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DI Braddick #3
Guilty... Until Proven Innocent
Braddick is back.
Following a storm, a body is washed up on a beach, intricately wrapped in wire mesh.
DS Marcus Braddick is struck by the similarities to a triple murder case from seven years before - a case that eluded his predecessor, Alec Ramsay. Across the city, a teacher is accused online by a predator hunting group. As his life unravels, a killer stalks the hunters.
Braddick and Ramsay have to work out how the two worlds are entwined and discover who are the innocent and who are the guilty before it’s too late....
Following a storm, a body is washed up on a beach, intricately wrapped in wire mesh.
DS Marcus Braddick is struck by the similarities to a triple murder case from seven years before - a case that eluded his predecessor, Alec Ramsay. Across the city, a teacher is accused online by a predator hunting group. As his life unravels, a killer stalks the hunters.
Braddick and Ramsay have to work out how the two worlds are entwined and discover who are the innocent and who are the guilty before it’s too late....
Audible Audio
Published January 24, 2019
About the author
Conrad Jones
141 books403 followersConrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 9, 2018
'Guilty... Until Proven Innocent' is the third book in the Detective Superintendent (DS) Marcus Braddick series, and although it's preferable to have read the others first, I found it stood very well on its own. At its heart, this is part technothriller, part conventional crime thriller. This massively appealed to me as I love both sub-genres. Inspired by many real world events, such as the alleged abduction of Madeline McCann, Conrad Jones's novels are gritty and authentic.
I have to say, this story touched a little too close to home for me but that's through no fault of the book. Although it brought back many memories I have tried to put to the back of my mind, I did find it very compelling and it captivated me for the duration. This is one of those tales that really tests your morals with the storyline being one about Facebook vigilantes who hunt paedophiles that have been outed on the site. I am a little conflicted on this issue but veer towards supporting the vigilantes because I know the harm paedophiles have on a youngsters future. However, one concern with this approach, as highlighted in the story, is the possibility of someone being targeted mistakenly, which has far-reaching consequences for all involved. The author perfectly dissects the pros and cons of social media, with a particular focus on its potential for misuse.
There is also a killer on the loose in another thread of the plot. The unidentified victim has been tortured, and after finding his body wrapped intricately in steel chicken wire, Braddick is instantly reminded of a case from years earlier. He decides to consult the retired Alec Ramsay, who was the lead investigator on the previous cases of the three murdered Albanians. I loved the collaboration between Ramsay and Braddick, their dynamic works very well, and I know many have been calling for a collab for a while. Here, Ramsay plays a substantial role in the unmasking of the brutal serial killer. The story is told from various different perspectives: the unnamed killer, the alleged paedophile teacher Richard Vigne and both Braddick and Ramsay. There are twists, turns and surprises aplenty, and most of them really hit their mark in terms of unpredictability. I thoroughly appreciated that the author tries to challenge the reader by blurring the lines between the acceptable and defendable and the cruel and indefensible. There is a logic behind both the people the killer chooses to target and those the paedophile hunters chase down. The ending was dark, but I was left feeling satisfied that justice had been done. Maybe not in a conventional or traditional way, but it ultimately pleased me.
I look forward to learning more about DS Braddick in future books, I don't think we got sufficient insight into him as an individual or into his working relationships as there was such a focus on the two intertwining storylines, but I am hopeful this will be remedied in upcoming additions to the series. It is certainly different that a "victim" takes centre stage and the two Detectives are almost secondary characters. This is a well-thought out plot and is well-written. I can't help but feel like the story has been meticulously researched because it comes across as realistic in nature. The pacing was impeccable, and the plot tension-filled, powerful and in some parts emotive. This book ultimately shows the gullibility and fallibility of human beings and the resulting consequences.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. My apologies for mistakenly thinking i'd downloaded it and only realising I hadn't when I saw it had been archived. As I feel I had committed to providing a review when I requested the book, I was kindly provided with another copy by the publisher.
I have to say, this story touched a little too close to home for me but that's through no fault of the book. Although it brought back many memories I have tried to put to the back of my mind, I did find it very compelling and it captivated me for the duration. This is one of those tales that really tests your morals with the storyline being one about Facebook vigilantes who hunt paedophiles that have been outed on the site. I am a little conflicted on this issue but veer towards supporting the vigilantes because I know the harm paedophiles have on a youngsters future. However, one concern with this approach, as highlighted in the story, is the possibility of someone being targeted mistakenly, which has far-reaching consequences for all involved. The author perfectly dissects the pros and cons of social media, with a particular focus on its potential for misuse.
There is also a killer on the loose in another thread of the plot. The unidentified victim has been tortured, and after finding his body wrapped intricately in steel chicken wire, Braddick is instantly reminded of a case from years earlier. He decides to consult the retired Alec Ramsay, who was the lead investigator on the previous cases of the three murdered Albanians. I loved the collaboration between Ramsay and Braddick, their dynamic works very well, and I know many have been calling for a collab for a while. Here, Ramsay plays a substantial role in the unmasking of the brutal serial killer. The story is told from various different perspectives: the unnamed killer, the alleged paedophile teacher Richard Vigne and both Braddick and Ramsay. There are twists, turns and surprises aplenty, and most of them really hit their mark in terms of unpredictability. I thoroughly appreciated that the author tries to challenge the reader by blurring the lines between the acceptable and defendable and the cruel and indefensible. There is a logic behind both the people the killer chooses to target and those the paedophile hunters chase down. The ending was dark, but I was left feeling satisfied that justice had been done. Maybe not in a conventional or traditional way, but it ultimately pleased me.
I look forward to learning more about DS Braddick in future books, I don't think we got sufficient insight into him as an individual or into his working relationships as there was such a focus on the two intertwining storylines, but I am hopeful this will be remedied in upcoming additions to the series. It is certainly different that a "victim" takes centre stage and the two Detectives are almost secondary characters. This is a well-thought out plot and is well-written. I can't help but feel like the story has been meticulously researched because it comes across as realistic in nature. The pacing was impeccable, and the plot tension-filled, powerful and in some parts emotive. This book ultimately shows the gullibility and fallibility of human beings and the resulting consequences.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. My apologies for mistakenly thinking i'd downloaded it and only realising I hadn't when I saw it had been archived. As I feel I had committed to providing a review when I requested the book, I was kindly provided with another copy by the publisher.
October 16, 2018
4.5 Stars
When he wakes up that morning, he's a fairly happy man. He and his wife have a good marriage, he is father to twin teenagers that he loves beyond anything else, and he has job security as a high school teacher, where he is well-liked by staff and students alike.
By nightfall, his life will be shredded. No one believes him .. not his wife, not his children, not his colleagues. How do you prove your innocence when everything points to your guilt?
Another man is tracking his next victim. This won't be his first and it won't be his last. He was just released from prison where he spent 4 years behind bars for something he didn't do. And he's making his accusers pay ... one by one.
His victims are all members of a FaceBook group called Predator Hunters. They 'out' sexual predators .. only there is usually no proof of any wrong doing. The group posts on all social media, they send letters / pictures, basically just what they think to the police, to employers, to family members. In other words, they shred a life wherever they go.
Meanwhile DS Braddick and his team are called to investigate a body washed up on the shore. For some reason, this rings a bell with Braddick .. this is not the first time he's seen a body wrapped in just the same way.
The tension is sky high as the cases start dovetailing. What is the connection between dead bodies years apart, the current murders, and the fate of a high school teacher?
This is very well written, with credible characters, and a plot line that could be taken out of recent headlines. It's suspenseful, with twists and turns. This one grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go until the very unexpected, brutal ending. This is an author to watch!
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
When he wakes up that morning, he's a fairly happy man. He and his wife have a good marriage, he is father to twin teenagers that he loves beyond anything else, and he has job security as a high school teacher, where he is well-liked by staff and students alike.
By nightfall, his life will be shredded. No one believes him .. not his wife, not his children, not his colleagues. How do you prove your innocence when everything points to your guilt?
Another man is tracking his next victim. This won't be his first and it won't be his last. He was just released from prison where he spent 4 years behind bars for something he didn't do. And he's making his accusers pay ... one by one.
His victims are all members of a FaceBook group called Predator Hunters. They 'out' sexual predators .. only there is usually no proof of any wrong doing. The group posts on all social media, they send letters / pictures, basically just what they think to the police, to employers, to family members. In other words, they shred a life wherever they go.
Meanwhile DS Braddick and his team are called to investigate a body washed up on the shore. For some reason, this rings a bell with Braddick .. this is not the first time he's seen a body wrapped in just the same way.
The tension is sky high as the cases start dovetailing. What is the connection between dead bodies years apart, the current murders, and the fate of a high school teacher?
This is very well written, with credible characters, and a plot line that could be taken out of recent headlines. It's suspenseful, with twists and turns. This one grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go until the very unexpected, brutal ending. This is an author to watch!
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 31, 2018
Anyone that is a fan of the author will already know Braddick and Ramsay who are both in two separate crime series'. In this book the two come together to try and solve a case. I love both of the authors series' so to have the two main characters come and work together, I absolutely loved. What's even better for new readers, is that it really doesn't matter if you haven't read the authors other books as it reads easily as a stand alone.
This book highlights the worst side of social media sites like Facebook. When Richard a teacher gets accused of being with an under age girl, him and his family's world is turned upside down. It shows how quickly things can spiral out of control and how people will jump on the bandwagon spreading lies. It is quite scary to read as so many people are always ready to believe the worst and makes you think what you would do if you were in a similar situation.
The author as usual had me hooked right from the very first page. It really makes for compulsive reading and ensured I kept turning those pages. I loved the collaboration between the two detectives and thought it worked extremely well. Guilty... until proved innocent is a must read regardless of whether you have read the authors previous books or not. It is an edge of your seat read that is guaranteed to thrill and chill it's reader.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGlley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
This book highlights the worst side of social media sites like Facebook. When Richard a teacher gets accused of being with an under age girl, him and his family's world is turned upside down. It shows how quickly things can spiral out of control and how people will jump on the bandwagon spreading lies. It is quite scary to read as so many people are always ready to believe the worst and makes you think what you would do if you were in a similar situation.
The author as usual had me hooked right from the very first page. It really makes for compulsive reading and ensured I kept turning those pages. I loved the collaboration between the two detectives and thought it worked extremely well. Guilty... until proved innocent is a must read regardless of whether you have read the authors previous books or not. It is an edge of your seat read that is guaranteed to thrill and chill it's reader.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGlley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this read and almost finished in one sitting.
It's one of a series, but, one of the things I most enjoyed was that this is not obvious and you certainly can come to it (as did I) not having read any previous books written by this author.
It begins with a body being washed up on a beach in Merseyside, wrapped in mesh and from there, the detectives are led into a world of paedophiles, murder and social media and how it can be misused, even by those thinking they are doing good. I enjoyed the interaction and relationships with the Murder Investigation Team and especially when the police detectives bring in a retired colleague to help them.
The element of the story about a teacher who is 'outed' on social media is a heartbreaking lesson to us all about what we believe and how easy it is to judge via social media.
Overall, I struggled to put this book down, so mesmerising did I find the characters and the storyline. It's well paced and well told.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bloodhound Books and the author, Conrad Jones, for the opportunity to preview via ARC in exchange for this honest review.
It's one of a series, but, one of the things I most enjoyed was that this is not obvious and you certainly can come to it (as did I) not having read any previous books written by this author.
It begins with a body being washed up on a beach in Merseyside, wrapped in mesh and from there, the detectives are led into a world of paedophiles, murder and social media and how it can be misused, even by those thinking they are doing good. I enjoyed the interaction and relationships with the Murder Investigation Team and especially when the police detectives bring in a retired colleague to help them.
The element of the story about a teacher who is 'outed' on social media is a heartbreaking lesson to us all about what we believe and how easy it is to judge via social media.
Overall, I struggled to put this book down, so mesmerising did I find the characters and the storyline. It's well paced and well told.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bloodhound Books and the author, Conrad Jones, for the opportunity to preview via ARC in exchange for this honest review.
August 27, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of Guilty...Until Proven Innocent, the third novel to feature Detective Superintendent Marcus Braddick.
When a body is discovered on the Mersey shoreline it raises all sorts of questions as the victim has been tortured and is wrapped in intricately woven chicken wire. This is not the first time as seven years previously three Albanians were killed in a similar manner so Braddick consults retired detective, Alex Ramsey who led that case. In the meantime teacher, Richard Vigne, is undergoing his own nightmare when outed by a vigilante predator hunting group as a paedophile.
I thoroughly enjoyed Guilty...Until Proven Innocent which is an absorbing read that held my attention from start to finish. I have read some of the Alex Ramsey books before although this is my first Braddick book so I had a good idea of what to expect and wasn't disappointed. The novel is told from several points of view, the unnamed killer, Richard Vigne and the investigators, both Braddick and Ramsey. There are plenty of twists and turns, some more obvious than others, as the novel progresses. I think that Richard Vigne's ordeal is particularly well done with Mr Jones showing the hysteria around such an emotive accusation from many angles. In contrast the killer is extremely cold blooded as he goes about his mission. There is a kind of warped logic to what he's doing but as usual with these people it's all about him.
I don't think I got a very good feel for Marcus Braddick in the novel. He's obviously good at his job, has a good, informal rapport with his team and nothing in his life but his job but it's the retired Alex Ramsey who propels the novel forward with a series of discoveries.
Guilty...Until Proven Innocent is a well plotted and executed novel with plenty of forward momentum so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
When a body is discovered on the Mersey shoreline it raises all sorts of questions as the victim has been tortured and is wrapped in intricately woven chicken wire. This is not the first time as seven years previously three Albanians were killed in a similar manner so Braddick consults retired detective, Alex Ramsey who led that case. In the meantime teacher, Richard Vigne, is undergoing his own nightmare when outed by a vigilante predator hunting group as a paedophile.
I thoroughly enjoyed Guilty...Until Proven Innocent which is an absorbing read that held my attention from start to finish. I have read some of the Alex Ramsey books before although this is my first Braddick book so I had a good idea of what to expect and wasn't disappointed. The novel is told from several points of view, the unnamed killer, Richard Vigne and the investigators, both Braddick and Ramsey. There are plenty of twists and turns, some more obvious than others, as the novel progresses. I think that Richard Vigne's ordeal is particularly well done with Mr Jones showing the hysteria around such an emotive accusation from many angles. In contrast the killer is extremely cold blooded as he goes about his mission. There is a kind of warped logic to what he's doing but as usual with these people it's all about him.
I don't think I got a very good feel for Marcus Braddick in the novel. He's obviously good at his job, has a good, informal rapport with his team and nothing in his life but his job but it's the retired Alex Ramsey who propels the novel forward with a series of discoveries.
Guilty...Until Proven Innocent is a well plotted and executed novel with plenty of forward momentum so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
August 26, 2018
Conrad Jones is a tremendous writer and the DI Braddick series has everything you would hope for in a contemporary crime novel, pace and power, tension and twists. Braddick is a very interesting creation and in this excellent novel he is faced with vigilantism and paedophilia. It is a fast-paced story which grips from start to finish--I loved it!
September 4, 2018
A brilliant read. Conrad Jones brings something new to every book he writes.
Richard. Vigne , a schoolteacher is thrown into a situation he could not have envisaged in his worst nightmare. This book had me gripped from the beginning. Several men are found tortured and murdered in a cleverly written plot. Some gory and gruesome acts. Which zi found relevant to the plot. I enjoyed the joining of forces between DI Braddick and dear old retired DI Alec Ramsay.
The tension throughout this book is nerve wracking. Another roller coaster read with several shocks along the way. Highly recommend.
Richard. Vigne , a schoolteacher is thrown into a situation he could not have envisaged in his worst nightmare. This book had me gripped from the beginning. Several men are found tortured and murdered in a cleverly written plot. Some gory and gruesome acts. Which zi found relevant to the plot. I enjoyed the joining of forces between DI Braddick and dear old retired DI Alec Ramsay.
The tension throughout this book is nerve wracking. Another roller coaster read with several shocks along the way. Highly recommend.
September 10, 2018
Guilty Until Proven Innocent by Conrad Jones
DI Braddick Series #3
Having read only one book by this author before, THE JOURNEY, I felt compelled to read this one when given the opportunity. Why? The first book I read by Jones hooked me and though I hate to start a series in the middle I just could not resist. I am so glad I read this book even though it was rather dark and twisted and did not give me the happy ending I would have preferred.
What is the story about? It is about finding a psychopath serial murderer who loves inflicting pain on others. In addition to the murder mystery there is a case involving a pedophile vigilante group that works to expose those who prey on children and this group and the man they expose most recently will cross lines with Detective Braddick and the people he is working with to find the serial killing monster preying on the unsuspecting.
Following DI Braddick and his team as they worked to uncover the murderer’s identity was a bloody treat. The glimpses into the murderer’s mind were elucidating if disturbing. The fact that social media played has such power over individuals was disconcerting.
I came away from the story thinking about what it takes to make a person cross the line from normal to abnormal and why when that line is crossed reason seems to be lost entirely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
DI Braddick Series #3
Having read only one book by this author before, THE JOURNEY, I felt compelled to read this one when given the opportunity. Why? The first book I read by Jones hooked me and though I hate to start a series in the middle I just could not resist. I am so glad I read this book even though it was rather dark and twisted and did not give me the happy ending I would have preferred.
What is the story about? It is about finding a psychopath serial murderer who loves inflicting pain on others. In addition to the murder mystery there is a case involving a pedophile vigilante group that works to expose those who prey on children and this group and the man they expose most recently will cross lines with Detective Braddick and the people he is working with to find the serial killing monster preying on the unsuspecting.
Following DI Braddick and his team as they worked to uncover the murderer’s identity was a bloody treat. The glimpses into the murderer’s mind were elucidating if disturbing. The fact that social media played has such power over individuals was disconcerting.
I came away from the story thinking about what it takes to make a person cross the line from normal to abnormal and why when that line is crossed reason seems to be lost entirely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
September 12, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Ahhhhh social media – can be a trippy little bleeder at times, can’t it? We all know social media. We all use social media. But how can we trust a concept which allows lives to be put on show? Why do people always seem to believe what is written on social media instead of going to the horse’s mouth, so to speak? The use of language can be a powerful tool if used correctly, however, it can also be an extremely detrimental tool if used dishonestly. Just like the characters in Conrad Jones’ latest novel found out.
When a teacher gets accused online, his life ends up in turmoil as everyone instantly turns against him, believing everything that is written about him online. It doesn’t seem to matter how much Richard attempts to clear his name, everyone assumes that he is guilty. Is he? Is he really? Surely his family know him better than that, or are they too afraid to reach out in case the accusation is indeed true?
‘Guilty….until proven innocent’ is a severely twisted, highly suspenseful novel which highlights the detrimental effects of the popular phenomenal – social media. If you’re on the good side of things socially, social media can be a wonderful thing to be a part of. However, if you find yourself being in the spotlight and not in a good way (and unfortunately I have), social media can be an extremely lonely place as, once those words are out there, they cannot be taken away quick enough. Plus, seeing as it is supposed to be a ‘social’ thing, it isn’t half a lonely place to be and contrary to popular belief, your face still has to fit, even though your face is probably covered in the latest Snapchat filter. Just saying.
Conrad Jones has, once again, written a very clever, very dark, and very intense novel which kept my eyes glued to the page the entire way through. ‘Guilty…until proven innocent’ is a book that is guaranteed to put the fear of christ up you, covering your body in goosebumps, whilst also making you unable to detach yourself from Richard and his current predicament.
Chilling, fast paced, and brilliantly written, Conrad Jones’ latest novel gives you food for thought in the most darkest of ways.
Ahhhhh social media – can be a trippy little bleeder at times, can’t it? We all know social media. We all use social media. But how can we trust a concept which allows lives to be put on show? Why do people always seem to believe what is written on social media instead of going to the horse’s mouth, so to speak? The use of language can be a powerful tool if used correctly, however, it can also be an extremely detrimental tool if used dishonestly. Just like the characters in Conrad Jones’ latest novel found out.
When a teacher gets accused online, his life ends up in turmoil as everyone instantly turns against him, believing everything that is written about him online. It doesn’t seem to matter how much Richard attempts to clear his name, everyone assumes that he is guilty. Is he? Is he really? Surely his family know him better than that, or are they too afraid to reach out in case the accusation is indeed true?
‘Guilty….until proven innocent’ is a severely twisted, highly suspenseful novel which highlights the detrimental effects of the popular phenomenal – social media. If you’re on the good side of things socially, social media can be a wonderful thing to be a part of. However, if you find yourself being in the spotlight and not in a good way (and unfortunately I have), social media can be an extremely lonely place as, once those words are out there, they cannot be taken away quick enough. Plus, seeing as it is supposed to be a ‘social’ thing, it isn’t half a lonely place to be and contrary to popular belief, your face still has to fit, even though your face is probably covered in the latest Snapchat filter. Just saying.
Conrad Jones has, once again, written a very clever, very dark, and very intense novel which kept my eyes glued to the page the entire way through. ‘Guilty…until proven innocent’ is a book that is guaranteed to put the fear of christ up you, covering your body in goosebumps, whilst also making you unable to detach yourself from Richard and his current predicament.
Chilling, fast paced, and brilliantly written, Conrad Jones’ latest novel gives you food for thought in the most darkest of ways.
September 17, 2018
Three stories running parallel to each other but all the while, impinging one on the other – are they in fact only one story?
A school teacher is outed as a paedophile. How does one prove one’s innocence when everything points to one being guilty? A young underage girl names him as the father of her aborted child and things spiral down from there. He is arrested in front of staff and school pupils and allowed to leave only because the information the police have on him is incomplete.
His wife and children don’t believe his protestations of innocence and so he is on his own.
Meanwhile, DS Braddick and his team are called to a scene where a body is found washed up on the shore, having a distinctive mesh wrapping. This immediately brings to mind an unsolved triple murder case from seven years before. Is there a link?
And then there is a paedophile released after serving a four-year sentence, determined to get back on the people who outed him in a FaceBook group called Predator Hunters. The original six members of the group are murdered one by one.
Yes, an exciting book to read. All the characters are well-defined and the whole is totally believable, from a wrongly accused school teacher to a Detective Sergeant, his team and a retired Detective Inspector and of course the murderer.
This is a book well worth reading and I recommend it to you.
Note – I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and I choose to make this recommendation.
A school teacher is outed as a paedophile. How does one prove one’s innocence when everything points to one being guilty? A young underage girl names him as the father of her aborted child and things spiral down from there. He is arrested in front of staff and school pupils and allowed to leave only because the information the police have on him is incomplete.
His wife and children don’t believe his protestations of innocence and so he is on his own.
Meanwhile, DS Braddick and his team are called to a scene where a body is found washed up on the shore, having a distinctive mesh wrapping. This immediately brings to mind an unsolved triple murder case from seven years before. Is there a link?
And then there is a paedophile released after serving a four-year sentence, determined to get back on the people who outed him in a FaceBook group called Predator Hunters. The original six members of the group are murdered one by one.
Yes, an exciting book to read. All the characters are well-defined and the whole is totally believable, from a wrongly accused school teacher to a Detective Sergeant, his team and a retired Detective Inspector and of course the murderer.
This is a book well worth reading and I recommend it to you.
Note – I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and I choose to make this recommendation.
January 28, 2019
There are good books, there are great books and on top of that, at an even higher level, there are Conrad Jones' books! Guilty - until proven innocent is a 'double dipper'. You know, like "New York, New York - so good they named it twice". I've read this book and now I've listened to this book and on both occasions I was blown away by the brilliance of the plot, the clever characterisation and the dazzling dialogue. So many books and so much genius. It's such a treat to envelop myself in the words that flow from the pages. Mr Jones' challenges your perceptions and then, just when you think you've made up your mind, he challenges them all over again. The narration, by Steward Crank, was excellent, but I personally preferred Diana Croft, who narrated Book 1 in the series. That's not because Mr Crank did anything wrong, it's just a personal preference. I really think it's about time we saw Detectives Braddick and Ramsay on screen. If you are looking for an intricate plot, tightly woven with captivating characters who draw you in and keep you absorbed and invested in the outcome, look no further. Treat yourself to the whole series today. You can thank me later!
September 11, 2018
Having heard lots of good things about this author's writing, I was delighted to get the chance to read one for myself - and I was not disappointed!
When a body is washed up on the beach, the manner of death has similarities to a triple murder case from some years ago. At around the same time, a well-respected teacher, a family man without a blemish on his character, is accused by an online predator group of being a paedophile. Completely shocked, he protests his innocence but many of his contemporaries take the view that there's no smoke without fire and within hours his life is turned upside down and inside out.
The novel follows three threads at the same time: the life of the teacher and the affect of the accusations against him, the police investigation into the dead body and the perpetrator of that crime - although we don't know his identity. These strands are woven into a lively and gripping read and one which demands the complete attention of the reader. A stunning and intriguing read which, although the third in series, I can happily go back and read the first two as there is no reference to them.
Not only is the writing excellent and enticing, the plotting is terrifically intricate with some shocking twists and turns. There are some gritty and gruesome details but all pertinent to the plot and this is a novel I revelled in, and I'm certainly hoping to read much more by this author. Gobsmackingly good - and a prime example of how thorough murder investigations are and why you shouldn't always believe everything you read in the media!
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for both my copy via NetGalley and for the invitation to participate in this blog tour. This is my honest, original, and unbiased review.
When a body is washed up on the beach, the manner of death has similarities to a triple murder case from some years ago. At around the same time, a well-respected teacher, a family man without a blemish on his character, is accused by an online predator group of being a paedophile. Completely shocked, he protests his innocence but many of his contemporaries take the view that there's no smoke without fire and within hours his life is turned upside down and inside out.
The novel follows three threads at the same time: the life of the teacher and the affect of the accusations against him, the police investigation into the dead body and the perpetrator of that crime - although we don't know his identity. These strands are woven into a lively and gripping read and one which demands the complete attention of the reader. A stunning and intriguing read which, although the third in series, I can happily go back and read the first two as there is no reference to them.
Not only is the writing excellent and enticing, the plotting is terrifically intricate with some shocking twists and turns. There are some gritty and gruesome details but all pertinent to the plot and this is a novel I revelled in, and I'm certainly hoping to read much more by this author. Gobsmackingly good - and a prime example of how thorough murder investigations are and why you shouldn't always believe everything you read in the media!
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for both my copy via NetGalley and for the invitation to participate in this blog tour. This is my honest, original, and unbiased review.
September 7, 2018
Conrad Jones is not new to me (I have read his Soft Target series) but although this is the third in the series, DI Braddick is. No need to worry that you have missed the first two books because this certainly stands on its own.
Richard Vignes, married with twins, is a school teacher and he loves his job. All is well, if not exciting, in his world. Then it crumbles. A vigilante group has investigated him, collected evidence, and has outed him on Facebook and his informed his wife, family, school and the police and media. Richard has had sex with a 13 year old girl who they have named. He has no knowledge of the girl he assures his family and goes to school. The nightmare continues as he speaks to the headmaster and two uniformed police offers come to school and arrest him.
As a separate strand, DI Braddick is called upon to investigate a murder when a body is pulled from the water but it is encased in wire netting and has suffered multiple stab wounds. Something about this is ringing bells. This is our introduction to the killer, beyond sadistic, really warped.
The story unfolds through different points of view and it quickly becomes clear that Richard’s story is just one very small part of the plot, which incidentally is brilliant. The biggest villain of the piece is social media and tabloid journalism, but despite this being a familiar strategy it still works, and works very well.
I am very slightly disappointed by the ending and I am not really sure why. Perhaps I didn’t feel the urgency or excitement that I did in the first two-thirds or so of the book. That said, although some issues had been resolved by this place in the plot, it still managed to make me take pause and a really big breath and the surprise.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
Richard Vignes, married with twins, is a school teacher and he loves his job. All is well, if not exciting, in his world. Then it crumbles. A vigilante group has investigated him, collected evidence, and has outed him on Facebook and his informed his wife, family, school and the police and media. Richard has had sex with a 13 year old girl who they have named. He has no knowledge of the girl he assures his family and goes to school. The nightmare continues as he speaks to the headmaster and two uniformed police offers come to school and arrest him.
As a separate strand, DI Braddick is called upon to investigate a murder when a body is pulled from the water but it is encased in wire netting and has suffered multiple stab wounds. Something about this is ringing bells. This is our introduction to the killer, beyond sadistic, really warped.
The story unfolds through different points of view and it quickly becomes clear that Richard’s story is just one very small part of the plot, which incidentally is brilliant. The biggest villain of the piece is social media and tabloid journalism, but despite this being a familiar strategy it still works, and works very well.
I am very slightly disappointed by the ending and I am not really sure why. Perhaps I didn’t feel the urgency or excitement that I did in the first two-thirds or so of the book. That said, although some issues had been resolved by this place in the plot, it still managed to make me take pause and a really big breath and the surprise.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
September 1, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 gruesome stars
Conrad has done it again; fast paced story telling, twisted characters, crime, drama, violence and a few brave choices in plot developments.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the chapters told from the bad guy point of view. Braddick & Ramsey were almost secondary characters but that was ok as we had bad guy and Richard to learn about.
Just lost that last 5th star due to the plot development regarding one of the families involved, which led to an overall negative end to the book in my humble opinion....but of course others may love the dark ending....
Thank you Conrad for another great book. Now onto The Journey.
Conrad has done it again; fast paced story telling, twisted characters, crime, drama, violence and a few brave choices in plot developments.
I really enjoyed this book, especially the chapters told from the bad guy point of view. Braddick & Ramsey were almost secondary characters but that was ok as we had bad guy and Richard to learn about.
Just lost that last 5th star due to the plot development regarding one of the families involved, which led to an overall negative end to the book in my humble opinion....but of course others may love the dark ending....
Thank you Conrad for another great book. Now onto The Journey.
September 9, 2018
When the lumbering beast that is Social Media allows others into your life it will wreak havoc and leave you helpless in its wake. This is what happens to one of the characters in this brilliant novel that combines murder and revenge with fatal consequences.
Having read Brick by this author I was pleased to be given a chance to review this offering and I was not let down.
The author weaves a tale from the dark side of social media and the affects one wrong thread can have on you and how hard getting free of hate and torment can be. An innocent teacher is accused of the vilest crime of being a paedophile by social media and this charts his fall from grace whilst another thread runs through the story that combines to give a great read..
Whilst investigating a murder that he feels is similar to one unsolved from 7 years previous DS Braddick is drawn in to this case which is twisted within one involving an ex colleague Alex Ramsey and the life of an innocent man. How can the police wade through all the clues and narrow down the search to get those responsible for the horrific murders and give an innocent man his life back.
What are the lies, what is the truth? and who wants these people dead ? , only time and the tenaciousness of Ramsey and Braddick will bring about the fall of a monster.
Having read Brick by this author I was pleased to be given a chance to review this offering and I was not let down.
The author weaves a tale from the dark side of social media and the affects one wrong thread can have on you and how hard getting free of hate and torment can be. An innocent teacher is accused of the vilest crime of being a paedophile by social media and this charts his fall from grace whilst another thread runs through the story that combines to give a great read..
Whilst investigating a murder that he feels is similar to one unsolved from 7 years previous DS Braddick is drawn in to this case which is twisted within one involving an ex colleague Alex Ramsey and the life of an innocent man. How can the police wade through all the clues and narrow down the search to get those responsible for the horrific murders and give an innocent man his life back.
What are the lies, what is the truth? and who wants these people dead ? , only time and the tenaciousness of Ramsey and Braddick will bring about the fall of a monster.
August 27, 2018
Conrad Jones has done it again, this book is absolutely amazing. If paedophile vigilantes make a mistake it can have far reaching consequences, not just for the accused and their families but for the vigilantes themselves. The story is told brilliantly with Braddick leading the police investigation into some gruesome murders that have connections to the past when Alec Ramsay was in charge. It is a huge horror filled jigsaw but the pieces do fit together in a mid blowing hold your breath ending.
September 2, 2018
Once again Conrad smashes it . In this book it shows the dangers of a rumour getting onto social media and being accepted as fact before it is proven , ruining peoples lives . It also brings together two old favourites from previous novels , now retired Detective Inspector Alec Ramsay and Detective Inspector Braddick , but saying that it reads well as a stand alone book . As usual I was gripped from the outset .There appeared to be two separate storylines running but eventually they match up and how!! I do not want to give any spoilers about the plot but to say it is very relevant to the world today is an understatement . I always hate getting to the end of Conrad's books and having to wait for the next one .
October 21, 2022
Book 3 in the series, and I have to say it was my favourite so far. This can be read as a standalone novel. It was another twisted tale with lots of gore and dark scenes. I like how both crime scenes always tie up together, even more so in this one. This is the first book in the series where I felt like all the T's were crossed and we weren't left with any questions. I look forward to reading book 4.
August 28, 2018
Thankyou to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books and Conrad Jones for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Guilty... Until Proven Innocent.
What a storyline. I thought it was well written and fast paced. It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.
Definitely well worth a read.
3.5 stars from me
What a storyline. I thought it was well written and fast paced. It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat.
Definitely well worth a read.
3.5 stars from me
September 17, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I have read a few books this author now and this one is hands down my favourite of the ones I have read to date - I loved it!
The plot in this story is very, very good and I think that the author managed to execute it really well. He has crafted an addictive story that for me was believable and a real page turner.
The characters are excellent, very well developed and I enjoyed the interaction between Braddick and Ramsey - both of whom are fascinating characters!
The book is the third in the series but personally I think it is fine to read as a stand alone.
Five stars from me for this one - a very enjoyable story!!
I have read a few books this author now and this one is hands down my favourite of the ones I have read to date - I loved it!
The plot in this story is very, very good and I think that the author managed to execute it really well. He has crafted an addictive story that for me was believable and a real page turner.
The characters are excellent, very well developed and I enjoyed the interaction between Braddick and Ramsey - both of whom are fascinating characters!
The book is the third in the series but personally I think it is fine to read as a stand alone.
Five stars from me for this one - a very enjoyable story!!
September 14, 2018
This book was savage! Emotionally thrilling, it made my blood boil and the hairs prickle on the back of my neck. Fast paced and tense. Conrad has once again delivered the goods. A book that you wont want to put down. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2022
Gripping and sad in equal measure!
How quickly a happy and healthy life can snuffed out. Families torn apart, careers ruined and all because of greed. Not necessarily financial greed either, the need to self justify one's actions. Revenge, like a hard drug, takes over and negates your moral compass. Vigilante justice can never be what it says on the tin, whatever a person's motivation. This was a heart rendering tale, with pure evil at its core.
How quickly a happy and healthy life can snuffed out. Families torn apart, careers ruined and all because of greed. Not necessarily financial greed either, the need to self justify one's actions. Revenge, like a hard drug, takes over and negates your moral compass. Vigilante justice can never be what it says on the tin, whatever a person's motivation. This was a heart rendering tale, with pure evil at its core.
September 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this read and almost finished in one sitting.
It's one of a series, but, one of the things I most enjoyed was that this is not obvious and you certainly can come to it (as did I) not having read any previous books written by this author.
It begins with a body being washed up on a beach in Merseyside, wrapped in mesh and from there, the detectives are led into a world of paedophiles, murder and social media and how it can be misused, even by those thinking they are doing good. I enjoyed the interaction and relationships with the Murder Investigation Team and especially when the police detectives bring in a retired colleague to help them.
The element of the story about a teacher who is 'outed' on social media is a heartbreaking lesson to us all about what we believe and how easy it is to judge via social media.
Overall, I struggled to put this book down, so mesmerising did I find the characters and the storyline. It's well paced and well told.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bloodhound Books and the author, Conrad Jones, for the opportunity to preview via ARC in exchange for this honest review.
It's one of a series, but, one of the things I most enjoyed was that this is not obvious and you certainly can come to it (as did I) not having read any previous books written by this author.
It begins with a body being washed up on a beach in Merseyside, wrapped in mesh and from there, the detectives are led into a world of paedophiles, murder and social media and how it can be misused, even by those thinking they are doing good. I enjoyed the interaction and relationships with the Murder Investigation Team and especially when the police detectives bring in a retired colleague to help them.
The element of the story about a teacher who is 'outed' on social media is a heartbreaking lesson to us all about what we believe and how easy it is to judge via social media.
Overall, I struggled to put this book down, so mesmerising did I find the characters and the storyline. It's well paced and well told.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bloodhound Books and the author, Conrad Jones, for the opportunity to preview via ARC in exchange for this honest review.
September 12, 2018
Now, previous books I have read by Conrad Jones were brilliant and this one did not disappoint me either. I’m sure we have all seen the rise of online predator catchering groups on facebook recently and this book was just about that! But how it can go wrong… Oh dear.
It is a very interesting read, gets dark towards the end. Brilliantly written and how everything links together… Very clever. Impressed. I felt so sorry for Richard and his family though, poor man! AND THAT ENDING.. Wow was that needed? It was all going so well… but BOOM. Nope. A real thrilling story for the reader. A real pager turner. A well deserved five stars. Highly recommend! A story that can easily be devoured in one sitting. I throughally enjoyed it.
It is a very interesting read, gets dark towards the end. Brilliantly written and how everything links together… Very clever. Impressed. I felt so sorry for Richard and his family though, poor man! AND THAT ENDING.. Wow was that needed? It was all going so well… but BOOM. Nope. A real thrilling story for the reader. A real pager turner. A well deserved five stars. Highly recommend! A story that can easily be devoured in one sitting. I throughally enjoyed it.
September 7, 2018
How many times have you seen a post on Facebook that people have shared without checking the facts first? Would you like to be found guilty before having your innocence proven? How would it affect your life?
This book explores the presence of social media in our lives and how quickly people assume that what they read is true. Add a serial killer intent on getting revenge in the worst possible way and you get a well written, compelling book which will have you hooked from the beginning to the very last page.
Highly recommended!
This book explores the presence of social media in our lives and how quickly people assume that what they read is true. Add a serial killer intent on getting revenge in the worst possible way and you get a well written, compelling book which will have you hooked from the beginning to the very last page.
Highly recommended!
March 20, 2023
Guilty Until Proven Innocent - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
The investigation of a serial-killer's case by Inspector Braddick links to the uncovering of another equally heinous crime, of child sexual abuse.
Is all as it seems - or actually the perverted revenge of a wrongly accused perpetrator, who triggers an online vigilante group into wreaking his retribution at second-hand?
Definitely a combination of curious, sometimes chilling, sometimes fascinating storylines or crimes and detection. Why not try it today!
The investigation of a serial-killer's case by Inspector Braddick links to the uncovering of another equally heinous crime, of child sexual abuse.
Is all as it seems - or actually the perverted revenge of a wrongly accused perpetrator, who triggers an online vigilante group into wreaking his retribution at second-hand?
Definitely a combination of curious, sometimes chilling, sometimes fascinating storylines or crimes and detection. Why not try it today!
September 11, 2018
Beware that when fishing Monsters, you Yourself do not become a Monster...Barry Eister
The story begins with a body washed up on a beach..DS Marcus Braddick sees comparisons to a case from seven years before and goes to see now retired DI Alec Ramsay.Elsewhere an online avigilante group have posted online and a teachers life is falling apart when he is placed under arrest..losing his wife, kids,job...and being shunned and vilified.Within a short time...people are being found dead all over the city..When Brifdick and his team are beginning to make a breakthrough...Ramsey acts on a whim...and for some this could be their last night on earth..An Utterly Terrifying read into the world of Vigilantes.I found myself holding my breath all the way through..Jones is a master storyteller ...You could feel the Fear....
The story begins with a body washed up on a beach..DS Marcus Braddick sees comparisons to a case from seven years before and goes to see now retired DI Alec Ramsay.Elsewhere an online avigilante group have posted online and a teachers life is falling apart when he is placed under arrest..losing his wife, kids,job...and being shunned and vilified.Within a short time...people are being found dead all over the city..When Brifdick and his team are beginning to make a breakthrough...Ramsey acts on a whim...and for some this could be their last night on earth..An Utterly Terrifying read into the world of Vigilantes.I found myself holding my breath all the way through..Jones is a master storyteller ...You could feel the Fear....
December 6, 2018
This is by far the best Conrad Jones book yet. It’s brings the read two of his best characters into one book. Retired Ramsay is brought back in by Braddick to help solve a deeply disturbing crime.
Any who has read Conrad’s books before knows he doesn’t shy away from the gritty stuff and you can always place a bet on it being a highly emotional read.
This plot was just just that, very emotion. A school teacher is outed as a pedophile and is fighteing to prove his innocence and members of a Facebook group, who hunt down paedophiles, are found dead. Both strories are woven together to make a thrilling yet terrifying read.
Conrad Jones did his homework and pulled this fantastic read out the bag.
Any who has read Conrad’s books before knows he doesn’t shy away from the gritty stuff and you can always place a bet on it being a highly emotional read.
This plot was just just that, very emotion. A school teacher is outed as a pedophile and is fighteing to prove his innocence and members of a Facebook group, who hunt down paedophiles, are found dead. Both strories are woven together to make a thrilling yet terrifying read.
Conrad Jones did his homework and pulled this fantastic read out the bag.
January 15, 2022
Could be a little bit of a trigger for some!
I missed DSup Alec Ramsey! I was so glad to see his character again! This book had an original plot, was fast paced, had all the twists and turns and then some! It tied in the possibility of the harm Social Media can cause when people try to take things into their own hands. It could bee a little triggering for survivors of sexual child abuse, but that is truly not the main plot here,, it is the cause and effect of the plot! I had a hard time even going to sleep, I just wanted to finish the book! I highly recommend this one!
I missed DSup Alec Ramsey! I was so glad to see his character again! This book had an original plot, was fast paced, had all the twists and turns and then some! It tied in the possibility of the harm Social Media can cause when people try to take things into their own hands. It could bee a little triggering for survivors of sexual child abuse, but that is truly not the main plot here,, it is the cause and effect of the plot! I had a hard time even going to sleep, I just wanted to finish the book! I highly recommend this one!
March 21, 2023
Guilty Until Proven Innocent - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
The investigation of a serial-killer's cold case by Inspector Braddick links to the uncovering of another equally heinous crime, of child sexual abuse.
Is all as it seems - or actually the perverted revenge of a wrongly accused perpetrator, who triggers an online vigilante group into wreaking his retribution at second-hand?
Definitely a combination of curious, sometimes chilling, sometimes fascinating storylines or crimes and detection. Why not try it today!
The investigation of a serial-killer's cold case by Inspector Braddick links to the uncovering of another equally heinous crime, of child sexual abuse.
Is all as it seems - or actually the perverted revenge of a wrongly accused perpetrator, who triggers an online vigilante group into wreaking his retribution at second-hand?
Definitely a combination of curious, sometimes chilling, sometimes fascinating storylines or crimes and detection. Why not try it today!
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