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DCI Sean Bracken #1
Starvation Lake
A killer on the loose.
A killer behind bars.
And a detective caught between them...
Ailsa Connolly was a brilliant psychologist and a respected criminologist.
She was also a serial killer.
Six years ago, DCI Sean Bracken caught her just before he was about to become her seventh victim. Every year on the anniversary of her incarceration, she taunts him with a phone call, giving him one message; when I get out, I'll kill you.
Now, Bracken has transferred back to Edinburgh from Fife and is thrown into the deep end on his first day back on duty.
There's a killer who is emulating Ailsa, threatening to surpass her body count.
Bracken knows he needs her on board to help him track the killer down, but she's reluctant to get involved.
Then the case takes an unexpected twist, and she agrees to help. But this new killer is taking them down a dark, twisted path, where nobody sees the outcome.
Until it's too late.
A killer behind bars.
And a detective caught between them...
Ailsa Connolly was a brilliant psychologist and a respected criminologist.
She was also a serial killer.
Six years ago, DCI Sean Bracken caught her just before he was about to become her seventh victim. Every year on the anniversary of her incarceration, she taunts him with a phone call, giving him one message; when I get out, I'll kill you.
Now, Bracken has transferred back to Edinburgh from Fife and is thrown into the deep end on his first day back on duty.
There's a killer who is emulating Ailsa, threatening to surpass her body count.
Bracken knows he needs her on board to help him track the killer down, but she's reluctant to get involved.
Then the case takes an unexpected twist, and she agrees to help. But this new killer is taking them down a dark, twisted path, where nobody sees the outcome.
Until it's too late.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2020
852 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
John Carson
104 books161 followersJohn Carson is the author of the DI Frank Miller detective series. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and lived there most of his life. In 2006, he emigrated to New York State with his American wife and two daughters. They now live in a small town in the Hudson Valley where his wife was brought up, with a German Shepherd, a Beagle mix and four cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 4, 2022
Needing a change, DCI Bracken transfers from Fife back to his original home base of Edinburgh. He’s hoping to start a fresh chapter, but when a serial killer begins mimicking Bracken’s biggest arrest – Ailsa Connolly – he finds his life changing but not in a good way.
I really enjoyed this full length novel. It’s the first of a new series, and I was eager to try it given I’m a big fan of one of this author’s other series – DCI Harry McNeil. I found this book absolutely lived up to my expectations and I’m really pleased to now have another series to look forwards to.
I thought the pacing of this story was good. While it’s absolutely a Scottish police procedural the plot might feel a little slow to readers looking for a more action-based or full throttle type of story. Yet I found the plot really well balanced, between introducing new characters, setting up the police team so I could get a handle on all the new people, and really begin to dig my teeth into the murder mystery plot. I also enjoyed that while Ailsa – the previously caught serial killer – was a strong part of the storyline she didn’t overshadow any of the main cast of characters.
There was a very, very light touch to the first bloom of romance between DCI Bracken and one of the pathologists. I was also fairly pleased with this. I often don’t mind there being no romance at all in my mystery reading (especially the more police procedural style of stories) but I felt this book didn’t have the romance or attraction take over from the actual mystery and thriller parts of the plotline.
Readers looking for a well plotted, slower paced and character centric style of story should find this book really fits the bill. I personally adored that it was set in Scotland and felt it added a lot to the ambience and general atmosphere of the story without feeling too cliched or overdone.
A good book and a new series I’m looking forward to getting into.
I really enjoyed this full length novel. It’s the first of a new series, and I was eager to try it given I’m a big fan of one of this author’s other series – DCI Harry McNeil. I found this book absolutely lived up to my expectations and I’m really pleased to now have another series to look forwards to.
I thought the pacing of this story was good. While it’s absolutely a Scottish police procedural the plot might feel a little slow to readers looking for a more action-based or full throttle type of story. Yet I found the plot really well balanced, between introducing new characters, setting up the police team so I could get a handle on all the new people, and really begin to dig my teeth into the murder mystery plot. I also enjoyed that while Ailsa – the previously caught serial killer – was a strong part of the storyline she didn’t overshadow any of the main cast of characters.
There was a very, very light touch to the first bloom of romance between DCI Bracken and one of the pathologists. I was also fairly pleased with this. I often don’t mind there being no romance at all in my mystery reading (especially the more police procedural style of stories) but I felt this book didn’t have the romance or attraction take over from the actual mystery and thriller parts of the plotline.
Readers looking for a well plotted, slower paced and character centric style of story should find this book really fits the bill. I personally adored that it was set in Scotland and felt it added a lot to the ambience and general atmosphere of the story without feeling too cliched or overdone.
A good book and a new series I’m looking forward to getting into.
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June 17, 2021Due to Kindle Unlimited, I tried this author author with his Sean Bracken series but found I again failed to enjoy. Trying two different series should do it for now.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
February 17, 2022
There was definitely something likeable in the bones of this book but I felt that it needed a bit more meat. The history, the plot and the characters were all okay, but to me it just felt a bit shallow. It was as though so much was squeezed into a relatively short book that no one thing was completely developed.
The focus was split between Bracken being divorced and moving to a new place and being a temporary house guest; his relationship with Bob and Mary and the subplots of the other guests; the new team that he was working with; the whole complex, historical storyline relating to Ailsa and then her new life; Bracken meeting and dating Chaz. And finally, the current murder plot.
It was just so heavy with subplots that it felt shallow. Maybe the relationship with Chaz could just have been banter in this book to give page time to Bracken's team who were barely mentioned or developed. I can't even remember their names to be honest. The only one who felt a bit fleshed out was Sullivan and I think that's just because he had more dialogue. It meant that twists later in the book didn't impact as much because time hadn't been given to properly leading us down another path first or making it feel like more of a betrayal.
I mean, there were some pretty brutal murders and clearly Bracken has some emotional hang ups about Ailsa and yet I didn't get any emotion from his narrative. He kept relaying directions in depth and talking about what he was eating for every meal but not how he felt about Ailsa. He certainly didn't seem to hate her. He was bantering with her like he did Chaz.
I don't think I'll rush out for the next in the series, but if I found time and it was about then I might give it a go to see if it settles and provides a bit more substance.
The focus was split between Bracken being divorced and moving to a new place and being a temporary house guest; his relationship with Bob and Mary and the subplots of the other guests; the new team that he was working with; the whole complex, historical storyline relating to Ailsa and then her new life; Bracken meeting and dating Chaz. And finally, the current murder plot.
It was just so heavy with subplots that it felt shallow. Maybe the relationship with Chaz could just have been banter in this book to give page time to Bracken's team who were barely mentioned or developed. I can't even remember their names to be honest. The only one who felt a bit fleshed out was Sullivan and I think that's just because he had more dialogue. It meant that twists later in the book didn't impact as much because time hadn't been given to properly leading us down another path first or making it feel like more of a betrayal.
I mean, there were some pretty brutal murders and clearly Bracken has some emotional hang ups about Ailsa and yet I didn't get any emotion from his narrative. He kept relaying directions in depth and talking about what he was eating for every meal but not how he felt about Ailsa. He certainly didn't seem to hate her. He was bantering with her like he did Chaz.
I don't think I'll rush out for the next in the series, but if I found time and it was about then I might give it a go to see if it settles and provides a bit more substance.
July 6, 2022
I listened to this book on audio, and if it weren't narrated by the fantastic Angus King I would have never finished it. The female characters seemed to exist solely so they could flirt with Bracken, the flirting with Chaz was terrible and cringey, Chaz is a juvenile asshole (she makes fun of her boss's weight which Bracken thinks is cute), there's no real detecting (the characters make huge assumptions with nothing to back them up and the only reason the killer is discovered is that they decide to challenge Bracken), no one behaves in a professional manner (the psychologist tells his wife almost everything about his patients!), and IT MAKES NO SENSE WHY EVERYONE THINKS THE SERIAL KILLER WHO WAS CAUGHT KILLED SOME CHILDREN WHEN HER OTHER VICTIMS WERE ALL ADULT MALES.
July 21, 2021
A wee bit different
A new direction for John Carson. I like DCI Brennangood character. My only complaint is a potential love story. I like thrillers without the romance. Otherwise, enjoyable.
A new direction for John Carson. I like DCI Brennangood character. My only complaint is a potential love story. I like thrillers without the romance. Otherwise, enjoyable.
July 29, 2021
Was a fair story
I read it all but was put off by the repartee comments both thought and spoken,which I d eemed inappropriate in most instances. A hint of romance and rather weak ending.
I read it all but was put off by the repartee comments both thought and spoken,which I d eemed inappropriate in most instances. A hint of romance and rather weak ending.
April 14, 2021
I loved this book DCI Sean Bracken transfers back to his home city of Edinburgh after spending 6 years in Fife after the break up of his marriage. He's still to find a place of his own so he's living in a B&B run by his retired ex colleague.
He's just in the throes of settling in when he gets a call from his DI about a murder where a young woman has been killed, her throat slashed and her eyes had been removed. This gave him a chill down his spine as it's the same MO used by Ailsa Connolly a serial killer he put away 6 years ago for a series of murders. Is this a copycat and does Bracken have to ask the woman who tried to kill him too for help in solving the case?
John Carson is excellent at what he does I read this as I'd read his DCI Harry McNeill series which is brilliant and ongoing so I thought I'd give this book a try and I'm glad I did. He writes so well and his books flow perfectly the plots are all believable and he always makes his character's seem like you know them which is an incredible talent and testament to his ability as an author. His books are set in his native Edinburgh although he now lives in New York but it's like he's never left. I think I'm going to enjoy Bracken as a character and he's got a potential love interest in a mortuary assistant in "Chaz" Charlene Mitchell who's wit and cheekiness has certainly got Bracken's number as a person and there banter is brilliant.
He's just in the throes of settling in when he gets a call from his DI about a murder where a young woman has been killed, her throat slashed and her eyes had been removed. This gave him a chill down his spine as it's the same MO used by Ailsa Connolly a serial killer he put away 6 years ago for a series of murders. Is this a copycat and does Bracken have to ask the woman who tried to kill him too for help in solving the case?
John Carson is excellent at what he does I read this as I'd read his DCI Harry McNeill series which is brilliant and ongoing so I thought I'd give this book a try and I'm glad I did. He writes so well and his books flow perfectly the plots are all believable and he always makes his character's seem like you know them which is an incredible talent and testament to his ability as an author. His books are set in his native Edinburgh although he now lives in New York but it's like he's never left. I think I'm going to enjoy Bracken as a character and he's got a potential love interest in a mortuary assistant in "Chaz" Charlene Mitchell who's wit and cheekiness has certainly got Bracken's number as a person and there banter is brilliant.
July 27, 2021
Brilliant book, But…
The ending is quite rushed. I lost track of who was who and have no idea what really happened to any of them. Just suddenly it was sorted. Where be Alissa? Has she been taken off by her son? To what ends? Is that okay with Bracken, et al? Where’s Natalie? Rory? Robert? Wallis. Chaz? There was some kind of good or satisfying or acceptable result in the church at Salvation Lake. But, who walked away? Chaz? Rory? Robert? Who died (or went off), son and daughter? CONFUSED! OTHERWISE, book was wonderful, complex, no clear heroes or villains. Or, at least ambiguity. Loved Bracken. Chaz. A little less “banter” would have helped. The old couple? Have no idea who they were. Collateral damage made boarders? Very excited about the next two books. Expecting clarity about the end of this first. Terrific writing, plot (?), characters… Let’s see where all this went/goes?
The ending is quite rushed. I lost track of who was who and have no idea what really happened to any of them. Just suddenly it was sorted. Where be Alissa? Has she been taken off by her son? To what ends? Is that okay with Bracken, et al? Where’s Natalie? Rory? Robert? Wallis. Chaz? There was some kind of good or satisfying or acceptable result in the church at Salvation Lake. But, who walked away? Chaz? Rory? Robert? Who died (or went off), son and daughter? CONFUSED! OTHERWISE, book was wonderful, complex, no clear heroes or villains. Or, at least ambiguity. Loved Bracken. Chaz. A little less “banter” would have helped. The old couple? Have no idea who they were. Collateral damage made boarders? Very excited about the next two books. Expecting clarity about the end of this first. Terrific writing, plot (?), characters… Let’s see where all this went/goes?
September 6, 2021
This is the first book I've read by John Carson. It won't be my last.
I enjoyed the Sean Bracken story. It didn't sound familiar as others have said. And if you read the afterward it explains why it might. The author's own work comes through, so people are saying his own stories remind them of his own stories.
Sean returns to back to a police station he was at six years before. He captured a serial killer, Aisla Connely, that almost killed him. Now new murders have shown up that mirror the serial killer's MO. But how? She is still behind bars.
This one kept me guessing how all the people were connected and who the murderer was and why.
I'll definitely be reading more by this author. This series and his others.
I enjoyed the Sean Bracken story. It didn't sound familiar as others have said. And if you read the afterward it explains why it might. The author's own work comes through, so people are saying his own stories remind them of his own stories.
Sean returns to back to a police station he was at six years before. He captured a serial killer, Aisla Connely, that almost killed him. Now new murders have shown up that mirror the serial killer's MO. But how? She is still behind bars.
This one kept me guessing how all the people were connected and who the murderer was and why.
I'll definitely be reading more by this author. This series and his others.
October 27, 2021
Another terrific crime novel by a Scottish author. Since I've read all of J.D. Kirk's series, I decided to give John Carson a try and I'm not disappointed. Very much enjoyed this book and have downloaded the second in the series.
At the end of this book, Mr. Carson writes about comparisons between him and another Scottish author and I'm pretty sure it's J.D. Kirk. I can only say that yes, there are certainly similarities in character and both authors have a great sense of humor as well, but let that be the end of it! I'm grateful that there are two such great Scottish writers for me to enjoy - one terrific book after the other. They can't write these books fast enough for me!
At the end of this book, Mr. Carson writes about comparisons between him and another Scottish author and I'm pretty sure it's J.D. Kirk. I can only say that yes, there are certainly similarities in character and both authors have a great sense of humor as well, but let that be the end of it! I'm grateful that there are two such great Scottish writers for me to enjoy - one terrific book after the other. They can't write these books fast enough for me!
December 10, 2020
Loved the new DCI Sean Bracken series from one of my favourite authors. The book has the same feel as other series, there are dark storylines, great characters and the dark humour you would expect from John Carson. This story revolves around a convicted killer who has been in prison for some years but a latest series of murders bare all the hallmarks of their work. I was unsure who the killer was going to be and even at the end I completely failed to see it coming as previous "pointers" take you in different directions. Looking forward to follow up novels
July 30, 2022
Good read
I have read all the Frank Miller and Harry McNeill series and enjoyed them immensely. However, I think Sean Bracken might now be my favourite. This was an enjoyable read. I liked Bracken from the start, he is the kind of guy you would want to have your back. The story itself was well written and I thought I had it sussed a few times but no, I really didn't work out who the baddie was until I read it - good one! Looking forward to reading the next four books. I hope this series continues on as the aforementioned two have. Bravo John.
I have read all the Frank Miller and Harry McNeill series and enjoyed them immensely. However, I think Sean Bracken might now be my favourite. This was an enjoyable read. I liked Bracken from the start, he is the kind of guy you would want to have your back. The story itself was well written and I thought I had it sussed a few times but no, I really didn't work out who the baddie was until I read it - good one! Looking forward to reading the next four books. I hope this series continues on as the aforementioned two have. Bravo John.
February 26, 2024
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Angus King
I like DCI Sean Brackens character but serial killer psychologist Ailsa Connolly wasn’t what I was expecting/hoped for, so much potential for an intelligent psychopath but that’s not at all what came across so although I understand the hate that the characters had towards her which is what basically fuelled the plot I wasn’t actually getting that strong a feeling towards her.
Still a good story though with a bit of a twist so well worth reading.
Good narration, Angus King really made DCI Sean Bracken for me.
Narrator: Angus King
I like DCI Sean Brackens character but serial killer psychologist Ailsa Connolly wasn’t what I was expecting/hoped for, so much potential for an intelligent psychopath but that’s not at all what came across so although I understand the hate that the characters had towards her which is what basically fuelled the plot I wasn’t actually getting that strong a feeling towards her.
Still a good story though with a bit of a twist so well worth reading.
Good narration, Angus King really made DCI Sean Bracken for me.
December 11, 2020
Another brilliant story.
John Carson has crafted three brilliant series with great in depth characters. DCI Bracken is featured in this new series which has a terrific twist you won’t see coming. The dialogue between the detectives is filled with dry wit and believable banter. If you haven’t read the DI Miller or the DCI MacNeill books, you are missing out on two fantastic series, and this new one promises to be just as good. Carson is a gifted storyteller.
John Carson has crafted three brilliant series with great in depth characters. DCI Bracken is featured in this new series which has a terrific twist you won’t see coming. The dialogue between the detectives is filled with dry wit and believable banter. If you haven’t read the DI Miller or the DCI MacNeill books, you are missing out on two fantastic series, and this new one promises to be just as good. Carson is a gifted storyteller.
January 10, 2022
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next in the series. I found the author's response at the end of this book to a critical review was a bit ... strange/ unnecessary here. Even the very best authors have critics - relinquish the need to defend your own good work! Be confident in what you've created & enjoy all the positive reviews. Good story, great characters, the defensive rant at the end was kinda weird.
September 21, 2022
I am loving the DCI Sean Bracken series by John Carson. I have read books 1 & 2 in this series. Book 1, Starvation Lake is a good detective novel with multiple layers to the plot and interesting characters. I read it over two evenings and it did not disappoint. The plot centers around a copycat killer and Bracken needs the original killer to cooperate with him to solve the case and stop the murders. Some unexpected plot twists add to the excitement.
February 2, 2022
Good read
Really enjoyed this book, although I found the ending a little confusing and had to read over it again to sort out who was who.
Was disappointed it wasn't a longer book, and have noticed the rest in the series get shorter so doubtful I'll read the rest. A good read though.
Really enjoyed this book, although I found the ending a little confusing and had to read over it again to sort out who was who.
Was disappointed it wasn't a longer book, and have noticed the rest in the series get shorter so doubtful I'll read the rest. A good read though.
February 19, 2022
Good book!
I stumbled onto this novel and am very glad that I did…thank you Mr. Carson. The afterward intrigued me and after sorting through the novels…it is clear that Mr. Carson did not copy anything from any other writer! It must be disturbing to be accused of something you didn’t do. I look forward to reading more from this (original) author.
I stumbled onto this novel and am very glad that I did…thank you Mr. Carson. The afterward intrigued me and after sorting through the novels…it is clear that Mr. Carson did not copy anything from any other writer! It must be disturbing to be accused of something you didn’t do. I look forward to reading more from this (original) author.
May 29, 2022
Starvation lake
I havnt read any of your books before but I will be ,this book was absolutely fab i really enjoyed it,you feel that you know the characters,spellbinding in parts.look forward to the next one in the meantime I will catch up on the ones you have written previously Thankyou so much x
I havnt read any of your books before but I will be ,this book was absolutely fab i really enjoyed it,you feel that you know the characters,spellbinding in parts.look forward to the next one in the meantime I will catch up on the ones you have written previously Thankyou so much x
June 26, 2023
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story by John Carson and this time introducing a new detective in DCI Sean Bracken. A well constructed story line with plenty of twists and turns and a good selection of interesting characters.Having read lots of John's books I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Another excellent story by John Carson and this time introducing a new detective in DCI Sean Bracken. A well constructed story line with plenty of twists and turns and a good selection of interesting characters.Having read lots of John's books I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
December 1, 2020
Wonderful!!
Loved it! Enjoy DI Frank Miller and DCI Harry McNeill series—- both are excellent! This one is even better! Great characters, terrific story, nonstop action, lots of diversions, and one of the most dramatic and unexpected conclusions that I have ever read!
Loved it! Enjoy DI Frank Miller and DCI Harry McNeill series—- both are excellent! This one is even better! Great characters, terrific story, nonstop action, lots of diversions, and one of the most dramatic and unexpected conclusions that I have ever read!
December 3, 2020
Fast moving story.
Solid characters with interesting backstories move the action right along. Pleasant to read with nothing really creepy (what's a few murders among friends). Looking forward to the series.
Solid characters with interesting backstories move the action right along. Pleasant to read with nothing really creepy (what's a few murders among friends). Looking forward to the series.
January 2, 2021
A short but brilliant read! Some dark humour n some moments had me in stitches! I really look forward to book 2 which I have Pre ordered! My first Carson novel but won't be my last that's for sure! Highly recommend this book.
January 5, 2021
Brilliant
I ha thouthorley enjoined all the books you have written,because of lockdown I'm considered vulnerable so reading has always been my passion more so because I'm stuck in,so please keep them coming and I promise I will keep reading them,thank you so much Lorraine xx
I ha thouthorley enjoined all the books you have written,because of lockdown I'm considered vulnerable so reading has always been my passion more so because I'm stuck in,so please keep them coming and I promise I will keep reading them,thank you so much Lorraine xx
February 5, 2021
Good read
Really enjoyed the story but know way of knowing who the murderer was so a bit frustrating had to go back and read about who murderer was thro story line as they weren’t significant
Really enjoyed the story but know way of knowing who the murderer was so a bit frustrating had to go back and read about who murderer was thro story line as they weren’t significant
March 6, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book
It was interesting, but not too complicated. One drawback is that all his novels have a police officer getting into a relationship with someone connected to the police. No sure that's how it works in real life
It was interesting, but not too complicated. One drawback is that all his novels have a police officer getting into a relationship with someone connected to the police. No sure that's how it works in real life
March 30, 2021
Excellent
Great start to a new series. Love the character DCI Sean Bracken, interesting story that keeps you hooked till the end, couldn't put it down. Some great humour and looks like Sean and Jimmy will make a cracking duo. Looking forward to reading book two.
Great start to a new series. Love the character DCI Sean Bracken, interesting story that keeps you hooked till the end, couldn't put it down. Some great humour and looks like Sean and Jimmy will make a cracking duo. Looking forward to reading book two.
June 30, 2021
I love British detectives
This is my first book I’ve read by this author. I really like it and will keep reading the other books in this series. I think he did a great job. And I always like when I don’t find spelling mistakes. Good job Mr Carson. Onto the next one.
This is my first book I’ve read by this author. I really like it and will keep reading the other books in this series. I think he did a great job. And I always like when I don’t find spelling mistakes. Good job Mr Carson. Onto the next one.
July 9, 2021
Brilliantly thrilling
A really good detective novel which will keep you guessing until the end! It also gives you great insight into the characters setting the stage for what I'm hoping to be many more books in this series.
A really good detective novel which will keep you guessing until the end! It also gives you great insight into the characters setting the stage for what I'm hoping to be many more books in this series.
August 2, 2021
Only 3 stars as although the characters were good with a certain amount of good natured banter I found the plot confusing and the ending was a mish mash and left me feeling baffled.
Will give the 2nd in the series a try in the hope of a more coherent story line.
Will give the 2nd in the series a try in the hope of a more coherent story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews