The Curtis Blake Killings

by Simon McCleave

A DS NICK EVANS PREQUEL NOVELLA
The book tracks the lives of notorious Liverpudlian gangster, Curtis Blake, and Detective Sergeant Nick Evans, how their paths crossed and the beginnings of their feud.

ebook

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Sharah McConville · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Curtis Blake Killings is a prequel novella in the DI Ruth Hunter series. This story follows Detective Sergeant Nick Evans before he works alongside DI Hunter. DS Evans despises local gangster Curtis Blake, and this backstory explains how their feud began. For those who have read any of the series this background information made such a great story. Thanks to author Simon McCleave for my digital copy of his book.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually do not read books about gangs or mafia. I feel that solitary criminals because of the myriad of psychological reasons they have in order to act are harder to write about. Gangs or mafia members need to prove themselves to others, need to rob or kill in order to get money and look “prosperous”, their need to belong is exhausting and the way to achieve it is demoralizing.

This short book proved my point but also is necessary in order to understand where Nick Evans comes from. The author’s story is engaging. I will definitely continue reading the series.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new character with purpose and an unending range of scenarios for future novels.

How life changes our plans and sets us on a different course. Laura's death is life changing for Nick Evans.

Curtis Blake, criminal king, has had a hand in this, and so life will eventually bring them together...but that is another story

[Kim Grattage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This book introduces us to Sgt Nick Evans who eventually pairs up with DI Ruth Hunter in the first of the series starting with The Snowdonia Killings. Anyone who has read any of the series will know how much Nick detests Curtis Blake. This story tells you how that come about.

[Gordon Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent prequal novella introducing Nick Hunter as a young PC. His girlfriend goes to study in Liverpool and has the misfortune to fall under the spell of one Curtis Blake, an up and coming gangster. The situation was bound to end in tragedy - and a feud between the two men was born.

[Liz Mistry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the history element of a family's ,migration from Ireland to Liverpool alongside the history of a family form a small Welsh town.
This was a cautionary tale about life choices, emotional decisions and contemporary societal issues.
Pacy and readable.

[Amanda Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella

[Rose Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from this Author, love all the characters and stories brilliantly written. Now on to the next one of this Author, well done Simon.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid read to let us know how Curtis Blake started and how he became the man he is in the series.
Brilliant insight and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice short prequel showing some of the back story to Nick from the DI Ruth Hunter series, and why he is so keen to bring Curtis Blake to justice.
Enjoyable

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short prequel to The Snowdonia Killings, in which we find out more about Nick Evans, and why he chose the career path he has trodden. An excellent story.

[Lisa Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to get a back story for Nick and an understanding for his loathing of Curtis Blake

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into DS Nick Evens back story, I like these short reads to learn a little more about a character.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is a prequel to the DI Ruth Hunter series - but it's about a lesser character in that series and she doesn't get mentioned.

[Hermien · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good background for the Ruth Hunter series.

[Tina Fulcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel to the DI Ruth Hunter series. Gripping from start to finish and explains why Curtis Blake is so hated in the series. I read this in one sitting and highly recommend it.

[Tracy Davies-jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice easy read. After reading a lot of the Ruth Hunter series it was nice to read the prequel to it and find out the reason Nick had such loathing of Curtis Blake.