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DS Joe Romano #1
Right to Kill
The first in a gripping new crime thriller series set in Yorkshire, for fans of Ian Rankin and Joseph Knox.
On a Thursday night in February, DS Joe Romano finds himself back on home turf in Wortley, West Leeds. He’s following up on the disappearance of drug dealer Craig Shaw.
It’s the start of a case that could make or break Romano’s career. Because Shaw is about to go from missing to murdered.
While some don’t think Shaw’s killer should be brought to justice, Romano believes every life counts. But he’s running out of time.
The killer is ready to strike again. And Romano will be forced to question whether anyone has the right to kill.
On a Thursday night in February, DS Joe Romano finds himself back on home turf in Wortley, West Leeds. He’s following up on the disappearance of drug dealer Craig Shaw.
It’s the start of a case that could make or break Romano’s career. Because Shaw is about to go from missing to murdered.
While some don’t think Shaw’s killer should be brought to justice, Romano believes every life counts. But he’s running out of time.
The killer is ready to strike again. And Romano will be forced to question whether anyone has the right to kill.
400 pages, ebook
First published June 24, 2021
21 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
John Barlow
52 books49 followersJohn Barlow's prize-winning fiction and non-fiction has been published by HarperCollins/William Morrow, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 4th Estate and various others in the UK, US, Australia, Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain and Poland.
His current project is the Joe Romano crime thriller series. The first novel, RIGHT TO KILL, is out in the UK with HQ/HarperCollins on June 24th, 2021.
***
John was born in West Yorkshire, England, in 1967. He worked as a musician before studying English Literature at Cambridge University and language acquisition at Hull University. After teaching English for several years, he moved to Spain to write full-time, and has been there ever since. He is married to Susana, with whom he has two sons. They currently live in the Galician city of A Coruña.
Apart from writing fiction, he also works as a ghost writer and journalist. He has written for the Washington Post, Slate.com, Penthouse, Departures Magazine and The Big Issue, and he is currently a feature writer for the award-winning food magazine Spain Gourmetour.
***
John's first published work, a novella, won the Paris Review's Discovery (Plimpton) Prize in 2002. He went on to publish a collection of novellas, EATING MAMMALS, the novel INTOXICATED, set in the late nineteenth century, and EVERYTHING BUT THE SQUEAL, a food-travelogue about Spain. He then published the off-beat noir novel WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JERRY PICCO?, and three novels in the LS9 series, featuring amateur sleuth John Ray.
John has also worked with the conceptual artists goldin+enneby on their ACÉPHALE project, which has so far taken him to Nassau, Bergamo, Oslo and London, and into the company of Bahamian off-shore bankers, defamation layers, prize-winning artists, and Martina Navratilova. His writing for the project has been published variously in English, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Portuguese, and has featured at numerous art shows/galleries in the UK, the US, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The novel HEADLESS, based on the project, was release in 2013.
His current project is the Joe Romano crime thriller series. The first novel, RIGHT TO KILL, is out in the UK with HQ/HarperCollins on June 24th, 2021.
***
John was born in West Yorkshire, England, in 1967. He worked as a musician before studying English Literature at Cambridge University and language acquisition at Hull University. After teaching English for several years, he moved to Spain to write full-time, and has been there ever since. He is married to Susana, with whom he has two sons. They currently live in the Galician city of A Coruña.
Apart from writing fiction, he also works as a ghost writer and journalist. He has written for the Washington Post, Slate.com, Penthouse, Departures Magazine and The Big Issue, and he is currently a feature writer for the award-winning food magazine Spain Gourmetour.
***
John's first published work, a novella, won the Paris Review's Discovery (Plimpton) Prize in 2002. He went on to publish a collection of novellas, EATING MAMMALS, the novel INTOXICATED, set in the late nineteenth century, and EVERYTHING BUT THE SQUEAL, a food-travelogue about Spain. He then published the off-beat noir novel WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JERRY PICCO?, and three novels in the LS9 series, featuring amateur sleuth John Ray.
John has also worked with the conceptual artists goldin+enneby on their ACÉPHALE project, which has so far taken him to Nassau, Bergamo, Oslo and London, and into the company of Bahamian off-shore bankers, defamation layers, prize-winning artists, and Martina Navratilova. His writing for the project has been published variously in English, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Portuguese, and has featured at numerous art shows/galleries in the UK, the US, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The novel HEADLESS, based on the project, was release in 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 6, 2021
John Barlow begins a new Leeds based crime series featuring DS Joe Romano, who has returned after a stint at Lyon, France, working for Interpol that went badly both personally, his marriage to Jackie broke down, and professionally. He is missing his 19 year old son, Sam, who has left to become a medical student at Edinburgh University. He is handed a missing person's report, that of 25 year old small time drug dealer, Craig Shaw, and decides to visit his mother, Jane, to find out more. The missing person case soon becomes a murder case, when Shaw's body is found in a burnt out car at Broadyards Country Park. No-one is expressing much in the way of sympathy for the victim, either within the police or on social media. In fact, there is the strong feeling that the victim deserved it and the killer has provided a community service and should be lauded for it.
We are given a glimpse into the mind of the killer, for whom Shaw's rudeness had triggered the unplanned and opportunistic murder. Far from feeling guilt, the killer feels they have found a sense of purpose, and is going to continue on this path that feels so right. Romano does not share the view that little effort needs to expended on this murder inquiry, every life matters, and he particularly feels for the grieving Jane who has suffered such a devastating loss. He follows several leads, including Shaw's student girlfriend, Lisa Cullen, and that of her parents, Danny and Karen. Danny Cullen, the charismatic leader of the far right English Patriot League, aided by lawyer, Leon Turner who runs the Lobster Pot, they are actively going after drug dealers. As a second murder is discovered in Kirklees with a similar MO, Joe works with the irrepressible DS Rita Scannon in the hunt for the killer.
Barlow explores the right to kill and vigilante phenomena when it comes to murder victims that so many in the community feel got what was coming to them, a view that is shared by many in the police force here. The surprising killer is finally revealed, a sympathetic character, given the trauma and sorrow of their past. I liked the character of Joe, but for me the person that holds centre stage with her brashness and attitude is local Yorkshire woman, DS Rita Hridi Scannon-Aktar, and it is the thought of encountering her again that makes me look forward to the next in this promising series. An entertaining and engaging crime read. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
We are given a glimpse into the mind of the killer, for whom Shaw's rudeness had triggered the unplanned and opportunistic murder. Far from feeling guilt, the killer feels they have found a sense of purpose, and is going to continue on this path that feels so right. Romano does not share the view that little effort needs to expended on this murder inquiry, every life matters, and he particularly feels for the grieving Jane who has suffered such a devastating loss. He follows several leads, including Shaw's student girlfriend, Lisa Cullen, and that of her parents, Danny and Karen. Danny Cullen, the charismatic leader of the far right English Patriot League, aided by lawyer, Leon Turner who runs the Lobster Pot, they are actively going after drug dealers. As a second murder is discovered in Kirklees with a similar MO, Joe works with the irrepressible DS Rita Scannon in the hunt for the killer.
Barlow explores the right to kill and vigilante phenomena when it comes to murder victims that so many in the community feel got what was coming to them, a view that is shared by many in the police force here. The surprising killer is finally revealed, a sympathetic character, given the trauma and sorrow of their past. I liked the character of Joe, but for me the person that holds centre stage with her brashness and attitude is local Yorkshire woman, DS Rita Hridi Scannon-Aktar, and it is the thought of encountering her again that makes me look forward to the next in this promising series. An entertaining and engaging crime read. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
March 28, 2021
DS Joe Romano is back in Leeds after a spell at Interpol. He has a missing person case of drug dealer Craig Shaw. What follows draws Joe into an investigation in ways that he could not have foreseen with a killer deploying their brand of justice raising question marks over the ‘right to kill’
This novel certainly grabs your attention right from the start in this gritty inquiry into the identity of killer tagged the ‘Graphite Assassin’. I like Joe, he’s complex, very committed and hard working, he’s had some personal knocks but this case reignites his career. He feels an authentic character with a good balance struck between the investigation and sufficient personal information to understand what makes him tick. I love DS Rita Scannon or to give her full title DS Rita Hridi Scannon-Aktar, she’s absolutely brilliant! The repartee between her and Joe and with others in the team is really good with some great dark humour thrown in! The setting in and around Leeds is a familiar one to me which I like as we zip from Leeds to Happy Valley and the old West Yorkshire mill towns, adding some good old Yorkshire grit! The case is intriguing and dives into some relevant issues including the unsavoury views of groups like ‘The English Patriot League’. It’s well written, the case has good twists and turns, it’s lively, easy to read with a good plot and a fast pace. The conclusion is exciting and I look forward to reading more about Joe and Rita - fingers crossed.
Overall, an enjoyable police crime thriller.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the arc in return for an honest review.
This novel certainly grabs your attention right from the start in this gritty inquiry into the identity of killer tagged the ‘Graphite Assassin’. I like Joe, he’s complex, very committed and hard working, he’s had some personal knocks but this case reignites his career. He feels an authentic character with a good balance struck between the investigation and sufficient personal information to understand what makes him tick. I love DS Rita Scannon or to give her full title DS Rita Hridi Scannon-Aktar, she’s absolutely brilliant! The repartee between her and Joe and with others in the team is really good with some great dark humour thrown in! The setting in and around Leeds is a familiar one to me which I like as we zip from Leeds to Happy Valley and the old West Yorkshire mill towns, adding some good old Yorkshire grit! The case is intriguing and dives into some relevant issues including the unsavoury views of groups like ‘The English Patriot League’. It’s well written, the case has good twists and turns, it’s lively, easy to read with a good plot and a fast pace. The conclusion is exciting and I look forward to reading more about Joe and Rita - fingers crossed.
Overall, an enjoyable police crime thriller.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the arc in return for an honest review.
June 24, 2021
Right to Kill is the first instalment in the brand new Detective Sergeant Joe Romano series set in Wortley, Leeds and against the backdrop of Brexit Britain “where racism and drugs are rife and the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen”. English-Sicilian DS, Joe Romano is trying to get his life and work back on track after a misguided stint at Interpol, which caused his career to take a nosedive. Now back in his hometown of Leeds, he’s working dead-end cases, like the disappearance of a local drug dealer. It’s a case on which nobody but Romano wants to waste much time – until the dealer turns up dead. Romano is partnered with the straight-talking DS Rita Scannon-Akhtar, and the pair delve into the murky world of right-wing activists and drug dealer rivalries, while social media begins to mount in favour of a killer seen to be cleaning up the streets.
This is a riveting and original police procedural with complex plotting and an ingenious concept behind the murder. It's an absorbing albeit chilling piece of writing in which the pace steadily rises and is filled with twists and misdirection. It’s always a pleasure to read a book set in your neck of the woods and John’s realistic and gritty portrayal of Leeds is a timely breath of fresh air. Right to Kill is a heart-stopping thriller with a good dose of Yorkshire wit, but it also scratches beneath the surface to expose the realities of our fractured Northern communities. I was gripped from the start by this tightly plotted vigilante novel and how addictive it was, and I can't help but feel that this is a series to watch. An absorbing, immersive and thoroughly entertaining thriller which even features some trademark northern banter. Highly recommended.
This is a riveting and original police procedural with complex plotting and an ingenious concept behind the murder. It's an absorbing albeit chilling piece of writing in which the pace steadily rises and is filled with twists and misdirection. It’s always a pleasure to read a book set in your neck of the woods and John’s realistic and gritty portrayal of Leeds is a timely breath of fresh air. Right to Kill is a heart-stopping thriller with a good dose of Yorkshire wit, but it also scratches beneath the surface to expose the realities of our fractured Northern communities. I was gripped from the start by this tightly plotted vigilante novel and how addictive it was, and I can't help but feel that this is a series to watch. An absorbing, immersive and thoroughly entertaining thriller which even features some trademark northern banter. Highly recommended.
April 11, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ for an advance copy of Right to Kill, the first novel to feature DS Joe Romano of the Leeds Police.
Joe takes a report on a missing person, Craig Shaw, whom his mother hasn’t seen for two days, so when his body is found he takes charge of the investigation. He works with DS Rita Scannon to uncover the murderer.
I enjoyed Right to Kill, which has an interesting plot with a few twists. It isn’t a long novel but manages to pack in a fair amount from drugs to white nationalism and sundry other points. It doesn’t do much in detail, but the brush strokes are broad enough to cover the basics. The plot held my attention as Joe hones in on a suspect, someone I didn’t suspect until it becomes obvious.
The novel is mostly told from Joe’s point of view with the unnamed killer making a few appearances at the beginning to set the tone. I’m undecided about Joe Romano. He’s obviously smart and has good instincts, but he’s not all that likeable, being individualist with a chronic inability to follow orders and he never seems to relax or unbutton. Rita is more fun.
Right to Kill is a good read that I can recommend.
Joe takes a report on a missing person, Craig Shaw, whom his mother hasn’t seen for two days, so when his body is found he takes charge of the investigation. He works with DS Rita Scannon to uncover the murderer.
I enjoyed Right to Kill, which has an interesting plot with a few twists. It isn’t a long novel but manages to pack in a fair amount from drugs to white nationalism and sundry other points. It doesn’t do much in detail, but the brush strokes are broad enough to cover the basics. The plot held my attention as Joe hones in on a suspect, someone I didn’t suspect until it becomes obvious.
The novel is mostly told from Joe’s point of view with the unnamed killer making a few appearances at the beginning to set the tone. I’m undecided about Joe Romano. He’s obviously smart and has good instincts, but he’s not all that likeable, being individualist with a chronic inability to follow orders and he never seems to relax or unbutton. Rita is more fun.
Right to Kill is a good read that I can recommend.
July 31, 2023
This is the first in the Joe Romano series & it's a series I'll certainly be following. The story is told in the main from Joe's POV but in the opening chapter, & on the odd occasion afterwards, we hear first hand from the as yet unidentified killer as they murder a known drug dealer....& with an unusual choice of weapon! With the killer ready to strike again Joe teams up with DS Rita Scannon - a character I loved! - to put an end to the deaths - but when it's drug dealers that are being murdered many, including Joe's colleagues, don't think the enquiry warrants a great deal of effort. Joe, however, believe every live counts.
This had everything I want from a crime novel, good credible characters, an interesting plotline & some nice touches of humour but I have to be honest & say what made it special for me was the fact that it mentioned places I know. I've never read a book that featured Cleckheaton library before! And the fact he'd been to Cleckheaton once "...in search of the perfect pork-pie after a tip-off about a butcher's shop" (was it Metcalfe's by any chance?) made me smile.
Overall, a great read that was gripping & gritty- just the way I like 'em - & I'm looking forward to meeting Romano, & hopefully Scannon, again very soon.
Memorable quote:
"In Leeds there's always an annoying wind, unless there isn't, then you wish there was. Either way, the weather's always just a bit shit"
How true....
This had everything I want from a crime novel, good credible characters, an interesting plotline & some nice touches of humour but I have to be honest & say what made it special for me was the fact that it mentioned places I know. I've never read a book that featured Cleckheaton library before! And the fact he'd been to Cleckheaton once "...in search of the perfect pork-pie after a tip-off about a butcher's shop" (was it Metcalfe's by any chance?) made me smile.
Overall, a great read that was gripping & gritty- just the way I like 'em - & I'm looking forward to meeting Romano, & hopefully Scannon, again very soon.
Memorable quote:
"In Leeds there's always an annoying wind, unless there isn't, then you wish there was. Either way, the weather's always just a bit shit"
How true....
January 27, 2022
I loved the fact that this is set just down the road from me in Leeds and that DS Joe Romano visits many areas with which I am familiar.
A cracking good police procedural and a nice easy read to get you hooked inot the series.
I think Barlow captures the many and varied essences of Yorkshire and Leeds and the surrounding area very well.
His characterisation is spot on and I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know the characters better as the series progresses.
Right to kill is a tantalising police procedural with many layers and is well plotted and empathetic, yet raw. Moving right on to an ARC of the next one in the series.
A cracking good police procedural and a nice easy read to get you hooked inot the series.
I think Barlow captures the many and varied essences of Yorkshire and Leeds and the surrounding area very well.
His characterisation is spot on and I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know the characters better as the series progresses.
Right to kill is a tantalising police procedural with many layers and is well plotted and empathetic, yet raw. Moving right on to an ARC of the next one in the series.
June 24, 2021
What a striking opener, not quite how I expected that to pan out! But having such a memorable first chapter really set me off for a cracking read as a killer is rampaging around West Yorkshire bumping off the less desirable individuals of society. Does this vigilante have the right to kill those who are detrimental to society or is this killer as bad as them.
I really warmed to Romano as the book went on. He’s not the down and out detective that he makes himself out to be. He’s hardworking and not afraid to toe the line. He’s got a nose for investigation and he’s not afraid to follow it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the daily chapters with an insight to our vigilante. This killer is on a mission to clean up the West Yorkshire streets but is taking the law in to your own hands the right way to go about it? When you’re this hellbent, who cares.
Barlow’s murderous crime thriller is fast paced and a tad bit gruesome in places. I loved having my home city of Leeds as the backdrop to what I hope is a new series. My mind wandered around the city and countryside I know well. I flew through this investigation very quickly, hooked from the beginning. I’d like to see more of Romano!
I really warmed to Romano as the book went on. He’s not the down and out detective that he makes himself out to be. He’s hardworking and not afraid to toe the line. He’s got a nose for investigation and he’s not afraid to follow it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the daily chapters with an insight to our vigilante. This killer is on a mission to clean up the West Yorkshire streets but is taking the law in to your own hands the right way to go about it? When you’re this hellbent, who cares.
Barlow’s murderous crime thriller is fast paced and a tad bit gruesome in places. I loved having my home city of Leeds as the backdrop to what I hope is a new series. My mind wandered around the city and countryside I know well. I flew through this investigation very quickly, hooked from the beginning. I’d like to see more of Romano!
February 27, 2022
A real page turner. To say it's set in Wortley is a bit strange unless Elland Road police station has moved from Beeston.
I can't help but love the scenery, but as a resident of "Happy Valley" I am biased. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I can't help but love the scenery, but as a resident of "Happy Valley" I am biased. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Read
August 26, 2023A couple of interesting twists in this one: the murder victims are drug-dealers, generally not much positive use to anyone -- but does that give anyone the right to murder them? Then there is the identity of the killer, which is also a bit of a twist on most detective fiction I've read recently.
March 25, 2025
Right to Kill is a crime novel that asks a lot of questions. Is it ever right to kill on purely moral grounds? How much importance should police, the public and social media give to the murderer of people whose actions in life have only caused harm?
The novel starts with a gruesome murder involving a pencil and an eyeball. It is one of those opportunistic murders, the victim looking at his killer in the wrong way. The first chapter is told from the killer's perspective, both shocked and exhilarated by their foray into murder.
DS Joe Romano is new to the Leeds area, his career and marriage both failing as the result of a sojourn to France, but the murder of drug-dealer Craig Shaw has woken up his police instincts. Although the opinions of both his superiors and social media are to show more sympathy for the killer than for their victim, he strongly disagrees.
As a second murder, this time of an unrepentant sex offender, with the same MO, Romano's caseload increases, as do his dealing with a Far-Right group, the incredibly hard-working and dogged policemen and woman of the Yorkshire police force, and the part that the court of public opinion plays in crime. Everyone has an opinion, and they are not always welcome ones.
The killer is dubbed the #Graphitemurderer, and as the case takes on national interest, so does Romano's personal life. A date with a woman helping with some background research becomes viral on Instagram, and Romano is removed from the case.
As the story reaches its conclusion, John Barlow has a few more twists up his sleeve. The murderer is a lot closer to home, and as the book ends, some closure is given to the mother of Craig Shaw and the fact that not everyone is as unwilling to find justice for him.
Joe Romano is a well-drawn character, with the other characters being both sympathetic and believable. The settings and the crimes are also well researched, adding to the ease of the read. It is linear and doesn't go into too much back story, which would hamper the pace and the progress of the novel. At the end of the novel, Romano is deep in conversation with another character, using his linguistic skills on a potential love interest. The book is the first in a planned series, and I look forward to seeing how the stories develop.
The novel starts with a gruesome murder involving a pencil and an eyeball. It is one of those opportunistic murders, the victim looking at his killer in the wrong way. The first chapter is told from the killer's perspective, both shocked and exhilarated by their foray into murder.
DS Joe Romano is new to the Leeds area, his career and marriage both failing as the result of a sojourn to France, but the murder of drug-dealer Craig Shaw has woken up his police instincts. Although the opinions of both his superiors and social media are to show more sympathy for the killer than for their victim, he strongly disagrees.
As a second murder, this time of an unrepentant sex offender, with the same MO, Romano's caseload increases, as do his dealing with a Far-Right group, the incredibly hard-working and dogged policemen and woman of the Yorkshire police force, and the part that the court of public opinion plays in crime. Everyone has an opinion, and they are not always welcome ones.
The killer is dubbed the #Graphitemurderer, and as the case takes on national interest, so does Romano's personal life. A date with a woman helping with some background research becomes viral on Instagram, and Romano is removed from the case.
As the story reaches its conclusion, John Barlow has a few more twists up his sleeve. The murderer is a lot closer to home, and as the book ends, some closure is given to the mother of Craig Shaw and the fact that not everyone is as unwilling to find justice for him.
Joe Romano is a well-drawn character, with the other characters being both sympathetic and believable. The settings and the crimes are also well researched, adding to the ease of the read. It is linear and doesn't go into too much back story, which would hamper the pace and the progress of the novel. At the end of the novel, Romano is deep in conversation with another character, using his linguistic skills on a potential love interest. The book is the first in a planned series, and I look forward to seeing how the stories develop.
March 13, 2021
My thoughts about this brilliantly written gripping hard-hiting police procedural crime thriller, John Barlow's Right To Kill, what can I say bloody brilliant, Not only it's got spectacular suspense and its fast paced, it is one of the best outstanding thrillers I've read this year. Author John Barlow has written a powerful storyline, that bends no rules to find the killer of a drug dealer was fantastic. What I liked about Right To Kill, was its characters, and DS Joe Romano is a brilliantly written fearless detective, which was incredible. The story of Right To Kill, which is set in Leeds begins were we see DS Joe Romano finds himself back on home turf. He’s following up on the disappearance of drug-dealer Craig Shaw.It’s the start of a case that could make or break Romano’s career. Because Shaw is about to go from missing to murdered which was shocking, then we see DS Joe Romano investigating and searching for the killer's identity of the drug dealer, was fantastic.The way the story starts and finishes is going to blow you away.Writer John Barlow delivers a new crime thriller series, that is truly magnificent. Right To Kill is a well written, and well plotted masterpiece, that will blow you away, with its amazing story and suspense. I would like to say thank you to Author John Barlow, And Publishers HQ Stories,who have brought in talented author's like Nadine Matheson, Khurrum Rahman and John Barlow and many more, and netgalley for giving me a chance to read and review, this outstanding rollocoster explosive thriller, that will blow you away, highly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
May 12, 2023
This book is just wow
And to think the TEACHER of all people!
One book i would read again !
And to think the TEACHER of all people!
One book i would read again !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2021
Right to Kill is an intense, intelligent, and totally absorbing British police procedural - one of the very best I’ve read in a long while.
From the first pages of this book we are dropped into a situation that quickly unleashes a horrifying and deeply chilling homicide, told from the POV of the murderer, and we, along with the detectives on the case, begin the crazy race to identify the killer before another crime can be committed. And the pace never lets up.
i was immediately taken with the character of Detective Sergeant Joe Romano, a touchingly real and perfectly crafted “regular-guy” cop (one who I am hoping we will see more of in future books by this author). Smart, committed and deeply honorable, Joe is also a kind and compassionate man, clearly out of place in the alpha-male cockiness typical of his police colleagues (both male and female).
We meet Joe, (and Joe meets this case) at a crossroads in his life - as someone who has recently dealt with humiliation, failure and loss, both professionally and personally, Joe is feeling out-of-kilter, floundering, adrift and disconnected from his habitual “boldness’, his ‘former instincts for a case”, and the sense that things would always get resolved.
With help from the rest of the CID team, including the wonderfully tough and take-charge DS Rita Scannon, Joe finds himself embroiled in a dangerous and disturbing chase with more suspects including organizations of right-wing extremists and vigilante crime fighters.
Along the way, author explores some interesting themes, including:
How do we maintain compassion when faced with those who commit terrible acts? Should we even try?
Is vigilante justice ever warranted? Should victims of crime who are themselves criminals be handled any differently? Is an individual-initiated killing ever “right” or acceptable, or even understandable?
I won’t tell you more details of the plot (no spoilers here!), but this book will keep you guessing right to the end, and rest assured, the ending is a doozie!
A big thank you to the publisher HQ, and the author, for the opportunity to join the #HQblogtour for #RightToKill
@John_Barlow_LS9 @HQDigitalUK @HQstories #bookreview @SianBaldwin
From the first pages of this book we are dropped into a situation that quickly unleashes a horrifying and deeply chilling homicide, told from the POV of the murderer, and we, along with the detectives on the case, begin the crazy race to identify the killer before another crime can be committed. And the pace never lets up.
i was immediately taken with the character of Detective Sergeant Joe Romano, a touchingly real and perfectly crafted “regular-guy” cop (one who I am hoping we will see more of in future books by this author). Smart, committed and deeply honorable, Joe is also a kind and compassionate man, clearly out of place in the alpha-male cockiness typical of his police colleagues (both male and female).
We meet Joe, (and Joe meets this case) at a crossroads in his life - as someone who has recently dealt with humiliation, failure and loss, both professionally and personally, Joe is feeling out-of-kilter, floundering, adrift and disconnected from his habitual “boldness’, his ‘former instincts for a case”, and the sense that things would always get resolved.
With help from the rest of the CID team, including the wonderfully tough and take-charge DS Rita Scannon, Joe finds himself embroiled in a dangerous and disturbing chase with more suspects including organizations of right-wing extremists and vigilante crime fighters.
Along the way, author explores some interesting themes, including:
How do we maintain compassion when faced with those who commit terrible acts? Should we even try?
Is vigilante justice ever warranted? Should victims of crime who are themselves criminals be handled any differently? Is an individual-initiated killing ever “right” or acceptable, or even understandable?
I won’t tell you more details of the plot (no spoilers here!), but this book will keep you guessing right to the end, and rest assured, the ending is a doozie!
A big thank you to the publisher HQ, and the author, for the opportunity to join the #HQblogtour for #RightToKill
@John_Barlow_LS9 @HQDigitalUK @HQstories #bookreview @SianBaldwin
October 1, 2022
Title – Right to Kill
Author – John Barlow
Genre – Crime Thriller/Murder Mystery
Word Count - 80,000
Rating – 5 stars out of 5
No. 42 - 2022
Posted 10/1/2022
My Impressions: Slow but steady, lots of self-introspection, masterful manipulation of the reader
Main Characters:
Detective Joe Romano – middle age, past his peak, a loner
Detective Rita Scannon – tough, competent, brave but not foolish
Craig Shaw & Jason Beverage – dope dealing scumbags
Joe Romano is a detective sergeant in Leeds, England, with an ex-career, ex-wife and a son away at university. His career stumbled after a stint in France with Interpol and his wife divorcing him for a Frenchman. He spends most of his day on self-introspection while.slogging through mundane assignments chasing missing persons and minor cases no one cares about. Then one of his missing persons is found in his mother’s burned car after he was brutally murdered in a most unusual way. That case thrusts Joe into the role of lead detective.
While interrogating Craig Shaw’s mother for a clue as to why her only son was killed, he feels she is holding information back. He draws close to her as he searches his heart for how he would feel if his only son, Sam, died. Long periods of internal reflection ensue as he and Rita conduct an investigation quickly expanded by the death of another young man, this time a nineteen-year-old low life drug dealer, rapist, thief.
Several prime suspects emerge, and Joe follows up with one of several women he meets and is attracted to.
When the murderer finally confesses and is apprehend, the plot takes another turn and is off and running again.
The editing & sentence structure are professional grade.
Character development is thorough and almost overdone with Joe
Details and research paint a vivid picture of English countryside and people
The plot is detailed and has a surprise in-store, so pay attention.
The writing style is typically slow but heavily detailed English writing. I liked it.
The story has a lot of English terms and slang I didn't know: like busker and mangle.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – John Barlow
Genre – Crime Thriller/Murder Mystery
Word Count - 80,000
Rating – 5 stars out of 5
No. 42 - 2022
Posted 10/1/2022
My Impressions: Slow but steady, lots of self-introspection, masterful manipulation of the reader
Main Characters:
Detective Joe Romano – middle age, past his peak, a loner
Detective Rita Scannon – tough, competent, brave but not foolish
Craig Shaw & Jason Beverage – dope dealing scumbags
Joe Romano is a detective sergeant in Leeds, England, with an ex-career, ex-wife and a son away at university. His career stumbled after a stint in France with Interpol and his wife divorcing him for a Frenchman. He spends most of his day on self-introspection while.slogging through mundane assignments chasing missing persons and minor cases no one cares about. Then one of his missing persons is found in his mother’s burned car after he was brutally murdered in a most unusual way. That case thrusts Joe into the role of lead detective.
While interrogating Craig Shaw’s mother for a clue as to why her only son was killed, he feels she is holding information back. He draws close to her as he searches his heart for how he would feel if his only son, Sam, died. Long periods of internal reflection ensue as he and Rita conduct an investigation quickly expanded by the death of another young man, this time a nineteen-year-old low life drug dealer, rapist, thief.
Several prime suspects emerge, and Joe follows up with one of several women he meets and is attracted to.
When the murderer finally confesses and is apprehend, the plot takes another turn and is off and running again.
The editing & sentence structure are professional grade.
Character development is thorough and almost overdone with Joe
Details and research paint a vivid picture of English countryside and people
The plot is detailed and has a surprise in-store, so pay attention.
The writing style is typically slow but heavily detailed English writing. I liked it.
The story has a lot of English terms and slang I didn't know: like busker and mangle.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
March 4, 2023
The first book in the DS Joe Romano series is a very good read. He has recently returned from a stint in France where everything in his life seemed to go awry. A shining star when he left Leeds, an also-ran now he's back, stuck on Missing Persons. But he takes his job seriously & is "rewarded" with a murder.
Joe is a good copper, you'd rather the police think 'a murder is a murder' rather than 'the scumbag deserved it' if it were your child that had been slaughtered. He also seems to be a fairly nice person, but he comes across as a bit too wet for my liking. I definitely like DS Rita Scannon (Rita Hridi Scannon-Aktar), Joe's counterpart in Kirklees. She balances Joe's soppiness a bit & is a character I hope to see more of.
The murderer is a bit of a surprise, & I think if they'd stopped at one they'd have got away with it. I certainly understand the thinking behind removing some of the scum & saving taxpayers money. I like a bit of vigilantism, making the arseholes pay when lawyers get them a tap on the wrist for rape to murder, including drug-pushers because they're murderers too.
The book started well, very snappy, & sucked me in, but it seemed to lose momentum in the middle. I could have lived without Joe's family history, too: what was the point? I would like to give the next one a go when it's published. I'd give this 3.5* if I could, a good solid performance that has potential to be a very good series, & I like that it's set in Leeds.
Joe is a good copper, you'd rather the police think 'a murder is a murder' rather than 'the scumbag deserved it' if it were your child that had been slaughtered. He also seems to be a fairly nice person, but he comes across as a bit too wet for my liking. I definitely like DS Rita Scannon (Rita Hridi Scannon-Aktar), Joe's counterpart in Kirklees. She balances Joe's soppiness a bit & is a character I hope to see more of.
The murderer is a bit of a surprise, & I think if they'd stopped at one they'd have got away with it. I certainly understand the thinking behind removing some of the scum & saving taxpayers money. I like a bit of vigilantism, making the arseholes pay when lawyers get them a tap on the wrist for rape to murder, including drug-pushers because they're murderers too.
The book started well, very snappy, & sucked me in, but it seemed to lose momentum in the middle. I could have lived without Joe's family history, too: what was the point? I would like to give the next one a go when it's published. I'd give this 3.5* if I could, a good solid performance that has potential to be a very good series, & I like that it's set in Leeds.
June 17, 2021
This is a seriously impressive debut from John Barlow, as he writes his story of DS Joe Romano.
When a murder of a local drug dealer takes place, no one is really bothered, police, locals, who cares? Scums been wiped out.
Joe cares. Because that’s his job. That’s what he swore to do. Be it white black or grey. Joe Romano treats everyone the same.
This debut read is really quite superb, as Joe and his colleagues worth the case, there’s a very genuine authenticity to the police work.
A good partner in Rita adds the humour but she takes a back seat as this book is very much about Joe and his investigation.
There is much to like about this extremely solid crime thriller. It’s well crafted, pacing is good, chapter size great.
Guessing the killer early doors can disappoint a little but being a veteran of more than a 1000 books it takes something to surprise, but what I will say is that the killer is very well concealed and it’s done well at the reveal.
Entertaining Crime writing, up there with anything I’ve read this year, a highly promising start to a potentially blockbuster series.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
When a murder of a local drug dealer takes place, no one is really bothered, police, locals, who cares? Scums been wiped out.
Joe cares. Because that’s his job. That’s what he swore to do. Be it white black or grey. Joe Romano treats everyone the same.
This debut read is really quite superb, as Joe and his colleagues worth the case, there’s a very genuine authenticity to the police work.
A good partner in Rita adds the humour but she takes a back seat as this book is very much about Joe and his investigation.
There is much to like about this extremely solid crime thriller. It’s well crafted, pacing is good, chapter size great.
Guessing the killer early doors can disappoint a little but being a veteran of more than a 1000 books it takes something to surprise, but what I will say is that the killer is very well concealed and it’s done well at the reveal.
Entertaining Crime writing, up there with anything I’ve read this year, a highly promising start to a potentially blockbuster series.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
May 30, 2021
Right To Kill by John Barlow is a marvellous contemporary murder suspense that had me glued and guessing.
The story opens with murder and we ‘hear’ the perpetrators voice for the first time. Periodically throughout their voice returns, but who is it?
The police forces work together to solve the crimes. Social media is not always your friend and threatens to derail. At other times it is a useful tool.
It soon becomes apparent that there may be a vigilante on the loose. Public opinion is divided but many prefer this thought to that of a serial killer.
Tragedies happen from which there is no recovery, no escape.
All the action takes place in the Leeds/Bradford area. Having family living up there means I am familiar with the locations which enhances the reading experience.
All the characters are well drawn and realistic.
Right To Kill would translate perfectly into a television series. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of the story from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The story opens with murder and we ‘hear’ the perpetrators voice for the first time. Periodically throughout their voice returns, but who is it?
The police forces work together to solve the crimes. Social media is not always your friend and threatens to derail. At other times it is a useful tool.
It soon becomes apparent that there may be a vigilante on the loose. Public opinion is divided but many prefer this thought to that of a serial killer.
Tragedies happen from which there is no recovery, no escape.
All the action takes place in the Leeds/Bradford area. Having family living up there means I am familiar with the locations which enhances the reading experience.
All the characters are well drawn and realistic.
Right To Kill would translate perfectly into a television series. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of the story from Harper Collins via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
John Barlow is a new author to me and I thought the premise of this book looked interesting and my kind of read. I was right, and this book really hit the mark for me. I found this to be a very well written and engaging read that held my attention from start to finish. I really liked the main character here, he had a good, believable background history and investigates a missing person case which becomes a murder investigation. I loved the authors writing style, and found some of the scenes with certain characters and the banter between them very realistic and full of dark humour. There are quite a few twists in the story and a good, well thought out plot line. I read this book in just over a day and finished it having empathy for the killer! Overall a great read and a good start to what I hope is a new detective series. I will definitely want to read a second Joe Romano book.
John Barlow is a new author to me and I thought the premise of this book looked interesting and my kind of read. I was right, and this book really hit the mark for me. I found this to be a very well written and engaging read that held my attention from start to finish. I really liked the main character here, he had a good, believable background history and investigates a missing person case which becomes a murder investigation. I loved the authors writing style, and found some of the scenes with certain characters and the banter between them very realistic and full of dark humour. There are quite a few twists in the story and a good, well thought out plot line. I read this book in just over a day and finished it having empathy for the killer! Overall a great read and a good start to what I hope is a new detective series. I will definitely want to read a second Joe Romano book.
June 24, 2021
Set in Leeds and the surrounding area, this is a gritty noir style police procedural with an originally crafted detective. Joe Romano believes in justice for all, and for him, that includes criminals that are murdered. Seen from the point of view of the murderer, this story is disturbing and gritty, but it gives the reader insight, into the antagonist's motivations, from the onset. The story then follows Joe's viewpoint as he investigations a missing person case turned to murder, in a hostile ethos.
This is a twenty-first-century police investigation exploring political extremism and vigilante justice. Trial by social media is also an issue. It has an engaging pace and plot that keeps the reader turning the pages.
I received a copy of this book from HQ via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 13, 2022
This was my first John Barlow novel and I was very impressed. From the first page I was gripped, transported to Leeds and Yorkshire into the world of DS Joe Romano - who is an excellent protagonist. He’s flawed but not cliched, very relatable and human. And his sidekick Rita was another fantastic character.
The story wasn’t particularly twisty and there aren’t many red herrings, but it still had a big impact because of its central question - does anyone deserve to die, and does anyone have the right to kill? It was this that really made the book for me and gave it its heart: its exploration of the grey area between right and wrong.
John Barlow’s writing is accomplished and his pacing was spot on. The whole novel was just really well done and I look forward to reading more in the Joe Romano series.
The story wasn’t particularly twisty and there aren’t many red herrings, but it still had a big impact because of its central question - does anyone deserve to die, and does anyone have the right to kill? It was this that really made the book for me and gave it its heart: its exploration of the grey area between right and wrong.
John Barlow’s writing is accomplished and his pacing was spot on. The whole novel was just really well done and I look forward to reading more in the Joe Romano series.
May 6, 2024
Oh gosh I don’t know where to start. This started well death by pencil is something different and I was excited to see where this was going. Interesting premise and I thought I was going to love it. Then it all went downhill a little, the character Rita yea rubbed me the wrong way I got to the point where I just couldn’t read her. The communication between a few characters was so cringy I should have stopped there. Also a social media scene not needed by this time I’d got to the point I just wanted to reach the end and not for a good reason. I had high hopes!
May 24, 2021
A really well written thriller from this author, featuring DS Joe Romano, who is a very interesting character. It's fast paced, well plotted and the start of a promising new series. There are plenty twists and some dark humour and it's easy to read. I like the writing style and the dialogue between the characters and it held my attention to the end. This is bound to be a winner, which I highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
July 12, 2021
I bought this book primarily because it is set in my hometown of Leeds, and I love a new crime series. Joe is an interesting character and the book started well but I felt it lost it's way a little and so didn't hold my attention. I will, however, give another book in the series a try if and when it is released.
December 18, 2021
Excellent start for a new police procedural series: gripping and highly entertaining.
Joe Romano is an interesting character, realistic and likeable.
The plot is well crafted, there's a lot of twists and kept me guessing till the end.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Joe Romano is an interesting character, realistic and likeable.
The plot is well crafted, there's a lot of twists and kept me guessing till the end.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 4, 2023
Excellent first book by this author. I’ll be looking for more, he spins quite a good web of lies, pain, addiction and how much the main character wants to love his son, and have his son love him.
My ancestors are from Wortley and it is my maiden name, so this book literally jumped into my hand at our local Indigo store.
My ancestors are from Wortley and it is my maiden name, so this book literally jumped into my hand at our local Indigo store.
May 8, 2024
Really enjoyed this book about a serious subject but it also had a lot of humour in it too. Great how it was set in and around Leeds which isn’t too far from me. I loved the unexpected twist at the end despite the authors best attempts to throw us off the scent with different leads. I’d be glad to read more of Barlow’s work as this was a great little read when I finally got some time!
July 30, 2025
A new to me author and series and I really enjoyed the story and plotting set in West Yorkshire where an apparent serial killer is killing criminals who the police are not inclined to shed any tears about. DS Romano is newly returned from a spell with Interpol with a broken marriage and a son in University. The book was a quick read and had me hooked. Looking forward to reading more.
May 9, 2021
A new writer to me, a brand new series full of rich promise. Great characters, excellent depiction of the area, in this case Yorkshire, and an intriguing plot. I eagerly await further contributions from John Barlow.
June 21, 2021
A good debut novel. It got off to a flying start but then seemed to lose it's way. I can't put my finger on why but I'm sad to say it didn't grip me as I hoped it would. Joe seems an interesting character and I'll be interested to read the next one to see how he develops.
July 2, 2021
This was a fascinating murder/mystery with some police procedure included So much logical thought which goes against honest belief. Some great characters and non stop action, set in beautiful Yorkshire countryside. A satisfying conclusion with some regrets...
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