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DI Fenchurch #5
Kill with Kindness
A sadistic killer. An infamous victim. A crime that gets darker and darker ...
The body of a young woman is found in a London hotel room, the victim of a suspected poisoning. Called in to investigate, DI Simon Fenchurch soon discovers the case is far more sinister than he could have imagined.
He should have recognised the woman at once - a teacher at a local school, her scandalous affair with a pupil has been splashed across the tabloids. As Fenchurch interrogates those closest to her, a web of suspicious connections begins to emerge.
Meanwhile Fenchurch's own life is still in turmoil: his family fragmented, his baby son in intensive care, and his mentor replaced by an unsympathetic new boss. The streets of London are in chaos too, with a spate of acid attacks on seemingly random victims.
Struggling to hold on to hope on both fronts, Fenchurch faces the toughest few days of his career. Can he keep his family safe and catch whoever is behind the murder before more lives are lost?
The body of a young woman is found in a London hotel room, the victim of a suspected poisoning. Called in to investigate, DI Simon Fenchurch soon discovers the case is far more sinister than he could have imagined.
He should have recognised the woman at once - a teacher at a local school, her scandalous affair with a pupil has been splashed across the tabloids. As Fenchurch interrogates those closest to her, a web of suspicious connections begins to emerge.
Meanwhile Fenchurch's own life is still in turmoil: his family fragmented, his baby son in intensive care, and his mentor replaced by an unsympathetic new boss. The streets of London are in chaos too, with a spate of acid attacks on seemingly random victims.
Struggling to hold on to hope on both fronts, Fenchurch faces the toughest few days of his career. Can he keep his family safe and catch whoever is behind the murder before more lives are lost?
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2018
614 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 22, 2018
EXCERPT: Fenchurch thought it through, trying to piece it together.
Half past eight down in deepest, darkest Wapping. Take about half an hour to walk over to the Minories.
Next sighted at eleven.
Plenty of time for Steve to kill Gayle.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: A sadistic killer. An infamous victim. A crime that gets darker and darker…
The body of a young woman is found in a London hotel room, the victim of a suspected poisoning. Called in to investigate, DI Simon Fenchurch soon discovers the case is far more sinister than he could have imagined.
He should have recognised the woman at once—a teacher at a local school, her scandalous affair with a pupil has been splashed across the tabloids. As Fenchurch interrogates those closest to her, a web of suspicious connections begins to emerge.
Meanwhile Fenchurch’s own life is still in turmoil: his family fragmented, his baby son in intensive care, and his mentor replaced by an unsympathetic new boss. The streets of London are in chaos too, with a spate of acid attacks on seemingly random victims.
Struggling to hold on to hope on both fronts, Fenchurch faces the toughest few days of his career. Can he keep his family safe and catch whoever is behind the murder before more lives are lost?
MY THOUGHTS: I have read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, but Kill With Kindness just didn't hook me and reel me in as the others did. A few times, I thought I was there, but ultimately I just didn't really become immersed in this story line.
Perhaps there was just too much going on - the murder, the drugs, the family - all vying for the spotlight, and that's without all the peripheral sub-plots and characters. It all just got a bit too complicated in places.
But I like Fenchurch. He's a grumpy bugger, but loyal once you've won his respect, not quick to forgive if you haven’t. He's still finding his way with his family, adapting to the changes, and it's not over yet. Plus there are changes in his workplace, upsetting the balance. He's a man who calls it like he sees it, and I like that. He is often stubborn, and tends to hold on to grudges long after he should have let them go. He speaks his mind, often to his own detriment. But I like him.
So, will I be reading the next in this series? Definitely. 😊😊😊.5
I wouldn't recommend reading Kill With Kindness as a stand-alone, there is simply too much back story referred to in parts for it to make complete sense. But I do recommend this series.
THE AUTHOR: Ed James writes crime fiction novels, predominantly the SCOTT CULLEN series of police procedurals set in Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians – the first four are available now, starting with GHOST IN THE MACHINE which has been downloaded over 280,000 times and is currently free. BOTTLENECK (Cullen 5) is out on 17-Mar-14. He is currently developing two new series – DI SIMON FENCHURCH and DS VICKY DODDS, set in London and Dundee respectively. He also writes the SUPERNATURE series, featuring vampires and other folkloric creatures, of which the first book SHOT THROUGH THE HEART is out now and free.
Ed lives in the East Lothian countryside, 25 miles east of Edinburgh, with his girlfriend, six rescue moggies, two retired greyhounds, a flock of ex-battery chickens and rescue ducks across two breeds and two genders (though the boys don’t lay eggs). While working in IT for a living, Ed wrote mainly on public transport but now writes full time.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Kill With Kindness by Ed James for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Half past eight down in deepest, darkest Wapping. Take about half an hour to walk over to the Minories.
Next sighted at eleven.
Plenty of time for Steve to kill Gayle.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: A sadistic killer. An infamous victim. A crime that gets darker and darker…
The body of a young woman is found in a London hotel room, the victim of a suspected poisoning. Called in to investigate, DI Simon Fenchurch soon discovers the case is far more sinister than he could have imagined.
He should have recognised the woman at once—a teacher at a local school, her scandalous affair with a pupil has been splashed across the tabloids. As Fenchurch interrogates those closest to her, a web of suspicious connections begins to emerge.
Meanwhile Fenchurch’s own life is still in turmoil: his family fragmented, his baby son in intensive care, and his mentor replaced by an unsympathetic new boss. The streets of London are in chaos too, with a spate of acid attacks on seemingly random victims.
Struggling to hold on to hope on both fronts, Fenchurch faces the toughest few days of his career. Can he keep his family safe and catch whoever is behind the murder before more lives are lost?
MY THOUGHTS: I have read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, but Kill With Kindness just didn't hook me and reel me in as the others did. A few times, I thought I was there, but ultimately I just didn't really become immersed in this story line.
Perhaps there was just too much going on - the murder, the drugs, the family - all vying for the spotlight, and that's without all the peripheral sub-plots and characters. It all just got a bit too complicated in places.
But I like Fenchurch. He's a grumpy bugger, but loyal once you've won his respect, not quick to forgive if you haven’t. He's still finding his way with his family, adapting to the changes, and it's not over yet. Plus there are changes in his workplace, upsetting the balance. He's a man who calls it like he sees it, and I like that. He is often stubborn, and tends to hold on to grudges long after he should have let them go. He speaks his mind, often to his own detriment. But I like him.
So, will I be reading the next in this series? Definitely. 😊😊😊.5
I wouldn't recommend reading Kill With Kindness as a stand-alone, there is simply too much back story referred to in parts for it to make complete sense. But I do recommend this series.
THE AUTHOR: Ed James writes crime fiction novels, predominantly the SCOTT CULLEN series of police procedurals set in Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians – the first four are available now, starting with GHOST IN THE MACHINE which has been downloaded over 280,000 times and is currently free. BOTTLENECK (Cullen 5) is out on 17-Mar-14. He is currently developing two new series – DI SIMON FENCHURCH and DS VICKY DODDS, set in London and Dundee respectively. He also writes the SUPERNATURE series, featuring vampires and other folkloric creatures, of which the first book SHOT THROUGH THE HEART is out now and free.
Ed lives in the East Lothian countryside, 25 miles east of Edinburgh, with his girlfriend, six rescue moggies, two retired greyhounds, a flock of ex-battery chickens and rescue ducks across two breeds and two genders (though the boys don’t lay eggs). While working in IT for a living, Ed wrote mainly on public transport but now writes full time.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas and Mercer via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Kill With Kindness by Ed James for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 17, 2018
'Kill With Kindness' is the fifth novel in the DI Simon Fenchurch series by crime writer Ed James set on the gritty East London streets and published by Thomas & Mercer. Amazon certainly seem to be publishing some absolute gems from many well loved crime fiction authors of late. Having been lucky enough to gain auto-approval I have being taking advantage of the excellent books they are putting out consistently.
The story begins with DI Fenchurch attending the funeral of his late boss when he is assigned to the murder of a young woman. Found inside a bedroom in the London-based luxury hotel, she has been handcuffed to the bed with the state of her body suggesting she succumbed to poison. Although Fenchurch recognises the victim he cannot seem to place her. He then comes to the realisation that she was a teacher at a local school who had recently hit the headlines due to having engaged in immoral behaviour with one of her pupils. He decides to follow his gut that this scandalous affair had is in some way related to her untimely demise. But is he correct?
'Kill With Kindness' was an enthralling, engaging and exhilarating read that I enjoyed immensely. I tend to stay away from certain cliches when writing a review including stating that the book was unputdownable but here, I truly feel it is justified. It is an action-packed and sometimes complex story but one that could never be criticised for being banal. You need to keep your wits about you to ensure you follow the direction in which the book is heading! Once again, I have reaffirmed my admiration of DI Fenchurch as a character. He is a dogged investigator and I appreciated that he is given a far more substantial part in the overall plot than most detective get in crime fiction and it feels as though we get to learn new information about him and watch him evolve through each book.
The author has made sure there are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to add to the readers enjoyment. Fenchurch's sub-plots are always fascinating as the run parallel to the main story and eventually converge to show that both plots significantly more related than we thought. Mr James also sprinkles his plots with topical themes - for example - drugs and acid attacks - play a part modernising the story. Highly recommended to all crime fans. I look forward to Ed's next book as this has swiftly become a series that I can rely on for an excellent storyline with surprising twists, unique characters, and not forgetting Fenchurch himself.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The story begins with DI Fenchurch attending the funeral of his late boss when he is assigned to the murder of a young woman. Found inside a bedroom in the London-based luxury hotel, she has been handcuffed to the bed with the state of her body suggesting she succumbed to poison. Although Fenchurch recognises the victim he cannot seem to place her. He then comes to the realisation that she was a teacher at a local school who had recently hit the headlines due to having engaged in immoral behaviour with one of her pupils. He decides to follow his gut that this scandalous affair had is in some way related to her untimely demise. But is he correct?
'Kill With Kindness' was an enthralling, engaging and exhilarating read that I enjoyed immensely. I tend to stay away from certain cliches when writing a review including stating that the book was unputdownable but here, I truly feel it is justified. It is an action-packed and sometimes complex story but one that could never be criticised for being banal. You need to keep your wits about you to ensure you follow the direction in which the book is heading! Once again, I have reaffirmed my admiration of DI Fenchurch as a character. He is a dogged investigator and I appreciated that he is given a far more substantial part in the overall plot than most detective get in crime fiction and it feels as though we get to learn new information about him and watch him evolve through each book.
The author has made sure there are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to add to the readers enjoyment. Fenchurch's sub-plots are always fascinating as the run parallel to the main story and eventually converge to show that both plots significantly more related than we thought. Mr James also sprinkles his plots with topical themes - for example - drugs and acid attacks - play a part modernising the story. Highly recommended to all crime fans. I look forward to Ed's next book as this has swiftly become a series that I can rely on for an excellent storyline with surprising twists, unique characters, and not forgetting Fenchurch himself.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
December 14, 2019
This is the 5th book in the the DI Fenchurch series by Ed James and the 4th one I have read.
DI Simon Fenchurch is called to investigate the body of a young woman who is found in a London hotel room, the victim of a suspected poisoning. The dead woman is a disgraced teacher from a local school whose affair with a pupil has featured in the newspapers. DI Fenchurch questions the people close to her and some intriguing connections begins to emerge.
I found this book to be more gripping than the previous books in the series with a DI Fenchurch struggling to cope with solving the murder while dealing with the emotions of is seriously ill baby son who is in intensive care. Although the book is the 5th in the series I consider it to be OK to read as a stand-alone but you may wish to read the others to experience the full development of the characters.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
DI Simon Fenchurch is called to investigate the body of a young woman who is found in a London hotel room, the victim of a suspected poisoning. The dead woman is a disgraced teacher from a local school whose affair with a pupil has featured in the newspapers. DI Fenchurch questions the people close to her and some intriguing connections begins to emerge.
I found this book to be more gripping than the previous books in the series with a DI Fenchurch struggling to cope with solving the murder while dealing with the emotions of is seriously ill baby son who is in intensive care. Although the book is the 5th in the series I consider it to be OK to read as a stand-alone but you may wish to read the others to experience the full development of the characters.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2018
Fenchurch is not the most attractive character - impetuous, overly aggressive and potentially violent - but he is a very tenacious police inspector. As usual has a tortured personal life, with a young son in intensive care, and a totally unreasonable boss. The plot involves the murder of a young teacher recently publicised for having sex with a sixth former, but then expands tangentially into drugs, with a new lethal version of Ecstasy, and into a spate of acid attacks. the narrative keeps moving at pace but I found it had so many twists that it became too dispersed - so only 3 stars this time.
November 22, 2020
D.I. Simon Fenchurch returns for a fifth time in author Ed James suspense thriller, "Kill With Kindness". This iconic series just gets better and better with each new thriller. Along with his Scott Cullen series, author Ed James has now crafted several edge of your seat thrillers. Fenchurch is still recovering from his adventures in the fourth series book, ("In For The Kill"), along with his daughter Chloe, and wife Abi. Newborn "Baby Al" named after Simon's mentor the late Alan Docherty has also now arrived. Baby Al's birth has brought a crisis into the Fennchurch household as serious medical condition threatens Al's life. Meanwhile a particularly vicious strain of MDMA (Ecstasy) known as "Blockchain" has spread like wildfire in London. When local English teacher at Shadwell Grammar is found dead in a local flop hotel under an assumed name killed by a massive Blockchain O.D., Simon must gather his team to investigate. Gayle Fisher was well liked at the school and had no apparent problems in her marriage to Steve Fisher. But it seems Gayle was having an affair with local student Elliot Lynch. Elliot was born to be a criminal and drug dealer. He was just bad from sunrise to sunset. Possible suspect and hapless former cop Jim Muscat was working at the Bennaceur as a watchman the night Gayle died seemed to be hiding a lot. Jim, pretty much useless as a watchman at several times stonewalled Simon and his team getting at the truth. Possible suspect 17 year old Katerina Raptis who working as a clerk in the Bennaceur continually drove Simon around in circles about the truth from the night Gayle died. Katerina and Elliot seem to be tied together in their stopping Simon from the truth. Katerina's and Elliot''s secrets seem to complicate the investigation more and more as they are exposed. Naturally the bane of Simon's existance is acting DCI Dawn Mulolland. Mulholland seems to live for giving Simon fits. Nemesis is too nice a word for Simon to describe Dawn Mulholland. Very narrow minded and most definitely never a people person Mulholland seems to thrive on making Simon miserable. The more Mulholland pushed Simon to arrest husband Steve for the murder the more Simon knows he's got to keep pushing. In an emotional and action packed plot that ran some 370 odd pages, "Kill With Kindness", was easily the best Fennchurch yet. The Fennchurch series does get better and better with each new tale. Also with all of author Ed James thrillers the characters are really colorful and some of the best parts of reading in the books. It was Baby Al that really hit home for me. I had to really root for the little guy with a lump in my throat. Baby Al and me share a lot in common so I see how much Simon had to struggle to get through each day with plenty of worry. "Kill with Kindness", is easily five stars out of a possible five stars. This is a must read in a must read series. If you're not reading Ed James, why not ? Check it out.
July 11, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of Kill with Kindness, the fifth novel to feature DI Simon Fenchurch of the Met.
Fenchurch is at the funeral of his late boss when he is sent to a murder scene. A young woman has been found dead, handcuffed to a bed in a posh hotel. The handcuffs make it murder and the state of the body suggests poison. When she is identified as Gayle Fisher, a teacher who has recently made headlines for an affair with a pupil, the suspect pool narrows considerably.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kill with Kindness which is an engrossing read with a bit of everything, personality clashes, personal drama, popular culture, twists and some interesting subplots. Fenchurch is working his case with an influx of deadly, extra strong drugs and a spate of acid attacks in the background but, as he digs deeper the cases start to overlap. I like the way Mr James incorporates these topical themes, not forgetting the teacher/pupil sex angle, into his narrative, making it modern and relevant in a readable way, rather than baffling the reader with all sorts of technical jargon and detail as most authors do.
There is rarely a dull moment in the novel, whether the reader is trying to puzzle out who did what and why (it's a given that all suspects and witnesses are hiding information, if not lying), getting caught up in the plentiful action or fretting over Fenchurch's baby son who is in intensive care. The plot unfolds gradually as Fenchurch and the team dig deeper and deeper, although much of it comes about by his freelancing on apparently unconnected side issues.
Simon Fenchurch is an interesting protagonist who always has something going on. In earlier novels it was the hunt for his kidnapped daughter, Chloe, but now that's she has returned to the fold it is his seriously ill son, Al. He is not the angry, blinkered man he once was unless the subject is Acting DCI Dawn Mulholland, now his boss and personal bête noire. Their interactions are tempestuous. I must admit that I don't think this is one of the best novels in the series as Fenchurch seems all over the place and undisciplined. This is blamed on his worry about Al so it probably accurately reflects his state of mind, unfocused but makes for a bit of a messy read. Mr James has, however, set his bar very high so it is still a very readable novel.
Kill with Kindness is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Fenchurch is at the funeral of his late boss when he is sent to a murder scene. A young woman has been found dead, handcuffed to a bed in a posh hotel. The handcuffs make it murder and the state of the body suggests poison. When she is identified as Gayle Fisher, a teacher who has recently made headlines for an affair with a pupil, the suspect pool narrows considerably.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kill with Kindness which is an engrossing read with a bit of everything, personality clashes, personal drama, popular culture, twists and some interesting subplots. Fenchurch is working his case with an influx of deadly, extra strong drugs and a spate of acid attacks in the background but, as he digs deeper the cases start to overlap. I like the way Mr James incorporates these topical themes, not forgetting the teacher/pupil sex angle, into his narrative, making it modern and relevant in a readable way, rather than baffling the reader with all sorts of technical jargon and detail as most authors do.
There is rarely a dull moment in the novel, whether the reader is trying to puzzle out who did what and why (it's a given that all suspects and witnesses are hiding information, if not lying), getting caught up in the plentiful action or fretting over Fenchurch's baby son who is in intensive care. The plot unfolds gradually as Fenchurch and the team dig deeper and deeper, although much of it comes about by his freelancing on apparently unconnected side issues.
Simon Fenchurch is an interesting protagonist who always has something going on. In earlier novels it was the hunt for his kidnapped daughter, Chloe, but now that's she has returned to the fold it is his seriously ill son, Al. He is not the angry, blinkered man he once was unless the subject is Acting DCI Dawn Mulholland, now his boss and personal bête noire. Their interactions are tempestuous. I must admit that I don't think this is one of the best novels in the series as Fenchurch seems all over the place and undisciplined. This is blamed on his worry about Al so it probably accurately reflects his state of mind, unfocused but makes for a bit of a messy read. Mr James has, however, set his bar very high so it is still a very readable novel.
Kill with Kindness is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 28, 2022
This is the fifth in the series to feature DI Fenchurch and he has personal problems, his baby Al needs an operation to save his life. A teacher and her pupil are plastered all over the front pages of all the tabloids. Then the teacher is found dead in a hotel room and this is only the beginning. He also has to deal with a spate of horrendous acid attacks and a new killer drug is on the streets. Fenchurch and his team are going to be kept busy and to top it all his superior DCI Mullholland has been a permanent thorn in his side as long as he can remember. Full of misdirection with plenty of heart in your mouth moments and I got it right, which is always a bonus. Can be read as a stand alone but I am sure that once you have read this book you will be searching out the rest of this gripping and very addictive series.
August 16, 2018
I tend to find that unless a book hooks me within the first few chapters, then it's not going to happen and I'm afraid this just didn't.
It begins with a police officer and his baby son who is fighting for his life in hospital and then progresses into a police procedural following the murder of a woman found in a hotel room who has been having an affair with a pupil and includes a storyline of illegal drugs and acid attacks.
I really wanted to like it, but, it just didn't pull me in and I didn't care sufficiently for the characters.
Thanks to netgalley and Thomas Mercer publishing for the opportunity to preview this book in exchange for my honest review.
It begins with a police officer and his baby son who is fighting for his life in hospital and then progresses into a police procedural following the murder of a woman found in a hotel room who has been having an affair with a pupil and includes a storyline of illegal drugs and acid attacks.
I really wanted to like it, but, it just didn't pull me in and I didn't care sufficiently for the characters.
Thanks to netgalley and Thomas Mercer publishing for the opportunity to preview this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 20, 2020
From all the DI Fenchurch books by Ed James, you always come back wanting more. A mixture of crimes with murders and acid attacks, throw in killer drugs and DI Fenchurch’s personal issues and you have a fast paced novel. From scandal of a teacher having an affair with a pupil, a PR agency, unrequited love and pure jealousy, it’s a definite page turner ! Amongst all this darkness, there’s a happy ending and the theme of hope continues. In the next novel, I would love to see Lisa Bridge have a more prominent role and to discover more about her. Book 6 and Kill The Messenger, here I come....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
I was torn whether to try this or not. I had tried the first book several times but just couldn't get into it. I decided to go back to Book 1 and give it one final try. Im so glad i did. Just 10 days later and I've read all five.
If you've read any previous DI Fenchurch books you know what to expect - all the usual characters are back and this time they are dealing with a teacher-pupil relationship and also a very topical subject - acid attacks.
Excellent book but i just have one slight worry...
Reread. Been rereading these so I can read 6 onwards and it's so strange but I can't recall reading any after the first one... No memory of the plots whatsoevet..
If you've read any previous DI Fenchurch books you know what to expect - all the usual characters are back and this time they are dealing with a teacher-pupil relationship and also a very topical subject - acid attacks.
Excellent book but i just have one slight worry...
Reread. Been rereading these so I can read 6 onwards and it's so strange but I can't recall reading any after the first one... No memory of the plots whatsoevet..
October 3, 2018
To say this was over-lengthy would be an understatement. There was so much going on, making it difficult at times to keep up with the who’s who and what’s what of this procedural. (Better take notes.) The characters being plentiful, are often quite colorful particularly in their language and sex acts. DI Simon Fenchurch, the lead investigator on the murder case is an angry man, insubordinate to the acting DCI whom he has no respect for and it shows in his actions but then his acting DCI was inept at the job, refusing to take his phone calls, leaving him to take matters into his own hands and then giving him grief later, over it. Fenchurch dealt with a whiny DC working under him, complaining about her assignments at every turn.
While this was going on, Simon was busy making decisions in his own private life, one which brought about just as much or more stress than the case itself.
There were so many lies being told by possible suspects, however, I think I finally know what happened by book’s end.
While this was going on, Simon was busy making decisions in his own private life, one which brought about just as much or more stress than the case itself.
There were so many lies being told by possible suspects, however, I think I finally know what happened by book’s end.
August 12, 2018
Get Ready To Keep a Scorecard
3.5 stars
This British police Procedural features DI Simon Fenchurch and his team, who are attempting to solve the murder of a teacher accused of having an affair with her student. The murder plot is intricately interwoven with subplots about the influx of powerful illegal drugs, and acid-throwing attacks. The more endearing subplot is that of DI Fenchurch’s prematurely born son who has hung onto life for eight months in a hospital, after being born two months prematurely with a hole in his heart.
At times the pace slowed glacially—especially during long spates of interior monologues—so I had to push myself to keep reading. Whilst reading this book, I made a list in order to keep track of the characters that number over forty; and I doubt I counted everyone named.
Fenchurch and his family are likable and sympathetic, but many secondary and tertiary characters are insufferable in different ways—including several primary police characters and ancillary support personnel. Even the victim(s) and their family members often engender annoyance instead of empathy.
For a police procedural, this is a longer book clocking in at 375 pages, which could have been reduced by 25-50 pages—for example, by paring interior monologue, and narrative about bars, alcohol and various drunken antics.
3.5 stars
This British police Procedural features DI Simon Fenchurch and his team, who are attempting to solve the murder of a teacher accused of having an affair with her student. The murder plot is intricately interwoven with subplots about the influx of powerful illegal drugs, and acid-throwing attacks. The more endearing subplot is that of DI Fenchurch’s prematurely born son who has hung onto life for eight months in a hospital, after being born two months prematurely with a hole in his heart.
At times the pace slowed glacially—especially during long spates of interior monologues—so I had to push myself to keep reading. Whilst reading this book, I made a list in order to keep track of the characters that number over forty; and I doubt I counted everyone named.
Fenchurch and his family are likable and sympathetic, but many secondary and tertiary characters are insufferable in different ways—including several primary police characters and ancillary support personnel. Even the victim(s) and their family members often engender annoyance instead of empathy.
For a police procedural, this is a longer book clocking in at 375 pages, which could have been reduced by 25-50 pages—for example, by paring interior monologue, and narrative about bars, alcohol and various drunken antics.
Read
March 5, 2025Baby Al is in hospital, has been since birth, and may die. Chloe is reconciled with Fenchurch and Abi but seems upset about something. Docherty, Fenchurch's boss and mentor, lasted longer than predicted but is now dead. The hated DI Mulholland is acting DCI and, with her minions, is making Fenchurch's life miserable. And their boss is siding with her.
Fenchurch's new murder case is messy overlapping with the drugs cases that Jon Nelson is working on and with a spate of acid attacks in the area.
Al is offered a lifesaving op but it's risky. His heart could be mended or he could die on the operating table.
Is all this stress causing Fenchurch to lose his judgement? Mulholland certainly thinks so and Fenchurch starts to worry that she's right. Is the murder of a teacher at the centre of a sex with a pupil scandal a simple revenge killing by her husband? If so, how did he get hold of blockchain, the superstrong MDMA that is killing young people. Is the husband a dealer or a recreational user? And what role does Fenchurch's journalist friend Liam play in all this. Has he gone too far with one of his sources, a 17 year old school girl ?
Fenchurch's new murder case is messy overlapping with the drugs cases that Jon Nelson is working on and with a spate of acid attacks in the area.
Al is offered a lifesaving op but it's risky. His heart could be mended or he could die on the operating table.
Is all this stress causing Fenchurch to lose his judgement? Mulholland certainly thinks so and Fenchurch starts to worry that she's right. Is the murder of a teacher at the centre of a sex with a pupil scandal a simple revenge killing by her husband? If so, how did he get hold of blockchain, the superstrong MDMA that is killing young people. Is the husband a dealer or a recreational user? And what role does Fenchurch's journalist friend Liam play in all this. Has he gone too far with one of his sources, a 17 year old school girl ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
Outstanding new DI Fenchurch novel by Ed James. This novel picks up about a year after the last installment of the DI Fenchurch left me shouting for more with the cliffhanger ending. This newest book Kill With Kindness starts out with a jolt. The events of the past year are neatly plotted with the all of the supporting characters making an early appearance. This novel rings true, a ripped from the headlines story of teacher-student sexual relationship and a new illicit drug hitting the streets with deadly overdoses. DI Fenchurch’s personal life is again a fascinating backdrop as he investigates the a murder of the infamous teacher. All of the supporting characters in this novel are interesting and credible. Fenchurch’s father makes brief appearances, love this character. James writes in Fenchurch’s stream of consciousness which is jumpy, half-finished thoughts and utterly delightful. Fenchurch is one of my favorite protagonist’s. Suggest reading this series in order. Highly recommend.
September 14, 2018
I receive this for honest review.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for his next book.
What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. What a Rollercoaster! The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled so in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel would have you guess and thinking all the way to the end. What a great thrill and suspense. I love a great suspense that would have me think and guessing. This novel did just that to me. To the point that am wrong. When the ending comes am on shock. I wouldn't of never believe or guess. Like OMG!
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!
Can't wait for his next book.
October 10, 2018
I would like to thank Thomas & Mercer Publishing and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted to the blanket, you can see a young woman climbing the stairs.
When a young woman's body is found dead in a hotel room Simon Fenchurch will surrender against that it will not be a pleasure. He does not recognize the woman, a teacher who had a relationship with a student. He's going to have to move quickly to stop the chaos in London.
My very first book by this author, I found the story captivating, moving and full of suspense and twists and turns. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
I was immediately attracted to the blanket, you can see a young woman climbing the stairs.
When a young woman's body is found dead in a hotel room Simon Fenchurch will surrender against that it will not be a pleasure. He does not recognize the woman, a teacher who had a relationship with a student. He's going to have to move quickly to stop the chaos in London.
My very first book by this author, I found the story captivating, moving and full of suspense and twists and turns. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
February 5, 2019
I'm a bit disappointed with Kill With Kindness. I'm a fan of Fenchurch usually but I couldn't get to grips with this one. There were too many people involved and I kept getting lost. I also don't think I can stomach any more books where the police are far too busy undermining each other to do any proper police work. I didn't get what was going on with Liam and Katerina at all, or if Liam was a 'goody' or a 'baddie'. The whole thing was too convoluted and confusing for me. I kept going in the hope that the final reveal would clear everything up for me. It didn't.
June 25, 2018
Kill With Kindness the latest in the DI Fenchurch series is yet another triumph for Ed James,who has once again produced a real page turner with plenty of suspense and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.Although this is part of a series I think it could be read as a stand-alone as there is sufficient background information provided.
I would again like to thank Netgalley and Ed James for the advance copy and look forward to Fenchurch 6.
I would again like to thank Netgalley and Ed James for the advance copy and look forward to Fenchurch 6.
October 7, 2018
Once again DI Fenchurch does battle with the criminal underworld. I have enjoyed the series thus far and the developing story of Fenchurch, his wife Abi and there now returned “missing” daughter Chloe. There story is set against Fenchurch’s ongoing day to day struggle with crime in London. This time it is high tech drugs that create the background. Well written and good crime fiction but to be honest I am getting frustrated with Fenchurch and his “lack” of gettingbissued resolved sooner.
October 14, 2018
Not one of the better Fenchurch novels, sadly.
There's a lot of references to previous books - and even though I've read them all, a lot of the stuff had faded away, so it was less relevant than it could/should have been.
It doesn't ruin the story, but it does add repeated distractions.
As for this actual case, I'd figured the perpetrator by about halfway through, so yeah, not one of the better ones.
There's a lot of references to previous books - and even though I've read them all, a lot of the stuff had faded away, so it was less relevant than it could/should have been.
It doesn't ruin the story, but it does add repeated distractions.
As for this actual case, I'd figured the perpetrator by about halfway through, so yeah, not one of the better ones.
November 21, 2019
love, love, love these books. just adore Simon Fenchurch. Have started at book one obviously as i hate starting a book 3or 4 books on as i like to start at the very beginning and get to know the characters. This was book 5 and i have now started book 6 but im finding the beginning of going back 15months before one gets to the {present} quite strange. It will all work out eventually im sure. Hope your working on the 7th book Ed James as i would have withdrawal symptoms without my fave books to read. lol
September 15, 2018
Usually a big fan of Ed James but this wasnt his best outing. Found the storyline confusing with far too many characters who didnt do anything to progress the story. Found the whole idea of Si and Abi's son being critically I'll and them not being at his bedside odd and unlikely. Disappointing read.
October 2, 2018
Great story again!
Love this series more and more as it goes on. The stories are well written and complex enough to keep the fast pace up and not get bogged down. I really enjoy the character development and their personal stories also. If you like your UK police procedurals I would recommend starting this series from book 1, it's great and I can't wait for the next one.
Love this series more and more as it goes on. The stories are well written and complex enough to keep the fast pace up and not get bogged down. I really enjoy the character development and their personal stories also. If you like your UK police procedurals I would recommend starting this series from book 1, it's great and I can't wait for the next one.
February 1, 2019
It is clearly necessary to have read the previous books in this series to understand what is happening in this novel - I hadn't so didn't!
Putting that to one side, I still found the plot confusing and twisted almost for its own sake. Added to which the relationship between the lead character & his so called superior was ludicrous.
Putting that to one side, I still found the plot confusing and twisted almost for its own sake. Added to which the relationship between the lead character & his so called superior was ludicrous.
August 31, 2021
Stretching!
I've read all the books so far and enjoyed them,this one not so much. Too many characters become difficult to place. The pathologist and his humming,became irritating. The situation with the baby was totally unbelievable,there is no way any parents would act the way they did,considering what was happening. Disappointing read.
I've read all the books so far and enjoyed them,this one not so much. Too many characters become difficult to place. The pathologist and his humming,became irritating. The situation with the baby was totally unbelievable,there is no way any parents would act the way they did,considering what was happening. Disappointing read.
January 8, 2022
A daughter recovered but more anguish for the parents
We all think if we are reunited with a kidnapped child, everything will just slot back into the former family routines & behaviour. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the Fenchurchs. Life and work goes on with the added complications of trying to bring Chloe back into their family.
We all think if we are reunited with a kidnapped child, everything will just slot back into the former family routines & behaviour. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the Fenchurchs. Life and work goes on with the added complications of trying to bring Chloe back into their family.
September 4, 2025
The brutal murder of a teacher who has recently been in the news headlines is the latest crime in DCI Fenchurch's patch of London. He has to juggle the investigation while his baby son is still in intensive care due to a heart problem which adds more stress to the situation. A very complex plot, I have grown to enjoy the characters and setting, definitely reading more in the series.
August 5, 2018
Book 5 in the DI Fenchurch series and it just keeps getting better with each book. A very intricate story line which keeps you engrossed to the last page. Fast paced, well written with plenty twists, makes this another winner for Ed James. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
August 7, 2018
Kill with Kindness - Ed James
Wow! I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions with this book. I just love Ed’s writing style: fast paced, gritty and down to earth. As I don’t want to give any spoilers I won’t elaborate on the story, just that I think this is his best Fenchurch yet.
Wow! I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions with this book. I just love Ed’s writing style: fast paced, gritty and down to earth. As I don’t want to give any spoilers I won’t elaborate on the story, just that I think this is his best Fenchurch yet.
August 16, 2018
I always enjoy the Fenchurch series - I feel as if we have gone through a lot together :)
I have to admit I had kind of figured out the bad guy in this book pretty early - but it did not make the reading of the story any less enjoyable
I have to admit I had kind of figured out the bad guy in this book pretty early - but it did not make the reading of the story any less enjoyable
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