The Burrows brothers are not known for their intellect and attempting to rob the local Co-op isn't their smartest move, especially when Lasser and Bannister are close by. So, when they are carted away that should have been the end of the matter, but their mother is having none of it. Sheila Burrows has had ten kids and all her sons are now in jail and her daughters have long gone, leaving her alone with her useless husband. Determined to make sure that her boys are not sent down for a long stretch she sets off a chain of events that soon spirals out of control leading to mayhem and a world of trouble. Though Lasser and the team are about to find themselves embroiled in a case that brings forth nightmares from the past, the horror as acute and devastating as anything they have ever encountered before and deep down, they know that they are powerless to put a stop to the nightmare. That is until a familiar figure emerges from the shadows, the smile fixed in place, the killer glint emanating from his ice-blue eyes. To stop the horror, they must follow Plymouth's lead, but how far will they have to go, how many rules will they have to break to bring the monsters to justice and who will be left standing at the end?
Rob Roughley lives in the North West of England (God's coal bunker,the land of the wedding cake made by placing three meat pies on top of one another and whippets on lengths of string) He is the author of eight crime/thriller novels featuring DS Lasser. The novels are set between the run down streets of a northern town and the beautiful yet desolate west Pennine moors. If you love your crime fiction crammed with square jawed heroes driving flash cars and glorious women who shimmer with inner light, then the DS Lasser novels are not for you. However, if you prefer your characters to be flawed, with a sprinkling of dandruff and old acne scars,the plots to be laced with dark humour, then give them a try. 1 The Needle House 2 The Way that it Falls 3 Tethered to the Dead. 4 Twisted Coming soon: 5 More Equal than Others 6 Vanished Beneath 7 Riven 8 Bad Self
I really cannot express how deeply moving and gripping this storyline is, incredibly intense feelings of horror and injustice had me gripping my kindle almost enough to break it in two. The stomach clenching tension ramps up at an alarming rate of knots! DCI Alan Bannister is still struggling with the death of Susanne his wife, as are Kelly and Belle but now find themselves in a conflicting deadlock of personal conflicting opinions, resulting in a deadly situation.I
Lasser, Alan, Odette, Carol and the team are also dragged into a nightmare of their own, a case where children go missing and abuse frighteningly reminiscent of the past Marnie Hammond child abductions and murders. The team find themselves powerless to act on information collected, like real life situations their hands are tied by laws in favour of the guilty, that is until Lasser makes a call to one who can help!
I found myself gunning for one of my favourite characters hides, I simply found their opinion, and planned actions shocking and appalling though conflicting. But thats what Robin is so good at, a master at playing the reader's emotions, emotions you didn't realise you had!
There's an enormous amount of action packed pages, totally absorbing leaving no room for anything other than total fixation on this storyline and the brilliant characters bought to life by, I have to say, my favourite author! If you haven't read any books in this series, please do, each can be read as standalones, but they are addictive and very very plausible!
I’d been saving this book for when I could just read and read with no interruptions. I adore Lasser and his team, and I was thrilled that Plymouth was back also.
What starts off as a couple of miscreants robbing the local Co-op, soon turns into something far more horrendous, with dark secrets of the past coming forward. Lasser, Bannister and the team are soon embroiled into something that is not going to be solved through the usual channels - hence Plymouth! Will he be able to sort it all before everything implodes? Can they live, as law enforcers, with breaking all the rules? Why not, the justice system is broken and if I’m honest I admire people like Plymouth who get rid of the rubbish that cause heartache to good people. We need more like him!
As I always say, I’m hoping there’s more to come, as I thoroughly enjoy Robins books.
Another gritty northern offering from Robin. Cannot believe this is no.26 in the Lasser series! It has been amazing to follow the progression of the characters from the beginning. The sometimes volatile relationships within the team, but always the need to see a positive outcome. Plymouth continues to cause division in the ranks, but now even Carole is coming round to the fact that he ‘has his uses’ though isn’t really on board with his dubious, unconventional methods. Looking forward to his next offering...please make it soon! 5* as always...well deserved.
Again I bought this book one day and it was finished the next, I read it greedily and simply could not stop until it was finished. There were times I was holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen. The story made me gasp in horror and disgust at times, but throughout I kept on turning the pages and urged my heroes on...(not least Mr. P., My guilty pleasure) here's to the next book, can't wait .
Absolutely fantastic book with Lasser and Plymouth!! The story was gripping and sad and so many other things. Everyone played their part in this book it was the sort of subject that nobody wants to stamp out. The thought of this actually happening is not really something I want to contemplate but I am sure it does to a degree. Looks like Bannister might have made a new “friend” , can’t wait to see where that leads.
I honestly wish Robin would write a book every week in this series as these are just an amazing set of books and I literally cannot put it down once I start. The relationship between Lasser, Bannister & Odette is perfect, even with Spenner thrown in now and again makes such a great read and pulls you in to the point you feel they could be real people that you know intimately. Please keep writing.
Another great book by Robin Roughly.I love his books & I love the Lasser series so much ,I have read them all & I love them all ,I didn't want this book to finish.The storyline was written well & I love the main characters. Hope there's more to come as I never want the Lasser books to end ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutely enthralling storyline, something a bit different this time but still with Robin's impeccable writing, it will keep you glued from start to finish. I only ever read crime thrillers and Robin Roughley's books are by far the best. If you have never read a lasser book you need to start from the 1st. Then you will be as hooked as me!
I have always loved Robins books but this one is one of the best...the plot riveting and amazing..the story line very sad but making you wish this villains are caught one way or another..the characters..well what can I say all three together...absolutely brilliant
I have no words. Well, I do, but what a brilliant read. Once again, Rob has given us exactly what we wanted. Old friends, new enemies and Plymouth. What more could anyone want, unless it's wishing the book was the size of War and Peace, just so it lasted longer.Treat yourself if you've not read any of the Lasser books, you won't regret it, that's a fact.
You have done it again Mr Roughley absolutely brillant from first page to last.Storyline asbalwaus was superb and Lasser and co as good as ever plus our old favourite Mr P.Bring on the next one.Best crime series ever.
I can’t get enough of Lasser, Bannister and the rest and when you add Plymouth to the mix, my joy is complete. Another excellent story ..... dark and gritty but filled with humour too. My only small gripe ..... I didn’t get to find out how Plymouth is. Fingers crossed he’s ok for the next book 🤞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Five stars definitely for this exciting read I can't put into word's what I want to say this has got to be one of the best reads ever I Thankyou Robin Roughley
A word of caution. Bannister growls, Lasser snarls very macho, and all the women cry all the time. I think you need to be very careful about stereotyping. Nevertheless a great storyline. Another book and storyline is ready and waiting. Brilliant.
Another superb offering from Roughley in the DS Lasser series. It is hard to believe this series is now 26 books old!! Still love the characters and great storylines and the appearance of old friend Plymouth adds spice to the story. A must read
Omg, the best yet. Wonderful that Plymouth was around to help Lasser and Co out. Great plot, pretty bloodthirsty but only to be expected with Plymouth involved. Can't believe I admire a paid assassin but he is pretty special!! Always great books, and this one is great.
Robin Roughley never disappoints! This was another gripping read. These books are gritty, full of violence and bad language. But I could not put it down! I love Lasser and team! They are the kind of people you would want on your side. And Plymouth was back! I highly recommend this series. I hope there are many more books in this series!!!!
Well another terrific instalment of Lasser courtesy of Mr Roughley. These books never fail for me and to get the bonus of both Plymouth and Lasser was superb. Well done on another brilliant book Robin, no pressure but need another fix already.
Just read all 26 and really enjoyed the last couple of months. Great character development, every story was compelling and sucked me in on the first page.
A definite must for Lasser fans. I've read the entire series and this one has got to be the best yet. Intriguing plot, page turner and gripping to the end. As usual, set against the fascinating backdrop of the characters lives. More Lasser, please, Rob!
Horrible crimes are depicted in this Detective story. A very complex system of crime and kidnapping plus human trafficking are described. Fortunately the best detectives and a vigilante manage to take it all down. A somewhat happy ending makes this a five star.
Excellent stories. Roughly is one of the best authors that I have ever read. Characters are larger than life and admirable. Keep it up. I look forward to the next one. Ann