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The Forensic Files/North East Police #3
Time to Play
Time to Play: a page-turning police crime thriller from from the acclaimed North East Police Series
Book description:
DI Alistair McKay is still reeling from the ‘one that got away’ but when he is called to deal with a potential murder at the water side, he must put his personal worries aside.
As police diver, Marlo Buchanan, starts pulling bodies out of the water, it becomes clear that something isn’t right.
Someone is torturing young girls and dumping them in the local reservoir.
Then the body of a man is discovered and Mackay and Buchanan are pulled into the seedy underworld of human trafficking.
As the team race against the clock tensions start to run high.
Can they overcome their personal demons to work together?
And will they find the killer before he strikes again?
The team are back in the third novel from the gripping North East Police series.
Praise for K A Richardson:‘KA Richardson has the writing talent and story-telling skills to be with us a long while. I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!’ – Howard Linskey, author of No Name Lane, Behind Dead Eyes, and the David Blake series.
‘A great follow on from With Deadly Intent with no punches pulled. This one is a must read.’ Sheila Quigley, best-selling author of the Seahills Series and Holy Island Trilogy.
‘KA Richardson writes with such knowledge, it’s like watching an episode of Silent Witness.’ Tara Lyons, author of In The Shadows and co-author of The Caller.
‘KA Richardson is a brilliant Northern writer. She’s created some of my favourite characters and her writing sings. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.’ Eileen Wharton, award winning author of Blanket of Blood.
‘A truly talented writer taking the reader on a thrilling roller coaster of riveting suspense.’ Jayne Tomlinson, Branch Manager, Darlington Building Society.
‘With her attention to detail and her impassioned prose, KA Richardson is a fresh and exciting voice in the crime fiction genre.’ Ian Ayris, author of Abide With Me and April Skies.
'KA Richardson writes a compelling story with characters to care about.' Victoria Watson, Elementary V Watson.
Time to Play: is part of the gripping of the gripping North East Police Series, it will appeal to fans of Angela Marsons, Helen Durrant, Robert Brenda and Ian Rankin.
- GenresFiction
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
99 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Richardson
11 books77 followersMy name is KA Richardson, and I am a crime and romantic suspense writer based in the North East of England. I write around my other work commitments so am constantly on the go. I love reading many genres, love speaking to people and I spend a lot of time people-watching in coffee shops, though if I'm honest this is more for the purposes of character-building and plotting. I enjoy watching 'cop' shows from both the UK and the USA, and am a fan of sci-fi. I began thinking about writing as a career in 2010 and completed my Ma Creative Writing in 2011. I love to be inspired, and enjoy spending time with friends and family, as well as other like-minded folk. My website has some more info on me, if you're interested pop on over to www.kerryannrichardson.com, or I can be found on Facebook as KA Richardson and Twitter @kerryann77.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 22, 2017
Whoa! This blew my socks off. I finished the previous book in this series and went straight into this one with gusto! I was addicted. The last book ended on a cliffhanger and I expected the plot to be picked up here but it wasn't - slightly disappointed at first that soon didn't matter as this book notched up to another level.
The writing in this book is absolutely brilliant. It's also better than the previous novel and that got 5 stars so what can I say? This author is going places.
I loved the plot in this book. It was hard to read, harrowing and very disturbing. I read a lot of dark fiction, crime and horror and some scenes in this book really had me cringing and wincing. The author does not soften the blow. You get hard-hitting scenes in this book. It's what makes it so realistic and does the topic and plot justice.
Sex trafficking, human sex slavery of young women. In the suburbs of the North East? Oh yes - and all over the UK and the world. A subject matter I feel very passionate about. In this book we get points of view from the victims, the bastards that run the crime rings and the police on the case. It works fantastically.
This is not easy reading. Some scenes are really hard to swallow. It's a strong book with a powerful message. We meet some new police force team members in this book plus a familiar few from the previous novel and the police dive team get centre position in this plot. I have not read many crime books where the dive team were the stars so it's really interesting.
Honestly - this book just works. Exciting, dark and powerful plot. Exceptional characters - those you will adore and those you will totally despise. Writing that pulls you in and holds on tight and pulls no punches. This is the underworld of sex trafficking plus more and its dirty, cruel, violent and sad.
I felt a lot of emotions reading this and could not put it down. I felt K.A. Richardson's writing had improved even more since her last book. So much to love here. So much. If you like your crime to make an impact this is for you. The reveals are quite shocking and the action doesn't stop.
This book jumped my long list of my 17 Top Reads of 2017 and entered the short list. I was that impressed. Bloody brilliant crime fiction set in the North East of England. I'm a new fan of this author and hungry for more from her. Watch this author - she's going straight to the top. Get this book! 5+ stars!
I bought a paperback at an event where I met the lovely author. All review opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.
The writing in this book is absolutely brilliant. It's also better than the previous novel and that got 5 stars so what can I say? This author is going places.
I loved the plot in this book. It was hard to read, harrowing and very disturbing. I read a lot of dark fiction, crime and horror and some scenes in this book really had me cringing and wincing. The author does not soften the blow. You get hard-hitting scenes in this book. It's what makes it so realistic and does the topic and plot justice.
Sex trafficking, human sex slavery of young women. In the suburbs of the North East? Oh yes - and all over the UK and the world. A subject matter I feel very passionate about. In this book we get points of view from the victims, the bastards that run the crime rings and the police on the case. It works fantastically.
This is not easy reading. Some scenes are really hard to swallow. It's a strong book with a powerful message. We meet some new police force team members in this book plus a familiar few from the previous novel and the police dive team get centre position in this plot. I have not read many crime books where the dive team were the stars so it's really interesting.
Honestly - this book just works. Exciting, dark and powerful plot. Exceptional characters - those you will adore and those you will totally despise. Writing that pulls you in and holds on tight and pulls no punches. This is the underworld of sex trafficking plus more and its dirty, cruel, violent and sad.
I felt a lot of emotions reading this and could not put it down. I felt K.A. Richardson's writing had improved even more since her last book. So much to love here. So much. If you like your crime to make an impact this is for you. The reveals are quite shocking and the action doesn't stop.
This book jumped my long list of my 17 Top Reads of 2017 and entered the short list. I was that impressed. Bloody brilliant crime fiction set in the North East of England. I'm a new fan of this author and hungry for more from her. Watch this author - she's going straight to the top. Get this book! 5+ stars!
I bought a paperback at an event where I met the lovely author. All review opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.
May 16, 2021
TIME TO PLAY is the third novel in the The Forensic Files/North East Police Series, by K.A. Richardson. Having just finished and enjoying the first two books, I was eager to continue with the series. This novel reads perfectly as a standalone, but I recommend reading them in order for clarity and content. This is the review of Time To Play.
The Books in The Forensic Files/North East Police Series include:
BOOK 1-With Deadly Intent
BOOK 2-I've Been Watching You
BOOK 3-Time to Play
BOOK 4-Watch You Burn
BOOK 5-Under the Woods
BOOK 6-From the Dark
The novel opens with a gripping scene and one that will grab your attention and have you flipping the pages to see what will happen next.
A young eleven- year- old girl in a foster home is hiding out in the shred out of sight, to avoid the groping hands of her foster mother’s boyfriend. But the foster home was better than living in a group home.
This story is about human trafficking where fifteen-year-old Elvie, was taken from her home, shoved into a van with other children, some sick and others on the verge of dying, and brought to England. This was not an easy read as the reader experiences the horrors that these young women were subjected to. The treatment of the girls was horrific. No water or food. My heart went out to them.
DI Alistair McKay is contacted to deal with a potential murder at the water side, when a man’s body is discovered in the weir at the cathedral.
When police diver, Marlo Buchanan, pulls even more bodies out of the water, it soon becomes clear that someone is torturing young girls and dumping them in the local reservoir.
This is a well-written, well-researched novel (but might not appeal to everyone) dealing with the distressing subject of human trafficking.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
The Books in The Forensic Files/North East Police Series include:
BOOK 1-With Deadly Intent
BOOK 2-I've Been Watching You
BOOK 3-Time to Play
BOOK 4-Watch You Burn
BOOK 5-Under the Woods
BOOK 6-From the Dark
The novel opens with a gripping scene and one that will grab your attention and have you flipping the pages to see what will happen next.
A young eleven- year- old girl in a foster home is hiding out in the shred out of sight, to avoid the groping hands of her foster mother’s boyfriend. But the foster home was better than living in a group home.
This story is about human trafficking where fifteen-year-old Elvie, was taken from her home, shoved into a van with other children, some sick and others on the verge of dying, and brought to England. This was not an easy read as the reader experiences the horrors that these young women were subjected to. The treatment of the girls was horrific. No water or food. My heart went out to them.
DI Alistair McKay is contacted to deal with a potential murder at the water side, when a man’s body is discovered in the weir at the cathedral.
When police diver, Marlo Buchanan, pulls even more bodies out of the water, it soon becomes clear that someone is torturing young girls and dumping them in the local reservoir.
This is a well-written, well-researched novel (but might not appeal to everyone) dealing with the distressing subject of human trafficking.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
April 20, 2021
She's nine years old. Her grandmother has just died. She's taken from her village in the middle of the night. So begins her journey from the back of a van filled with other children, most are sick, some are dead. There is no more water, the air is foul, and even if they survive when they reach their destination, most will think of the dead children as the lucky ones.
DI Alistair McKay is called when a man's body is found caught in the local reservoir. Accident .. or something more nefarious?
When Police Diver Marlo Buchanan is called to fetch the man's body, she makes a startling discovery. Someone is torturing young girls and dumping their bodies in the reservoir.
Although well-written, this is not a story for everyone. Human trafficking of young children is looked at long and hard. Knowing that trafficking still exists in today's world, it's hard to read what happens to these children. The author has done a bang up job in research and shining a light on this most serious subject and creating a fictional story that is compelling, although dark and deeply disturbing. This is 3rd in the North East Police series and is easily read as a stand along, but I recommend reading in order. The characters are cleverly drawn and I really enjoyed the way McKay and Buchanan interact.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DI Alistair McKay is called when a man's body is found caught in the local reservoir. Accident .. or something more nefarious?
When Police Diver Marlo Buchanan is called to fetch the man's body, she makes a startling discovery. Someone is torturing young girls and dumping their bodies in the reservoir.
Although well-written, this is not a story for everyone. Human trafficking of young children is looked at long and hard. Knowing that trafficking still exists in today's world, it's hard to read what happens to these children. The author has done a bang up job in research and shining a light on this most serious subject and creating a fictional story that is compelling, although dark and deeply disturbing. This is 3rd in the North East Police series and is easily read as a stand along, but I recommend reading in order. The characters are cleverly drawn and I really enjoyed the way McKay and Buchanan interact.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 16, 2018
Oh wow, this book was one twisty, turny novel indeed! I read it in the space of a couple of hours and I found myself at 4am, unable to put my Kindle down to get some much-needed sleep.
Marlo is a police diver with a past that not too many people know about. Alistair McKay is a man who also has a troubled past. The two of them work closely on a possible murder case with the rest of their team, and when they discover a human trafficking case on their doorstep is connected with said case, it takes the case in a whole new direction, one they never expected.
I absolutely loved this book: the main characters are real, beautifully characterised and authentic. The secondary characters are also well written and all in all, I was wondering how it was all going to end up. The author does a great job of weaving all the different strands of the story together.
Marlo is a police diver with a past that not too many people know about. Alistair McKay is a man who also has a troubled past. The two of them work closely on a possible murder case with the rest of their team, and when they discover a human trafficking case on their doorstep is connected with said case, it takes the case in a whole new direction, one they never expected.
I absolutely loved this book: the main characters are real, beautifully characterised and authentic. The secondary characters are also well written and all in all, I was wondering how it was all going to end up. The author does a great job of weaving all the different strands of the story together.
October 28, 2017
It looks like I am out on a limb all alone with this one as it got a lot of 5 star reviews. But, after really enjoying the first two books in this series I found this one a little lackluster in comparison. While the earlier books featured the CSIs, this one focuses more on the area's dive teams. They seem to pull an inordinate number of bodies out of various waterways until they find a cache of bodies that gets to the crux of the story.
We also follow the travails of a young Philipino girl who was grabbed from her home and sent, with others, in a shipping container for the sex trade in the UK.
Ali McKay, who is still reeling from 'the one that got away' in the last book (now there was a wonderful baddie) gets it on with Marlo Buchanan from the dive team. Another dive team member, Connor, finds himself In a terrible dilemma between his work responsibilities and family loyalty.
Meanwhile someone is hurting young women to teach them how to handle pain, but he ends up killing them. To me the story was a bit garbled and melodramatic. The pain guy just didn't work for me and the budding romance seemed almost obligatory rather than heartfelt. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood.
We also follow the travails of a young Philipino girl who was grabbed from her home and sent, with others, in a shipping container for the sex trade in the UK.
Ali McKay, who is still reeling from 'the one that got away' in the last book (now there was a wonderful baddie) gets it on with Marlo Buchanan from the dive team. Another dive team member, Connor, finds himself In a terrible dilemma between his work responsibilities and family loyalty.
Meanwhile someone is hurting young women to teach them how to handle pain, but he ends up killing them. To me the story was a bit garbled and melodramatic. The pain guy just didn't work for me and the budding romance seemed almost obligatory rather than heartfelt. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood.
October 1, 2016
There are times when you read a book where you feel that it is so real you could turn Sky News on to see if there have been any further developments in the case. Well that is what it felt like with this book. K. A. Richardson's storyline is one that could be linked to any city in the UK, one of human trafficking. It follows the abduction of 15 year old Elvie and her terrible ordeal and that of some of the people taken at the same time as her. The vivid descriptions of not only the conditions that these girls were transported in but the lives they are forced into is heart breaking. K. A. Richardson then shakes the whole story up again, when the body of a man is discovered in water and the Dive Team are called in from the Sunderland Police Force. What begins as a simple recovery ends up as the discovery of young girls bodies that have been savagely tortured and the conclusion that a serial killer is in full swing.
K. A. Richardson totally captivated me with her story and although this is the third book in the series it can happy be read as a stand alone novel without losing anything. Her time studying forensics and crime scene investigation at university is very evident. I really enjoyed the inside view into the team and how the system worked. There is so very much in this novel which never had a dull moment and loads of little story lines that came together beautifully. This is a totally entertaining novel but is quite graphic in places so do be warned but everything is very relevant to the story. I loved it
K. A. Richardson totally captivated me with her story and although this is the third book in the series it can happy be read as a stand alone novel without losing anything. Her time studying forensics and crime scene investigation at university is very evident. I really enjoyed the inside view into the team and how the system worked. There is so very much in this novel which never had a dull moment and loads of little story lines that came together beautifully. This is a totally entertaining novel but is quite graphic in places so do be warned but everything is very relevant to the story. I loved it
October 2, 2016
I love it when I discover a new writer especially when it’s at the start of a new series and it’s been such a joy to read this third instalment of the North East police series as I’ve followed and loved it since the first! If you’re new to K A Richardson you can read this as a standalone but once read you’ll want to discover her other books anyway. One of the things I’m loving is that she brings characters from previous books back in so their stories are all interconnected, very similar to how Karen Rose writes which I have always liked. For example here DCI Alex McKay and Cass make cameos as does Jacob Tully. But the action focuses mainly on Marlo (I love her name!) and Alex’s brother’s Ali who is a DI with some serious issues to overcome.
It’s great to be back in the North East and fabulous that Sunderland and Durham have the starring roles in the settings here. And it has a slightly different focus on a police procedural as Marlo is a member of the police dive team. She’s such a likeable character but as her back story gradually comes out we realise that her past has had a big impact on the way she reacts to people and situations. The relationships she builds with Elvie, Ali and her colleagues are beautifully layered and very poignant when you realise what’s behind her standoffish nature. Be warned that there are some scenes of violence here and also some distressing themes such as human trafficking but they are all supporting the bigger picture of a serial killer who is out of control. This book grabbed my interest from the very first few pages mainly because of the fascinating work done by the dive team. It had obviously been well researched but wasn’t too technical in its descriptions (There is glossary at the back in case you need it.)
I honestly could read this author all day, everyday! She has such a stylish way with words that you are hanging off every single one of them! A natural storyteller who makes you care about her characters, she brings them all to life with just a few sentences. It’s amazing how quickly I became attached to the whole crew and I can’t wait to read more!
Thanks to Helen at Bloodhound Books for me ARC copy of Time to Play and this is my unbiased review in return.
It’s great to be back in the North East and fabulous that Sunderland and Durham have the starring roles in the settings here. And it has a slightly different focus on a police procedural as Marlo is a member of the police dive team. She’s such a likeable character but as her back story gradually comes out we realise that her past has had a big impact on the way she reacts to people and situations. The relationships she builds with Elvie, Ali and her colleagues are beautifully layered and very poignant when you realise what’s behind her standoffish nature. Be warned that there are some scenes of violence here and also some distressing themes such as human trafficking but they are all supporting the bigger picture of a serial killer who is out of control. This book grabbed my interest from the very first few pages mainly because of the fascinating work done by the dive team. It had obviously been well researched but wasn’t too technical in its descriptions (There is glossary at the back in case you need it.)
I honestly could read this author all day, everyday! She has such a stylish way with words that you are hanging off every single one of them! A natural storyteller who makes you care about her characters, she brings them all to life with just a few sentences. It’s amazing how quickly I became attached to the whole crew and I can’t wait to read more!
Thanks to Helen at Bloodhound Books for me ARC copy of Time to Play and this is my unbiased review in return.
June 10, 2018
I am ashamed to say that I have had this book on my kindle for almost two years and am only now getting around to reading it . Well all I can say is why the heck did I leave this so long to read . It was absolutely brilliant . Ah absolute page turner of a police procedural book. I loved it and it kept me guessing the whole way through . Fantastic storyline and great characters . Massive five stars from me .
September 22, 2016
Even though this is the third book in the North East Police series, they can all easily be read as stand alone’s. Each novel seems to focus on a different character and even though some from previous books will pop up, in no way do you feel like your missing out like you can with some books in a series. As it’s a great series though I do of course recommend reading them all.
Through Marlo and her colleagues, we get a closer look into what police divers actually do. It’s not very often crime books or a crime television programme will really focus on these important team members in the force, so I found it really interesting just to see how involved they are on cases and what their roles fully entail.
The main story line is human trafficking which through Elvie, a fifteen year old girl who was taken from her home and brought to England, we very much see the horrors of what awaits them here. The treatment of the girls by the people that are behind it all is really appalling and my heart really went out to them.
KA Richardson manages to create characters that really get into the readers skin. It’s almost as if they are our friends or family as they seem so real. The fact that as a reader you develop feelings for these characters just goes to show what a talented writer she is. Already I can’t wait to see who she is going to introduce us to next and to what enthralling case they could be working on.
Time To Play is yet another heart wrenching and gripping read. The crimes as well as the villains never fail to shock and horrify me. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series then why not as you are seriously missing out.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Through Marlo and her colleagues, we get a closer look into what police divers actually do. It’s not very often crime books or a crime television programme will really focus on these important team members in the force, so I found it really interesting just to see how involved they are on cases and what their roles fully entail.
The main story line is human trafficking which through Elvie, a fifteen year old girl who was taken from her home and brought to England, we very much see the horrors of what awaits them here. The treatment of the girls by the people that are behind it all is really appalling and my heart really went out to them.
KA Richardson manages to create characters that really get into the readers skin. It’s almost as if they are our friends or family as they seem so real. The fact that as a reader you develop feelings for these characters just goes to show what a talented writer she is. Already I can’t wait to see who she is going to introduce us to next and to what enthralling case they could be working on.
Time To Play is yet another heart wrenching and gripping read. The crimes as well as the villains never fail to shock and horrify me. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series then why not as you are seriously missing out.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2019
This book while good with the story just didn't sit as well with me as the other book I have read by this author. Maybe it's because it's a first novel in a series and the other was later after they got established but i wasn't sure what to think.
September 10, 2016
I received an arc copy of this book from bloodhound in exchange for an honest review.
This book had plenty of thrills and spills to keep you reading and guessing who done it .coupled with people's private lives . This book was a great read
This book had plenty of thrills and spills to keep you reading and guessing who done it .coupled with people's private lives . This book was a great read
September 24, 2016
one word fabulous loved this book
April 27, 2021
This is book 3 in the Forensic Files series. I have a love/hate for the plot in this book. It was hard to read, harrowing, and very disturbing. Some scenes in this book really had me cringing and wincing. You get hard-hitting realistic scenes in this book. It's what makes it so hard to read and does the topic and plot justice.
Sex trafficking, human sex slavery of young women, a subject matter I feel very passionate about. In this book, we get points of view from the victims, the sick *(@)(#* that run the crime rings, and the police who are working case.
This is a strong book with a very powerful message and warning to women all over the world. We meet some new police force team members in this book plus the familiar ones from the previous novels and the police dive team gets a center position in this plot. The dive team doesn't normally get books made about them so this was a fantastic look at their jobs.
This book is exciting, dark, and powerful. Once again we have exceptional characters - those whom you will absolutely adore and those you will totally despise and want to rip to shreds with your own bare hands! This is the underworld of sex trafficking and so very much more.
K.A. Richardson will have you screaming at the pages for the injustices and the violence against women. She will have you rooting for the cops to find this ring and bring them all to justice. But most of all, she leaves you with the feelings of this IS happening in our world!
What are you waiting for? Go grab this book and start reading!
Sex trafficking, human sex slavery of young women, a subject matter I feel very passionate about. In this book, we get points of view from the victims, the sick *(@)(#* that run the crime rings, and the police who are working case.
This is a strong book with a very powerful message and warning to women all over the world. We meet some new police force team members in this book plus the familiar ones from the previous novels and the police dive team gets a center position in this plot. The dive team doesn't normally get books made about them so this was a fantastic look at their jobs.
This book is exciting, dark, and powerful. Once again we have exceptional characters - those whom you will absolutely adore and those you will totally despise and want to rip to shreds with your own bare hands! This is the underworld of sex trafficking and so very much more.
K.A. Richardson will have you screaming at the pages for the injustices and the violence against women. She will have you rooting for the cops to find this ring and bring them all to justice. But most of all, she leaves you with the feelings of this IS happening in our world!
What are you waiting for? Go grab this book and start reading!
April 16, 2021
Fairly gritty with lots of key elements of a good crime book, people trafficking, torture, crime rings and murders in good measure. An added interest for me was that some of the central police characters were from a specialised dive unit and so this added an innovative and new angle. The main characters were also developed a little so I got a feel for them and they were likeable enough.
The plot moves at a good pace and was very easy to follow, perhaps almost too easy, but it was definitely a good ‘don’t really have to concentrate too hard’ respite for me compared to some of my recent reads.
The backdrop is the North East of England and a region I’m very familiar with so I also found this aspect enjoyable and a nice change from a lot of the Southern based thrillers.
I read this really quickly in one evening and liked it enough to maybe give other books in the series a try.
The plot moves at a good pace and was very easy to follow, perhaps almost too easy, but it was definitely a good ‘don’t really have to concentrate too hard’ respite for me compared to some of my recent reads.
The backdrop is the North East of England and a region I’m very familiar with so I also found this aspect enjoyable and a nice change from a lot of the Southern based thrillers.
I read this really quickly in one evening and liked it enough to maybe give other books in the series a try.
April 24, 2021
Gritty Northern Crime at it's best.Very young girls, little more than children are been brought into the UK by a gang and are made to work as sex slaves in the most cruel, vile conditions where a punch, kick and more are everyday occurrences . They are shown no compassion and are given drugs as a way of controlling them. There is so much to this story, where the police know little of what is going on until it all blows up in the most gruesome way. I loved the writing style where the descriptions bring the book to life, the characters have flaws which only makes for a more believable read. Excellent, another author to add to my list of favourites.
May 9, 2021
Another fab instalment. It was great being introduced to some new characters as well as having some familiar faces within the story even if only briefly. The plot line was hard hitting in places and focuses on aspects which are true in some parts of life. I thoroughly enjoyed the story even though some of it was hard reading (human trafficking). It would have been nice to have found out more about “the one that got away” from the previous instalment, but other than that I found it another enjoyable read.
September 1, 2017
Having read KA Richardson's previous books and loving them I couldn't wait to read Time To Play. I t was so well written and researched by the author that I had to put it down and come back to it many times due to the heavy content of the book until I reached the end. KA Richardson is a fantastic author and though I only recently discovered her she has become one of my top favourite authors. As with all of her books I'm giving this one 5 stars and can't recommend it highly enough.
April 26, 2021
A really great read, KA Richardson has a knack of writing gritty police/SOCO procedurals with just enough mix of police drama and a hint of relationships and romance. Ali McKay brother of Alex in previous books is our main man and leading lady is Marlo Buchanon, together the dive team and police must get to the bottom of the latest case, bodies of tortured young girls turning up in the local waters. A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, KA Richardson’s books just get better and better.
October 19, 2016
Having read and loved the first two books in the North East Police series, I was very happy when Time to Play landed on my kindle on publication day. Having come to expect great things from this author I am very pleased to say that this latest book from KA Richardson is another massive 5* hit.
In Time to Play we meet police diver Marlo Buchanan and reintroduced to DI Alistair McKay. I love the way in each book we get to meet new characters but still hear about some old favourites from the previous two books. Although these books are pretty gritty with some violent crime, there is also a softer and more personal touch with some romance involved.
As usual, lovely characters that I really care about especially little Elvie.
Time to Play is fast paced and thrilling and I can highly recommend it. Looking forward to book four in this fantastic series and hopefully some more about Cass Hunt and Ben Cassidy from books 1 & 2.
In Time to Play we meet police diver Marlo Buchanan and reintroduced to DI Alistair McKay. I love the way in each book we get to meet new characters but still hear about some old favourites from the previous two books. Although these books are pretty gritty with some violent crime, there is also a softer and more personal touch with some romance involved.
As usual, lovely characters that I really care about especially little Elvie.
Time to Play is fast paced and thrilling and I can highly recommend it. Looking forward to book four in this fantastic series and hopefully some more about Cass Hunt and Ben Cassidy from books 1 & 2.
May 16, 2021
Absolutely loved this book, the series and the characters. Very difficult subject to write about but brilliantly written, with realistic descriptions of how these young girls are treated. Love how the stories develop about the main characters in their private and work lives. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Thank you
Thank you
May 29, 2017
This book grabbed me from the very first page and held me firmly in its grasp until the end.
If you don't like violence then it may not be for you but it is an up to date thriller which is fast paced and I read late into the night to finish it.
5 shiny stars from me
If you don't like violence then it may not be for you but it is an up to date thriller which is fast paced and I read late into the night to finish it.
5 shiny stars from me
February 4, 2018
Gripping and thrilling
This book was a fantastic read, I could not put it down! Easy to relate to the characters, and despite the initial appearance that there are many sub plots, the shock of it all coming together makes it worth reaching the end.
This book was a fantastic read, I could not put it down! Easy to relate to the characters, and despite the initial appearance that there are many sub plots, the shock of it all coming together makes it worth reaching the end.
March 16, 2018
So now I know why I didn’t really understand the characters for so long..... It was book 3! The story was OK if a bit convoluted. I will try others from other series and in time, read this series in order. Sadly, not understanding the characters and their back story created a disconnect.
August 12, 2018
What an excellent fast moving crime thriller - couldn't put it down. The element of
romance between Ali and Marlo was gripping and I really enjoyed reading a crime
thriller from the investigating perspective of the dive team.
romance between Ali and Marlo was gripping and I really enjoyed reading a crime
thriller from the investigating perspective of the dive team.
April 19, 2021
What a book. When I agreed to read this I didn’t realise it was the 3rd book in the series but read this first and then found the first two to read glad I did but you could read it as a stand alone . Loved how it was based in the north east. A natural storyteller bring on more.
May 14, 2021
TIME TO PLAY
I couldn't put this book down! Full of menace, dark and gritty, this story of children taken by force and held against their will is shocking and riveting at the same time. Such a good read
I couldn't put this book down! Full of menace, dark and gritty, this story of children taken by force and held against their will is shocking and riveting at the same time. Such a good read
May 15, 2021
I have read the previous books in the series so I wasn't disappointed with this. It's nice to get to know the new characters amongst the existing ones. I would recommend this if you enjoy police procedural books.
May 15, 2021
The third book in this very enticing series and it does not disappoint! I adore a good crime thriller and I have a weakness for a book with a strong police personality in it, this book ticks all my boxes.
An excellent plot, fabulous characters and enough crime to keep me hooked!
An excellent plot, fabulous characters and enough crime to keep me hooked!
May 23, 2021
What a difficult subject to write about! Fantastic story writing. Really makes you think about what goes in in this crazy world. It’s not for the faint hearted though! Very descriptive and thought provoking! A great read and would recommend if you don’t mind this kind of subject !
September 20, 2016
North East Police Series book #3
When you have nowhere to go what can you do? When the threat of violence is upon you, can you escape the gruesome fate awaiting you? You are savagely taken away from the country you grew up in and now far from home. No one will miss you or notice your disappearance, you are on your own. Where do you find the strength to go on, to stay alive, to keep up hope?
Elvie has no idea what is happening: she’s abducted in her country, sent abroad with other girls, locked up in a container – no food, water gone, no way to relieve themselves, no fresh air. No wonder that most of the girls are more dead than alive. Elvie tries to help Nita, who is in a bad condition. When they are taken into a truck, the two girls have no idea that their misery is about to get as worse as it can be.
If Elvie had any illusions – they are shattered completely as her friend Nita is taken away and she has to await her fate, she’s “..pure. She will bring much money.” Poor Nita has already been taken and it is almost too much for the reader, who is confronted the sick events that follow: a young girl being hooked on heroin, raped and abused. As if that’s not enough Nita is dragged out of there to become a sadistic and torturous man’s captive.
As the reader learns of these gruesome and sickening events the Sunderland Police Force is yet oblivious of the horrors they will encounter. The focus of this third book of KA Richardson’s North East Police Series is the Dive Team of Sunderland: Sergeant Colin Sharp ‘Sharpie’, the team members – by nickname – Mac, Doc, Buck and newby Connor, not provided with a nickname yet. Connor has a difficult time, his mother has Alzheimers’ and his father refuses to let her be taken into a home.
Buck or Marlo Buchanan is the only female team member. When a body is seen floating in the river Wear she is on call, attending DI Ali McKay is there on behalf of the CID Sunderland. Those of you who have read the first two books in the North East Police Series may recall Ali, he is the brother of DI Alex McKay. Ali transferred to the Sunderland Police Force recently. Although Marlo resents yet another new DI, when she meets Ali somehow they connect. And would you believe it – they live in the same apartment building.
When the first murdered body is discovered, an investigation follows involving the whole of the Police Force of Sunderland working overtime: there are several crime scenes to process, seemingly unrelated explosions of violence. Will they find out what happened and is there hope left for Nita or Elvie? Connor is struggling, his mother is getting aggressive and his father is unreasonable –he, Connor, knows that his doings are wrong, but somehow feels unable to stop.
As always KA Richardson writes excellently, providing the reader with insights into the minds of truly evil people and showing a brutal and harsh world existing around us. We don’t see it, but we know it’s there, the cruelty and human trafficking, causing so much suffering and agony. As much as I loathed the horrible events in this book, it does fulfill the author’s purpose “to raise awareness – human trafficking is real, it’s dangerous and it’s close to home.” You cannot deny the reality confronting you in this captivating crime thriller.
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/time-to...
When you have nowhere to go what can you do? When the threat of violence is upon you, can you escape the gruesome fate awaiting you? You are savagely taken away from the country you grew up in and now far from home. No one will miss you or notice your disappearance, you are on your own. Where do you find the strength to go on, to stay alive, to keep up hope?
Elvie has no idea what is happening: she’s abducted in her country, sent abroad with other girls, locked up in a container – no food, water gone, no way to relieve themselves, no fresh air. No wonder that most of the girls are more dead than alive. Elvie tries to help Nita, who is in a bad condition. When they are taken into a truck, the two girls have no idea that their misery is about to get as worse as it can be.
If Elvie had any illusions – they are shattered completely as her friend Nita is taken away and she has to await her fate, she’s “..pure. She will bring much money.” Poor Nita has already been taken and it is almost too much for the reader, who is confronted the sick events that follow: a young girl being hooked on heroin, raped and abused. As if that’s not enough Nita is dragged out of there to become a sadistic and torturous man’s captive.
As the reader learns of these gruesome and sickening events the Sunderland Police Force is yet oblivious of the horrors they will encounter. The focus of this third book of KA Richardson’s North East Police Series is the Dive Team of Sunderland: Sergeant Colin Sharp ‘Sharpie’, the team members – by nickname – Mac, Doc, Buck and newby Connor, not provided with a nickname yet. Connor has a difficult time, his mother has Alzheimers’ and his father refuses to let her be taken into a home.
Buck or Marlo Buchanan is the only female team member. When a body is seen floating in the river Wear she is on call, attending DI Ali McKay is there on behalf of the CID Sunderland. Those of you who have read the first two books in the North East Police Series may recall Ali, he is the brother of DI Alex McKay. Ali transferred to the Sunderland Police Force recently. Although Marlo resents yet another new DI, when she meets Ali somehow they connect. And would you believe it – they live in the same apartment building.
When the first murdered body is discovered, an investigation follows involving the whole of the Police Force of Sunderland working overtime: there are several crime scenes to process, seemingly unrelated explosions of violence. Will they find out what happened and is there hope left for Nita or Elvie? Connor is struggling, his mother is getting aggressive and his father is unreasonable –he, Connor, knows that his doings are wrong, but somehow feels unable to stop.
As always KA Richardson writes excellently, providing the reader with insights into the minds of truly evil people and showing a brutal and harsh world existing around us. We don’t see it, but we know it’s there, the cruelty and human trafficking, causing so much suffering and agony. As much as I loathed the horrible events in this book, it does fulfill the author’s purpose “to raise awareness – human trafficking is real, it’s dangerous and it’s close to home.” You cannot deny the reality confronting you in this captivating crime thriller.
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/time-to...
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