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Michael Brady #1
Salt in the Wounds
His best friend has been murdered, his daughter’s in danger.
There’s only one answer. Going back to his old life.
The one that cost him his wife…
Michael Brady was a high-flying detective, working on a high-profile case.
And much too close to the truth.
Someone arranged a hit-and-run.
But they missed Brady. And hit his wife.
And after six months sitting by her bed, he took the only decision he could take. He turned the machine off.
Now he’s back home in Whitby. Trying to rebuild his life. And be a good dad to his teenage daughter.
But when his best friend is murdered Brady – unwillingly at first – is drawn into the investigation.
And when the only people he has left are threatened, he finds there’s only one answer.
Going back to his old life…
There’s only one answer. Going back to his old life.
The one that cost him his wife…
Michael Brady was a high-flying detective, working on a high-profile case.
And much too close to the truth.
Someone arranged a hit-and-run.
But they missed Brady. And hit his wife.
And after six months sitting by her bed, he took the only decision he could take. He turned the machine off.
Now he’s back home in Whitby. Trying to rebuild his life. And be a good dad to his teenage daughter.
But when his best friend is murdered Brady – unwillingly at first – is drawn into the investigation.
And when the only people he has left are threatened, he finds there’s only one answer.
Going back to his old life…
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2020
199 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
June 1, 2022
This is my first read by this author and certainly not going to be the last. A nice easy writing style which focuses on Mike Brady, his daughter Ash (and their dog) who, suffer the trauma of losing his wife and her mother in a tragic accident. Brady also loses his best friend after his murdered and he wants to find the killer. Who is the killer and why have they murdered? What role does Mike Brady play, after all his now a civilian?
I love the intertwined storylines between both tragedies, but most of all the relationship between Mike and his daughter which at points I found really quite moving. I also loved the setting which takes place in Whitby. A great start to the series and now reading book 2
I love the intertwined storylines between both tragedies, but most of all the relationship between Mike and his daughter which at points I found really quite moving. I also loved the setting which takes place in Whitby. A great start to the series and now reading book 2
August 5, 2023
Well written crime/mystery, first book in a new series set in Yorkshire.
November 22, 2021
4.25⭐️
#1 in the Michael Brady series.
The authors first delve into the world of crime. I don’t often read paperbacks, but I liked this one, great quality and a good print size. The cover is eye catching and relevant being Whitby pier.
The location is Whitby, Brady was a high flying detective in Manchester working on a high profile case. He got too close to the truth and was the target of a hit and run, only they missed him and hit and ultimately killed his wife.
He returns to his hometown to try and rebuild his life as a dad. However when his best friend is murdered and his daughter is in danger he goes back to his old life.
I like the easy going writing style which feels accomplished. Brady is a likeable character, a caring dad. Ash is a teenager, nuff said 😂
Who is having to deal with the loss of her mom and being wrenched away from her friends. There is good character depth, and good back stories.
The pace is slow until the final section, as it’s also very descriptive. I feel too descriptive in some places. Theres also a bit of repetition, especially about having no junior for the scut work.
I really enjoyed it. I liked that it wasn’t a police procedural.
I have seen a review complaining about the bad language. I thought for a crime book that there is very little use of expletives, and no gore. So it will suit people who like the gentler end of the gore scale.
#1 in the Michael Brady series.
The authors first delve into the world of crime. I don’t often read paperbacks, but I liked this one, great quality and a good print size. The cover is eye catching and relevant being Whitby pier.
The location is Whitby, Brady was a high flying detective in Manchester working on a high profile case. He got too close to the truth and was the target of a hit and run, only they missed him and hit and ultimately killed his wife.
He returns to his hometown to try and rebuild his life as a dad. However when his best friend is murdered and his daughter is in danger he goes back to his old life.
I like the easy going writing style which feels accomplished. Brady is a likeable character, a caring dad. Ash is a teenager, nuff said 😂
Who is having to deal with the loss of her mom and being wrenched away from her friends. There is good character depth, and good back stories.
The pace is slow until the final section, as it’s also very descriptive. I feel too descriptive in some places. Theres also a bit of repetition, especially about having no junior for the scut work.
I really enjoyed it. I liked that it wasn’t a police procedural.
I have seen a review complaining about the bad language. I thought for a crime book that there is very little use of expletives, and no gore. So it will suit people who like the gentler end of the gore scale.
October 7, 2021
That will Do
I love British Crime series and am always looking for an Author I have not read before. Mark Richards has really ticked the boxes for me. A terrific 1st story following Michael Brady. I will look forward to reading Book No. 2
I love British Crime series and am always looking for an Author I have not read before. Mark Richards has really ticked the boxes for me. A terrific 1st story following Michael Brady. I will look forward to reading Book No. 2
July 28, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕- I don’t think I’ve ever read/listened to a book that has jumped from past to present so frequently and so unnecessarily, made no sense and didn’t relate at all the storyline. The storyline was very weak in that the main character returns to his home town where he bumps into his ‘best friend’ who he hasn’t been in contact with in years who gets murdered the following day , and he shows no real emotion . he decides then to investigate his murder, far fetched and unbelievable.
March 11, 2022
Awkward ,abrupt and overly abundant shifts...
to the past. This book featured the worst handling of time and subject shifts that I have ever encountered. Out of nowhere, we go over the wife's death over and over and OVER again. I can think of no reason for this absurd regurgitating other than to add filler because it was to the detriment of the plot; all of this rumination stopped the plot cold. Terribly disjointed writing.
I'd be interested if it you're going didn't enjoy the relationships one bit, especially the father/daughter one. Ash is obnoxious and Grady is a sniveling weakling as a father.
The ending is absolutely preposterous. Facing a brutal killer with NO protection? What a fool the protagonist is - and what a bunch of rot the whole book is.
to the past. This book featured the worst handling of time and subject shifts that I have ever encountered. Out of nowhere, we go over the wife's death over and over and OVER again. I can think of no reason for this absurd regurgitating other than to add filler because it was to the detriment of the plot; all of this rumination stopped the plot cold. Terribly disjointed writing.
I'd be interested if it you're going didn't enjoy the relationships one bit, especially the father/daughter one. Ash is obnoxious and Grady is a sniveling weakling as a father.
The ending is absolutely preposterous. Facing a brutal killer with NO protection? What a fool the protagonist is - and what a bunch of rot the whole book is.
November 11, 2024
Got audiobook as a freebie with audible. I’ve read worse I guess but it was just not very interesting overall, way too much filler and missed the mark the author was trying to hit.
Dropped most stars for his vegan bashing. Not only does the author make a key character a bacon butty seller, and have the characters slavering constantly over meat, said bacon butties, steaks etc, he actually has the nerve to make several sarky comments about vegans and veganism.
Veganism is a moral stance protected in law the same as faiths and other moral beliefs and such hate speech should not be published.
Author is clearly a wanker.
Dropped most stars for his vegan bashing. Not only does the author make a key character a bacon butty seller, and have the characters slavering constantly over meat, said bacon butties, steaks etc, he actually has the nerve to make several sarky comments about vegans and veganism.
Veganism is a moral stance protected in law the same as faiths and other moral beliefs and such hate speech should not be published.
Author is clearly a wanker.
February 18, 2022
DCI Mike Brady has left his job behind in Manchester and moved to his home town of Whitby to write a novel. His thirteen year-old daughter Ash is less happy about the move but soon makes new friends. Brady gets mixed up in a killing that affects him personally but is now powerless, as an ex-detective. The story is gripping, the characters believable, and the writing top notch. I can’t recommend this highly enough. I immediately downloaded Book 2.
March 22, 2021
Interesting story with relatable characters, although I did have a problem with the daughter here and there getting away with things I wouldn't allow a 13-yr-old to do. But hey, maybe that's normal in the UK. It was still an awesome suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 16, 2023
3.25 stars
A decent book, but the idea of one man on a mission saving the Earth is a b it old.
A decent book, but the idea of one man on a mission saving the Earth is a b it old.
December 4, 2024
First book by this author and will not be my last - i enjoyed it. I liked the characters they held me from the start. Loved the setting in Whitby. Will read more
January 2, 2026
run of the mill thriller.
I didnt guess who dunnit.
I didnt guess who dunnit.
January 22, 2022
Woo Hoo! Great read! Action packed right to the very end! I love the characters, the pace of the story and the potential. I'm going to have to read the next installment. The author has done a brilliant job of finishing this story line but leaving you a tantalizing hint that there is more to come and you'll love it!
April 23, 2025
I enjoyed this book by an author I’ve never tried before. It was recommended to me by my husband and I did enjoy it very much. Would definitely try another.
June 12, 2022
I saw Mark being interviewed on Facebook and thought he was cool and funny and promised I would read one of his books. Salt in the Wounds is the first in the Michael Brady series and introduces you to Brady after he has relocated to Whitby following the death of his wife. He has a teenage daughter and lively Spaniel.
He meets up with one of his oldest friends. The next day he's found dead, murdered in an alleyway. Brady can't help but investigate, especially as he knows the wrong person has been arrested and the person in charge is too stubborn to listen to reason.
This was a cracking read, lots of action, some heart pounding tense moments, a lot of touching and sweet moments too. The peripheral characters were as well written as the main ones and I was rooting for those just as much. I can't wait to read more of this series, good job I have book 2 ready and waiting to go.
He meets up with one of his oldest friends. The next day he's found dead, murdered in an alleyway. Brady can't help but investigate, especially as he knows the wrong person has been arrested and the person in charge is too stubborn to listen to reason.
This was a cracking read, lots of action, some heart pounding tense moments, a lot of touching and sweet moments too. The peripheral characters were as well written as the main ones and I was rooting for those just as much. I can't wait to read more of this series, good job I have book 2 ready and waiting to go.
October 16, 2020
Follow Mark down his new path!
Having read all the "Father, Son" books and really enjoyed them, I was intrigued to see if I would enjoy fiction as much. I loved this book and can't wait for the next in series. Believable characters, atmospheric settings, good plot. Can thoroughly recommend this book.
Having read all the "Father, Son" books and really enjoyed them, I was intrigued to see if I would enjoy fiction as much. I loved this book and can't wait for the next in series. Believable characters, atmospheric settings, good plot. Can thoroughly recommend this book.
April 23, 2022
I was really disappointed in the way this was written, I found it so difficult to get on with the bits and blocks of ‘history’ in every chapter and the style was just a slog to get through.
A prologue would have given a far smoother read. The general feel of the book wasn’t inviting for me personally, it was bordering on boring and drawn out.
Personally wouldn’t recommend.
A prologue would have given a far smoother read. The general feel of the book wasn’t inviting for me personally, it was bordering on boring and drawn out.
Personally wouldn’t recommend.
March 1, 2021
Didn’t know what to expect from this book, but was pleasantly surprised to be completely absorbed in the story. Every character has their human shortcomings, as do we all. The writing didn’t seem to wander, but kept the story rolling to the end.
April 1, 2021
I loved this book.
I read a lot of crime fiction and this was one of the best I have read this year. I loved the backdrop and characters. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Keep them coming.
I
C
I read a lot of crime fiction and this was one of the best I have read this year. I loved the backdrop and characters. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Keep them coming.
I
C
September 30, 2021
This is the first book that i have read by this Author. Wow once I started reading it I could not put it down until i had finished. I thoughly enjoyed reading this book and didn't want it to end. I would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me,
December 25, 2021
Exciting and Smart
What a great story! It wasn’t your usual British mystery with DCI this and Inspector that, which I do love, but it was a whole new genre. Mark Richards is an author I plan to follow.
What a great story! It wasn’t your usual British mystery with DCI this and Inspector that, which I do love, but it was a whole new genre. Mark Richards is an author I plan to follow.
February 12, 2022
A Crime Thriller set in and around Whitby in North Yorkshire, I knew after the first few pages that this book was going to be right up my street. It is well written, believable characters and a great story line.
November 11, 2024
Canny enough basic crime mystery. Gave an extra half star as it was set in Whitby which is local ish to me and lots of familiar accents which the narrator did really entertainingly!! Good enough for audiobook while doing chores with not too much brain power needed. May continue the series.
June 10, 2025
No, thank you. Not for me but maybe you might like it.
December 2, 2023
I am always looking for new crime mystery or police procedural series. So, I used the audible 85% off sale to load up on a bunch of new (to me) series. This is the first of the bunch I’ve listened to. And I hope the rest are as good as this one.
Michael Brady was a successful detective in Manchester. But a criminal came after him with a hit and run, but missed and ultimately killed his wife instead. Now, he’s moved back to his hometown of Whitby, promising his teenage daughter that it’s a safe place. But almost immediately, his best friend is murdered.
Michael was a well developed character. He’s still grieving and Richards makes some wonderfully astute comments on grief. He’s trying to be a good parent and again, Richards totally gets what it’s like to parent a 13 year old girl. He’s a character I enjoyed spending time with.
The story moves along at a good, strong pace. It picks up at the end, as is the way with most crime mysteries. The ending was well crafted and reasonably believable. It works well that Michael no longer has the resources of the police behind him, although he’s lucky to have an understanding police detective in the background and a criminal techno wizard to help.
I liked this enough I’ve already gone back to audible for the second in the series.
Luke Francis did a good job as the narrator.
Michael Brady was a successful detective in Manchester. But a criminal came after him with a hit and run, but missed and ultimately killed his wife instead. Now, he’s moved back to his hometown of Whitby, promising his teenage daughter that it’s a safe place. But almost immediately, his best friend is murdered.
Michael was a well developed character. He’s still grieving and Richards makes some wonderfully astute comments on grief. He’s trying to be a good parent and again, Richards totally gets what it’s like to parent a 13 year old girl. He’s a character I enjoyed spending time with.
The story moves along at a good, strong pace. It picks up at the end, as is the way with most crime mysteries. The ending was well crafted and reasonably believable. It works well that Michael no longer has the resources of the police behind him, although he’s lucky to have an understanding police detective in the background and a criminal techno wizard to help.
I liked this enough I’ve already gone back to audible for the second in the series.
Luke Francis did a good job as the narrator.
January 13, 2023
Yay! - a new series for me to sink my teeth into if Book 1 in the Michael Brady series is anything to go by.
Author Mark Richards brings us a series about ex cop Michael Brady, who after losing his wife, moves himself, his daughter Ash and dog Archie back to Whitby, in the hopes of writing a long anticipated book. However fate intervenes and Michael finds himself falling back into police mode after his childhood mate is murdered and he realises he has to do something to find the real killer. Okay, it sounds rather predictable, but Mark Richards does a great job in bringing the characters to life and this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Being me, I always worry when an animal is part of the storyline and I am NOT marking this as a spoiler because I am very happy to announce that Archie makes it to the end of the book more or less in one piece - yes something does happen to him but he makes a full recovery. YES!!! If he hadn't, I wouldn't be giving this 4 stars, lol
Author Mark Richards brings us a series about ex cop Michael Brady, who after losing his wife, moves himself, his daughter Ash and dog Archie back to Whitby, in the hopes of writing a long anticipated book. However fate intervenes and Michael finds himself falling back into police mode after his childhood mate is murdered and he realises he has to do something to find the real killer. Okay, it sounds rather predictable, but Mark Richards does a great job in bringing the characters to life and this was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Being me, I always worry when an animal is part of the storyline and I am NOT marking this as a spoiler because I am very happy to announce that Archie makes it to the end of the book more or less in one piece - yes something does happen to him but he makes a full recovery. YES!!! If he hadn't, I wouldn't be giving this 4 stars, lol
June 10, 2021
I enjoy a good crime novel with a little something extra: believable, empathetic characters and this is just such a book.
Following a tragedy, DCI Michael Brady leaves Manchester for his childhood home of Whitby, a small seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast. There he plans to write, and to try and forget. Whitby is a quiet town where nothing much happens – until there is a murder. Brady gets sucked into the whirlwind of events with only a retired, ex-rugby player with bad knees, a dodgy computer geek, and a springer spaniel to help.
I holidayed in and around Robin Hood’s Bay as a child and the descriptions of the area bring back happy memories but the very humanness of Brady is what makes this novel special. Richards writes with humour and with sympathy for his characters which makes you want them to succeed too. I look forward to reading more of Brady’s adventures.
Following a tragedy, DCI Michael Brady leaves Manchester for his childhood home of Whitby, a small seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast. There he plans to write, and to try and forget. Whitby is a quiet town where nothing much happens – until there is a murder. Brady gets sucked into the whirlwind of events with only a retired, ex-rugby player with bad knees, a dodgy computer geek, and a springer spaniel to help.
I holidayed in and around Robin Hood’s Bay as a child and the descriptions of the area bring back happy memories but the very humanness of Brady is what makes this novel special. Richards writes with humour and with sympathy for his characters which makes you want them to succeed too. I look forward to reading more of Brady’s adventures.
January 11, 2022
Brady has moved back to Whitby with his daughter, Ash and their dog, Archie. His plan is to become a writer and be nearer to his sister, Kate and her family.
Brady’s wife was critically injured in a hit and run but Brady had to make the decision to turn off the life support after 6 months.
Being back home, it’s not long before Brady catches up with his childhood friend, Patrick. Unfortunately, Brady is left grieving again when his friend is murdered.
Even though Brady is not working for the police at the moment, he soon finds himself involved in the investigation.
I loved this story, I found myself going through many emotions reading it. This is a story of love, death, loss and hope. A tale of the importance of family and friends, old and new. I felt the book was well written and I enjoyed seeing how Brady worked the investigation, albeit away from the prying eyes of the police!
Brady’s wife was critically injured in a hit and run but Brady had to make the decision to turn off the life support after 6 months.
Being back home, it’s not long before Brady catches up with his childhood friend, Patrick. Unfortunately, Brady is left grieving again when his friend is murdered.
Even though Brady is not working for the police at the moment, he soon finds himself involved in the investigation.
I loved this story, I found myself going through many emotions reading it. This is a story of love, death, loss and hope. A tale of the importance of family and friends, old and new. I felt the book was well written and I enjoyed seeing how Brady worked the investigation, albeit away from the prying eyes of the police!
January 9, 2025
Buvo likę visai nedaug, bet nebepabaigiau, nes ko gero tada būčiau davus jau tik vieną žvaigždutę. Vienas neįdomiausių detektyvų, kuriuos skaičiau ar klausiau. Taip, šitą nemokamai siūlė audible, bet iki šiol tie nemokami tikrai pasirodė geresni.
Ilgai ir nuobodžiai laukiau kol baigsis įžanga ir kažkas įvyks, o kai įvyko, kažkaip labai jau nuspėjama pasirodė kas kaltas. Apskritai knyga, atrodo kaip koks serialas. Daug visokių šalutinių linijų, kurios prasideda, bet taip ir nesibaigia, nes, atrodo, autorius jas tiesiog pamiršta ir prie jų nebegrįžta. Ir geriečiai, ir blogiukai elgiasi kvailai ir nelogiškai, veikėjai neįdomūs, ir apskritai daugiausia knygos užima aprašinėjimai kaip pagrindinis veikėjas vežioja pajūryje savo šunį ir kaip jam nesiseka rašyti knygą (čia gal autobiografinė detalė :) ). Jei dar bent būtų tai kažkaip gražiai aprašyta.
Ilgai ir nuobodžiai laukiau kol baigsis įžanga ir kažkas įvyks, o kai įvyko, kažkaip labai jau nuspėjama pasirodė kas kaltas. Apskritai knyga, atrodo kaip koks serialas. Daug visokių šalutinių linijų, kurios prasideda, bet taip ir nesibaigia, nes, atrodo, autorius jas tiesiog pamiršta ir prie jų nebegrįžta. Ir geriečiai, ir blogiukai elgiasi kvailai ir nelogiškai, veikėjai neįdomūs, ir apskritai daugiausia knygos užima aprašinėjimai kaip pagrindinis veikėjas vežioja pajūryje savo šunį ir kaip jam nesiseka rašyti knygą (čia gal autobiografinė detalė :) ). Jei dar bent būtų tai kažkaip gražiai aprašyta.
November 30, 2021
Michael Brady has moved to Whitby with his 13 year old daughter and his dog following the death of his wife. While there, he meets an old friend who ends up being murdered the next night. Michael is on leave from the police but of course, old habits die hard and he feels compelled to perform his own investigation.
I liked the style of writing. It was very easy to read. It was good to read this without any real police involvement, without having a vigilante style feel to it. It's easy to like Mike and empathise with him after the loss of his wife, and his struggle with his 13-year old daughter. The whole setup feels very real.
The descriptions are also done very well. I really want a bacon sandwich! I will definitely read more in this series.
I liked the style of writing. It was very easy to read. It was good to read this without any real police involvement, without having a vigilante style feel to it. It's easy to like Mike and empathise with him after the loss of his wife, and his struggle with his 13-year old daughter. The whole setup feels very real.
The descriptions are also done very well. I really want a bacon sandwich! I will definitely read more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews