has turned into a circus. Ambulances, blue light's.
then the dark Mercedes pulls up, Superintendent Ray Paterson arrives on the scene.
A man is dead on the floor knife in his chest, his face is missing, a crazy woman with a knife, singing the childmaker, the house is full of body part's, this is horrific.
Clocksy, D.I, Johnny Clock's arrives by this time, his guv Paterson wouldn't dream of starting without him.
They both have a big job on here, a mad bird some hannibal, doing a run round the rest of the property they find a wall, and are in for a almighty shock at the discovery its sickening. The house is torn to pieces.
This book is so fast pace, and these two make it for what it is.
I never tire reading their stories, with good belting added humour from Clock's, and cliffhangers,
It's totally addictive right through.
Oh boy reader's are in for a treat.
this is the author's best, and will keep you hooked.
And what a cracking ending.
It's not for the faint hearted.
Ray Patterson is back. book six.
A call out to Lynton Road in London, has turned into a circus. Ambulances, blue light's.
then the dark Mercedes pulls up, Superintendent Ray Paterson arrives on the scene.
A man is dead on the floor knife in his chest, his face is missing, a crazy woman with a knife, singing the childmaker, the house is full of body part's, this is horrific.
Clocksy, D.I, Johnny Clock's arrives by this time, his guv Paterson wouldn't dream of starting without him.
They both have a big job on here, a mad bird some hannibal, doing a run round the rest of the property they find a wall, and are in for a almighty shock at the discovery its sickening. The house is torn to pieces.
This book is so fast pace, and these two make it for what it is.
I never tire reading their stories, with good belting added humour from Clock's, and cliffhangers,
It's totally addictive right through.
Oh boy reader's are in for a treat.
this is the author's best, and will keep you hooked.
And what a cracking ending.
September 2, 2020
Steve Parker is back with another great read about my favorite detectives Ray Patterson and Johnny Clocks (Timex). Ray and Johnny are stressed out as they race around the clock to solve this latest mystery and they both wonder if they really have it in themselves to continue in this career.
If you get squeamish reading about murder you might want to re-think this book just because the crimes are so heinous and against children but I just remind myself that it is a book.
When an early morning emergency call has the detectives and two other officers kicking down the door of a house that appeared to have a break in they are unprepared for the chilling scene-a man bleeding on the ground and a woman screaming "Beware of the child maker". The house is full of body parts and regular items such as clocks seem to be made out of skin. After the crazy woman is carted off to the mental hospital the officers tear the house apart only to find more grizzly discoveries.
Ray and Johnny are on the hunt to find out who the "childmaker" is and how many crimes he has committed all in a race against time. Can't wait for another CLocks and Ray book-and I won't ever get tired of Johnny's antics.
If you get squeamish reading about murder you might want to re-think this book just because the crimes are so heinous and against children but I just remind myself that it is a book.
When an early morning emergency call has the detectives and two other officers kicking down the door of a house that appeared to have a break in they are unprepared for the chilling scene-a man bleeding on the ground and a woman screaming "Beware of the child maker". The house is full of body parts and regular items such as clocks seem to be made out of skin. After the crazy woman is carted off to the mental hospital the officers tear the house apart only to find more grizzly discoveries.
Ray and Johnny are on the hunt to find out who the "childmaker" is and how many crimes he has committed all in a race against time. Can't wait for another CLocks and Ray book-and I won't ever get tired of Johnny's antics.
March 9, 2024
Well this is grim! Not for the feint hearted. I have to say I enjoyed it though, must have a warped mind!
I would say however, I think I’ve missed something along the way, or my memory isn’t what it was, because the reference to Paterson & Glocks being investigated doesn’t ring a bell, and I did feel very lost about that part of the story.
I think the pair of them are hilarious, they just don’t give a toss about rank or gender and I’m sure they would be pulled over the coals these days. They remind me of the police in the 60’s with modern technology.
This book is fast paced and exciting and the twist at the end is jaw dropping. I’m not saying any more as I don’t want to spoil it for other readers, but would just like to say read it and you won’t be disappointed. I think it does help to read the others first as it gives an insight into the characters. I’m going to have to go back and read the previous two, as I’ve missed them somewhere.
My thanks to the author, Steve and Joffe publishers for the ARC. Looking forward to the next instalment
I would say however, I think I’ve missed something along the way, or my memory isn’t what it was, because the reference to Paterson & Glocks being investigated doesn’t ring a bell, and I did feel very lost about that part of the story.
I think the pair of them are hilarious, they just don’t give a toss about rank or gender and I’m sure they would be pulled over the coals these days. They remind me of the police in the 60’s with modern technology.
This book is fast paced and exciting and the twist at the end is jaw dropping. I’m not saying any more as I don’t want to spoil it for other readers, but would just like to say read it and you won’t be disappointed. I think it does help to read the others first as it gives an insight into the characters. I’m going to have to go back and read the previous two, as I’ve missed them somewhere.
My thanks to the author, Steve and Joffe publishers for the ARC. Looking forward to the next instalment
September 2, 2020
Not since Agatha Christie introduced Hercule Poirot to Captain Hastings has there been as perfect a pairing as that of Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks. One is proud of his working class roots while the other wears handmade suits and drives an Aston Martin. Their partnership shouldn't work but it does. Together they are irreverent, outrageous and are the pair senior management would most like to see thrown out of the force. So how do they manage to keep their jobs, albeit by the skin of their teeth? By always getting their man as the saying goes. They may ignore protocol and have no time for political correctness but even the most horrendous crime gets solved in record time. Here we see them faced with some of the most evil and depraved crimes imaginable and there is a race agsinst time to prevent more deaths. Don't begin this book when you have an early start the next morning because I guarantee you will be reading well into the night.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book
September 3, 2020
A burglar broke into the house. He did not expect what that outcome would be. The police are called out to the residence. What they discover will haunt them for the rest of their lives. At the end of the day. Officers have been killed. A robber is found without a face, Dismembered bodies, frozen entrails, a skull used as a cereal bowl, and a tiny ferociously fierce lady who has murder on her mind in only the beginning of this tantalizing story. Looking into the lives of police officers and their everyday lives, this book will keep you awake nights. It is filled with horror and terrifying crimes that need to be solved. Written in ghastly and graphic detail. Great read!
September 7, 2020
Steve Parker is a retired police officer. This is a police procedural, but darker and more gritty than anything I've read before.
If you thought Jack Frost was a bit unconventional and that Andy Dalziel often used unorthodox methods wait till you meet Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks. They don't just sail close to the wind they break every rule in the book.
Expect a bloodbath of violence, lots of bad language, and a black humour that permeates every page.
Not a novel for the feint-hearted but if you like plenty of gruesome detail this won't disappoint.
Not many novels manage to make Hannibal Lecter look like a Disney character, but this one does!
If you thought Jack Frost was a bit unconventional and that Andy Dalziel often used unorthodox methods wait till you meet Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks. They don't just sail close to the wind they break every rule in the book.
Expect a bloodbath of violence, lots of bad language, and a black humour that permeates every page.
Not a novel for the feint-hearted but if you like plenty of gruesome detail this won't disappoint.
Not many novels manage to make Hannibal Lecter look like a Disney character, but this one does!
April 10, 2023
Child Behind the Wall: a Detective Ray Paterson crime thrillers Book #6
I’m honestly not exactly sure how I feel about this book. The police get called out to a house and whatthey find is carnage. This is only the beginning! That Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson and his trusty partner Detective Inspector John Clocks have to deal with. The crime was so shocking it took my breath away. Shocking but a great story. This book does contain really gruesome crime scenes so if you are squeamish, you might just want to skim in certain places.. I feel like the bad language was unnecessary and the graphic detail of violence was a little much. Also, this book is a cliffhanger.
I’m honestly not exactly sure how I feel about this book. The police get called out to a house and whatthey find is carnage. This is only the beginning! That Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson and his trusty partner Detective Inspector John Clocks have to deal with. The crime was so shocking it took my breath away. Shocking but a great story. This book does contain really gruesome crime scenes so if you are squeamish, you might just want to skim in certain places.. I feel like the bad language was unnecessary and the graphic detail of violence was a little much. Also, this book is a cliffhanger.
September 11, 2020
Steve Parker is in my top five of authors. And, I only just discovered him this year.
As to the book, it was an adrenaline ride. Very descriptive and horrible crime scenes, as Mr. Parker is wont to write. Simply skim over them if you are squeamish, because you don't want to miss Paterson and Clock doing what they do best (solve horrific crimes? Yes. Have irreverent and bawdy humor? Definitely).
As to the book, it was an adrenaline ride. Very descriptive and horrible crime scenes, as Mr. Parker is wont to write. Simply skim over them if you are squeamish, because you don't want to miss Paterson and Clock doing what they do best (solve horrific crimes? Yes. Have irreverent and bawdy humor? Definitely).
September 1, 2020
Wow what a book. I couldn't put it down - it kept me gripped to the pages. Although part of a series it can be read on its own. Great characters although at times Clocks is a bit over the top. An excellent read
January 1, 2021
Horrifically Brilliant
Yet another Ray Paterson & Johnny Clocks book from Steve Parker, and this one was probably one of the best. Yes, it was extremely gory and terrifying in places, and no Johnny Clocks does not get any better (will he ever), and yes Ray Paterson is still as determined as ever to do things his way and manages to get away with it (eventually). However, this was a totally engrossing read which was impossible to put down, making me turn each page to find out what was going to happen next. The story of a killer who takes pleasure in skinning the victims and making objects out of their skin, the chase to try and find and catch him, the ongoing investigation into the killing of DCI Lambert from the previous book, and the hatred that the Chief Constable has for both Paterson and Clocks, make this a truly deep and engrossing novel.
As annoying as Johnny Clocks is, you must admire his sense of humour – which is obviously his coping mechanism for the often-horrendous job he has chosen. He and Ray work well together and there is certainly never a dull moment from those two. Sadly, we do lose a few characters in the race to catch the killer, and clearly there will be a long psychological recovery for all those involved. The ending was fast paced and quite disturbing in places, but we get there in the end and the conclusion is satisfying, if not a little upsetting. But at the very end there is a huge teaser as to the direction in which the next episode will be heading and this is a book that I am eagerly looking forward to.
This read was a brilliant way to end this dreadful year and I am so pleased I embarked on the journey.
Yet another Ray Paterson & Johnny Clocks book from Steve Parker, and this one was probably one of the best. Yes, it was extremely gory and terrifying in places, and no Johnny Clocks does not get any better (will he ever), and yes Ray Paterson is still as determined as ever to do things his way and manages to get away with it (eventually). However, this was a totally engrossing read which was impossible to put down, making me turn each page to find out what was going to happen next. The story of a killer who takes pleasure in skinning the victims and making objects out of their skin, the chase to try and find and catch him, the ongoing investigation into the killing of DCI Lambert from the previous book, and the hatred that the Chief Constable has for both Paterson and Clocks, make this a truly deep and engrossing novel.
As annoying as Johnny Clocks is, you must admire his sense of humour – which is obviously his coping mechanism for the often-horrendous job he has chosen. He and Ray work well together and there is certainly never a dull moment from those two. Sadly, we do lose a few characters in the race to catch the killer, and clearly there will be a long psychological recovery for all those involved. The ending was fast paced and quite disturbing in places, but we get there in the end and the conclusion is satisfying, if not a little upsetting. But at the very end there is a huge teaser as to the direction in which the next episode will be heading and this is a book that I am eagerly looking forward to.
This read was a brilliant way to end this dreadful year and I am so pleased I embarked on the journey.
August 5, 2022
Im obviously a huge fan of this series and Mr Parker. Although it's been awhile since I've read these books (there's now 2 I haven't read)! I'm still in awe that since these books I haven't loved any detectives the same. If only these guys could solve every case. We need a real life Patterson and Clocks that do everything in their power to get the job done. No matter what happens I root for these guys. As for the language everyone keeps mentioning, I'm not for it either but it is this writer's style in his books for these characters and you can either overlook it like we do in life everyday so that you can get the awesome experience of these books or you can choose to drop them because of it. Personally I'll overlook it just to continue with my beloved detectives into every case they use to get the bad guy/guys or girls. This series is by far my favorite of all thrillers. Well done Mr Parker.
September 18, 2020
Not Quiet a Thriller
I found this read annoying, and the ending was especially lack luster. The dialogue between Clocks & Patterson was too goofy, and the colloquial expressions interrupted the flow of thought. Maybe we are jaded by all the violence in our TV dramas, but the plot seemed like another episode of Criminal Minds. The pace of events was off, some plot lines drawn out, where others are tied up in a bow with super speed. I personally do not like reads that must continue in another addition. I prefer stand a lones, where all the facts and answers are completed by the end. The story starts out a bit thrilling but goes done hill from there. I kept reading assuming it got better but it never does. The detective's roll within the team, their behavior, and over all actions were way too fantastical to be believed. Sorry, but I was disappointed.
I found this read annoying, and the ending was especially lack luster. The dialogue between Clocks & Patterson was too goofy, and the colloquial expressions interrupted the flow of thought. Maybe we are jaded by all the violence in our TV dramas, but the plot seemed like another episode of Criminal Minds. The pace of events was off, some plot lines drawn out, where others are tied up in a bow with super speed. I personally do not like reads that must continue in another addition. I prefer stand a lones, where all the facts and answers are completed by the end. The story starts out a bit thrilling but goes done hill from there. I kept reading assuming it got better but it never does. The detective's roll within the team, their behavior, and over all actions were way too fantastical to be believed. Sorry, but I was disappointed.
September 27, 2020
First time reading...
This is the first book I have read by Steve Parker - it certainly wont be the last!
From start to the very last page there are twists and turns, some predictable, some unexpected.
Very gritty and fast paced, each chapter having it's own 'cliff hanger' style ending. I certainly lost sleep over his one, couldn't put it down. When I did, I wanted to know what happened next.
I'm now a massive fan of Clocksy and Patison!
A great read, if you like suspense, hard-core action and more twists and turns than a theme park, this is certainly for you.
Great job, I will certainly be reading more from this Author in the near future!
Wish I could give it more stars, 5 isn't enough.
This is the first book I have read by Steve Parker - it certainly wont be the last!
From start to the very last page there are twists and turns, some predictable, some unexpected.
Very gritty and fast paced, each chapter having it's own 'cliff hanger' style ending. I certainly lost sleep over his one, couldn't put it down. When I did, I wanted to know what happened next.
I'm now a massive fan of Clocksy and Patison!
A great read, if you like suspense, hard-core action and more twists and turns than a theme park, this is certainly for you.
Great job, I will certainly be reading more from this Author in the near future!
Wish I could give it more stars, 5 isn't enough.
October 3, 2020
I started reading this book, not realising it was part of a series BUT this did not in any way stop me enjoying this book. Absolutely brilliant read - couldn’t put it down and read it in one day!!
Both the main characters were likeable rogues who you could not help but like. Even though the storyline was a grim read, I found myself laughing at the one liners from these 2 policemen. First time I have read something from this author and I’m really considering starting at the beginning of the series.
Thank you for letting me have a chance to read this and discover a new fabulous author!!
#steveparker #netgalley
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