The Drowning Men

Ray Flowers #3

by Jane A. Adams

On a cold Sunday morning, ex-copper Ray Flowers has little more to worry about than tackling an unwieldy honeysuckle in his garden. But his weekend peace is suddenly interrupted by an unexpected phone call. A dangerous drug is back on the streets, and policeman Martin Galloway appeals to Ray for help in catching the supplier, the enigmatic Angel Eyes. At first Ray wants little to do with the case. But when he hears that Martin is now lying in a psychiatric ward, an unknown drug found in his system. Ray knows that he cannot avoid it any longer. And the ensuing investigation turns out to be far more threatening than he had ever imagined...

Genres: Crime

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2002

About the author

Some of her early books were published under the name of Jane Adams. This should not be confused with this Jane Adams who is a different author.

Reviews

[Mikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't get drawn into this book very far at all. More involvement by ex-copper, Ray Flowers, this time involving more police corruption in another underworld relating to drugs and pedophilia. Not interested. Then, in an apparent attempt to push the boundaries, the 'C-word' is thrown into the mix within the first four chapters. I know this word is probably used a lot in male dominated environments, police officers and criminals alike, as is the 'F-word'. But to use such a vile word to label a female character, goodie or baddie, in a novel which was supposed to be 'cozy', is totally unnecessary and in poor taste, IMO. The word fuck has become accepted in common parlance, and it's largely used as an expletive, not a word describing a person, although when it is used to call someone 'a dumb fuck' or to vent anger as a verb it doesn't raise the same revulsion in me as a reader as the c-word does. I'm not going to read on to discover if the author has seen fit to try and push the literary envelope with other derogatory and unnecessary words. The story didn't engage me at all. So, this will be a novel which will languish on my virtual shelf of abandoned books. I have other books I want to read.

This is such a pity as the collection started off so well. Oh, well... 😣

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third and final in the Ray Flowers series is better than the second one but not quite as good as the first one. It would be a 7 out of 10 or 3.5 if there were half stars.
There were some really good aspects, but others were a little tedious.
Overall it was a good series, and the conclusion was one you might not expect, and one that I am still mulling over.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Adams has long been one of my favourite authors and she never disappoints. This book was absolutely brilliant, right from the very beginning it drove the story forward with plenty of excitement and tension. Ray Flowers is a very well rounded and interesting character, as are the rest of the team around him. On this occasion we got to know a few of his colleagues from his new security business that he set up with his old friend George. However, most of this story revolved around another old colleague of Ray’s – Martin Galloway – and I really believe that what happened to Martin will haunt Ray for a long time to come. The plot was quite complicated but at the same time, very intriguing and there were so many twists and turns that it was extremely hard to try and guess what the outcome would be. The final chapter was a good closure to the case, and I now find myself motivated to immediately read the next in the series.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third book in the box set I have and sees Ray investigate why a friend becomes desperately ill. A new drug is on the market...

There was a touch of supernatural in this crime drama, which opened Ray's mind from book one - I enjoyed that element.

The characters suit the plot, if not all likeable, and there was a great sense of place.

I often wonder the logic of the police when they refuse to help citizens and yet expect people to do nothing. No wonder folks are frustrated about no justice.

Engaging and recommended.

[EILEEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE DROWNING MEN blasts open with a terrifying, action packed incident. It follows a tragic, mysterious accident. Anyone who attempts to investigate or solve this riveting conundrum could be placing their lives in jeopardy. Fear spreads as horrific events occur intensifying suspense exponentially, culminating in an intense and thrilling race against time.

[Kay Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good story. I think Ray Flowers is a good character. The story was really good with lots of twists to it and it was quite dark in places. All about drugs and Ray keeping information to himself instead of paying it on to the police. Ray's actions have dire consequences in this story.

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant story.

I really enjoy these ray flowers books by Jane Adams. The characters are so believable and so good you don't want it to end.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drowning men by Jane Adams.
Ray Flowers #3.
Another brilliant read in the series. I really love Ray. I can't wait for the next book. 5*.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good detective story. Gritty and good characters. Enjoyed it.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, by far the best of the three it keeps your interest from the start to the finish, and Ray is a brilliant character, who had my heart beating fast as the story progressed.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ex-police Ray Flowers is drawn into the drugs activity by the events happening at the Armitage Estate. I don't find drug stories that interesting.

[Hilary Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good crime / thriller .
Easy to read but also engages with the reader ,drawing one in .
The plot was well composed and had a few blind alleys .
The ending took me by surprise .
I like the characters too .
Hope there is a book 4 .

[Mr M J Coldrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read

Enjoyable
Good story with a decent pace, lots of different threads all brought together cleverly at the end by Jane Adam’s.