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DI Charley Mann #3
Persecution
Lock your windows. Lock your door. And don’t look outside…
At the local university a series of incidents is raising alarm. Someone is breaking into students bedrooms through the windows.
But things get even more serious when a corpse is discovered on the outskirts of town. DI Charley Mann, dealing with her own problems, is drafted in to investigate. At first there doesn’t seem to be a connection, but Charley suspects otherwise.
Following the evidence draws Charley into a web of shady local characters struggling at the margins. It seems the break-ins are no random event. Worse, more lives are at stake.
On her own, and facing a stand off, Charley will have to find a way through. It’s either that, or more people will die…
At the local university a series of incidents is raising alarm. Someone is breaking into students bedrooms through the windows.
But things get even more serious when a corpse is discovered on the outskirts of town. DI Charley Mann, dealing with her own problems, is drafted in to investigate. At first there doesn’t seem to be a connection, but Charley suspects otherwise.
Following the evidence draws Charley into a web of shady local characters struggling at the margins. It seems the break-ins are no random event. Worse, more lives are at stake.
On her own, and facing a stand off, Charley will have to find a way through. It’s either that, or more people will die…
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2021
16 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Bridgestock
33 books75 followersRC Bridgestock is the name that husband and wife co-authors Robert (Bob) and Carol Bridgestock write under. Between them they have nearly 50 years of police experience, offering an authentic edge to their stories. The writing duo created the character DI Jack Dylan, a down-to- earth detective, written with warmth and humour.
Bob was a highly commended career detective of 30 years, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent. As a police civilian supervisor Carol also received a Chief Constable’s commendation for outstanding work.
The couple are the storyline consultants on BAFTA winning BBC One police drama Happy Valley and series 3 of ITV’s Scott & Bailey.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 12, 2021
At the local university, a young student wakes to see a man, sans clothing, standing next to her bed. Screaming, the man calmly puts his clothes back on and escapes through an open window .. on the 5th floor.
Meanwhile a corpse is discovered on the other side of town.
Even though local law enforcement don't see a connection between the two cases, DI Charley Mann suspects they are very much connected ... and there may well be other bodies found. Is she following a serial killer?
The evidence doesn't amount to much, but she follows what what can and finds a few suspects that bear questioning and following. But when it comes right down to it, Charley will stand alone....
This is a well-written police procedural, the plot is intriguing, the story line well-thought out. The characters are solidly drawn and work well amid a background of tension, angst, self-doubt. The ending is explosive and totally unexpected. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do recommend reading the books in order for some fine reading.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Meanwhile a corpse is discovered on the other side of town.
Even though local law enforcement don't see a connection between the two cases, DI Charley Mann suspects they are very much connected ... and there may well be other bodies found. Is she following a serial killer?
The evidence doesn't amount to much, but she follows what what can and finds a few suspects that bear questioning and following. But when it comes right down to it, Charley will stand alone....
This is a well-written police procedural, the plot is intriguing, the story line well-thought out. The characters are solidly drawn and work well amid a background of tension, angst, self-doubt. The ending is explosive and totally unexpected. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do recommend reading the books in order for some fine reading.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 7, 2022
DI Charley Mann is back in her third instalment. This time what seems like two individual cases become linked over the course of the team’s investigations. A young woman is found murdered with a slab of concrete on her face and her clothes pulled down and a student awakes to find a naked man in her room who on her awaking climbs out of her fifth-floor window.
What I love about the DI Charley Mann books is how realistic and true to life they feel. They come across as authentic, just as if you are reading about an ongoing real investigation in the news that has been given full access. This is what occurs when you have an ex-Detective Superintendent as one of the authors.
The storylines flow well and I was kept intrigued at all stages in the investigations. Who was this young woman with bright pink hair that people thought was homeless but everything wasn’t as it seemed? Why was someone climbing into student’s rooms, undressing, and then waiting for them to wake up? Two bizarre cases that don’t seem to be linked until one vital moment.
Charley is a great character. She is a workaholic, loves a challenge, is fair and kind to her staff, and is instinctively clever. She is also just like everyone else and has plenty of flaws.
If you are looking for a detective thriller that will keep you entertained, have you trying to put all the pieces together alongside the characters, and keep you invested in the plot until the very end then this is the series to pick up. Persecution might be the third book in the series but I believe you can also read it without having read the first two. Grab yourself a copy today, you won’t be disappointed.
What I love about the DI Charley Mann books is how realistic and true to life they feel. They come across as authentic, just as if you are reading about an ongoing real investigation in the news that has been given full access. This is what occurs when you have an ex-Detective Superintendent as one of the authors.
The storylines flow well and I was kept intrigued at all stages in the investigations. Who was this young woman with bright pink hair that people thought was homeless but everything wasn’t as it seemed? Why was someone climbing into student’s rooms, undressing, and then waiting for them to wake up? Two bizarre cases that don’t seem to be linked until one vital moment.
Charley is a great character. She is a workaholic, loves a challenge, is fair and kind to her staff, and is instinctively clever. She is also just like everyone else and has plenty of flaws.
If you are looking for a detective thriller that will keep you entertained, have you trying to put all the pieces together alongside the characters, and keep you invested in the plot until the very end then this is the series to pick up. Persecution might be the third book in the series but I believe you can also read it without having read the first two. Grab yourself a copy today, you won’t be disappointed.
December 10, 2021
Charley is back in the third book in the series of which is set in Yorkshire. Living in Yorkshire myself, this is just another of the many reasons why I enjoy these novels.
The opening of the story is enough to make anyone’s hairs stand on end. I won’t go into any detail but lets just say I wrapped my cardigan around me that bit more tighter before walking around the house to make sure all the windows and doors were securely closed! The break in’s into student’s bedrooms are not your typical break in with burglary in mind, this perpetrator has something a lot more sinister in mind!
I am really enjoying getting to know Charley and the rest of the team better with each book in the series. The fact that the authors have first hand experience of what work goes on in the police force as well as into a case, brings the characters and story lines very much to life and can be a real eye opener. I think due to this I find the investigation side of things even more fascinating.
Persecution grabs hold of it’s reader tightly from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the very last page. There are many hair raising moments through out that had me gripped to the pages ensuring my focus was fully on the story, with the rest of the world forgotten about outside. Page turningly good!
The opening of the story is enough to make anyone’s hairs stand on end. I won’t go into any detail but lets just say I wrapped my cardigan around me that bit more tighter before walking around the house to make sure all the windows and doors were securely closed! The break in’s into student’s bedrooms are not your typical break in with burglary in mind, this perpetrator has something a lot more sinister in mind!
I am really enjoying getting to know Charley and the rest of the team better with each book in the series. The fact that the authors have first hand experience of what work goes on in the police force as well as into a case, brings the characters and story lines very much to life and can be a real eye opener. I think due to this I find the investigation side of things even more fascinating.
Persecution grabs hold of it’s reader tightly from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the very last page. There are many hair raising moments through out that had me gripped to the pages ensuring my focus was fully on the story, with the rest of the world forgotten about outside. Page turningly good!
January 5, 2023
If you like murder mystery’s where the murderer was a character you’ve known throughout the novel don’t bother with this one. It was some random dude.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
A good read D I Charley Mann is excellent and her team are with her all the way to capture a very evil person.
October 16, 2022
A couple of interesting themes were adumbrated here. One is mendicancy and our attitudes to it, another is the physical handicap that prevents communicativeness and turns it into a vicious parody of itself. A compelling image of a man sitting naked and wordless in a girl's bedroom and vanishing out of the window when she screams. On the whole these topics are not followed up, instead we slide off into the ruminations and sentiments of the (women) police officers. I had quite enough of Annie, and her rather ordinary bright ideas that nevertheless move her boss to expressions of fond admiration. Here is the thing – women increasingly figure in senior positions in the UK police – in fiction. Perhaps by way of engaging the majority female audience, perhaps in a proselytising mission. In fact women occupying grades of inspector and above account for only about 25% of all women in the force, with variations for counties. See Gender Equality in UK Policing. In fact, sergeant and inspector grades have the lowest levels of women in post. Must say I object to the habit of calling women by men's names - Charley, Bill, George, Freddy and so on. Surely a tough woman can be tough if she is called Veronica (not Ronny). I feel the authors have taken their eyes off the ball to follow certain easy objectives. One telling example. Did you know toilet cleaner contains sulphuric acid? Well, apparently. But no, later on, it contains (probably correctly) hydrochloric. Not a lot of attention is being paid to the plot either, which moves slowly and predictably to its foreordained end.
November 25, 2022
This is the second Charley Mann story I have read. It is a Police procedural, with heavy emphasis on the procedural aspect, perhaps not surprising given the authors' backgrounds. It was okay, but it didn't grip or excite me. Maybe I'm being picky, but I got irritated when dialogue was used as a mechanism for explaining Police or legal procedures. I found the characters a bit two-dimensional, with not much going on outside of their involvement with the investigation. 2.5 stars at best. I don't think this series is for me, though I'm sure it will have its followers.
August 28, 2021
Very detailed
Good story line, but very detailed in police procedure. Could be interesting or boring , depending on likes or dislikes of description.
Good story line, but very detailed in police procedure. Could be interesting or boring , depending on likes or dislikes of description.
March 29, 2024
I could not find the energy to complete this novel. That's two in a row and an author I'll not look for again.
August 16, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S PERSECUTION ABOUT?
DI Charley Mann is looking into a murder—one of those killings that make you despair for anyone's humanity—and it's a complicated case—just establishing the identity of the victim is difficult. The motive for the killing is impossible to pin down. And there's a dearth of viable suspects.
But she and her team keep plugging away, making slow and steady progress—in a great touch of realism (as per usual for this series).
At the same time, she's overseeing the investigation into some break-ins at a local university. Someone is breaking into the rooms of single women and staring at them while they sleep. Campus security hasn't been paying attention to the reports until some police officers take a report seriously. The invader hasn't crossed the line into violence, but the police know it's only a matter of time.
There's no evidence to support it, but Charley's gut feeling is that these are connected. But even if she's right, it doesn't do her any good—she has no evidence to point to a suspect for either. There's a break out there for her team to catch, they just have to keep working at it.
I FINALLY PUT MY FINGER ON IT
This is the third book in the series that I've read, and I've talked about the problems I have with a lot of the dialogue. I'm not sure I've done the best job describing it, but I've tried. I think I finally put my finger on it, now.
There was something about a conversation in the first chapter that rang a bell with me, but it wasn't for another 10-20% that it came to me: these characters—crime scene officers, PCs, detectives of all ranks—they talk like they're in an HR training video.
If you've ever made it through a training video, you know what these people frequently talk like.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT PERSECUTION?
This isn't important at all, but this is a bad title. It has nothing to do with anything in the book. Really, it doesn't matter, because most people are going to think of it as Charley Mann #3 or something like that. But, blech.
On to more substantive things—I don't have a lot of new things to say about this book. Actually, I have nothing new to say. Like its predecessors, I really liked the story, I think the characters are interesting, and the police procedural aspects of the novel (the crime, the investigation, the twists, the original victim's backstory, etc.) are exactly what I look for in a procedural—but the writing isn't quite there. If Bridgestock took a little more time with the writing and editing, I'd be a huge fan.
As is, this is an entertaining enough diversion—frustrating when it misses, satisfying when it hits.
---
WHAT'S PERSECUTION ABOUT?
DI Charley Mann is looking into a murder—one of those killings that make you despair for anyone's humanity—and it's a complicated case—just establishing the identity of the victim is difficult. The motive for the killing is impossible to pin down. And there's a dearth of viable suspects.
But she and her team keep plugging away, making slow and steady progress—in a great touch of realism (as per usual for this series).
At the same time, she's overseeing the investigation into some break-ins at a local university. Someone is breaking into the rooms of single women and staring at them while they sleep. Campus security hasn't been paying attention to the reports until some police officers take a report seriously. The invader hasn't crossed the line into violence, but the police know it's only a matter of time.
There's no evidence to support it, but Charley's gut feeling is that these are connected. But even if she's right, it doesn't do her any good—she has no evidence to point to a suspect for either. There's a break out there for her team to catch, they just have to keep working at it.
I FINALLY PUT MY FINGER ON IT
This is the third book in the series that I've read, and I've talked about the problems I have with a lot of the dialogue. I'm not sure I've done the best job describing it, but I've tried. I think I finally put my finger on it, now.
There was something about a conversation in the first chapter that rang a bell with me, but it wasn't for another 10-20% that it came to me: these characters—crime scene officers, PCs, detectives of all ranks—they talk like they're in an HR training video.
If you've ever made it through a training video, you know what these people frequently talk like.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT PERSECUTION?
This isn't important at all, but this is a bad title. It has nothing to do with anything in the book. Really, it doesn't matter, because most people are going to think of it as Charley Mann #3 or something like that. But, blech.
On to more substantive things—I don't have a lot of new things to say about this book. Actually, I have nothing new to say. Like its predecessors, I really liked the story, I think the characters are interesting, and the police procedural aspects of the novel (the crime, the investigation, the twists, the original victim's backstory, etc.) are exactly what I look for in a procedural—but the writing isn't quite there. If Bridgestock took a little more time with the writing and editing, I'd be a huge fan.
As is, this is an entertaining enough diversion—frustrating when it misses, satisfying when it hits.
July 21, 2021
Not a bad book. I have read another of the series which was also OK. Set in Yorkshire, Charlie is the detective in charge when a local woman is found dead. In the meantime a seemingly unrelated case involves a man appearing in the rooms of female students at the local college. These crimes progress to sexual assault and worse.
The writing is at times very stilted and at times repetetive. We know that Annie was educated by nuns,it is mentioned a lot in the book. I found the characters here two dimensional , even to some extent Charlie. The crime(s) are uite well thought out though. There seems to be little discussion, unfortunately, Charlie gets to do most, if not all of the thinking. Descriptions at times repetetive (for example about the Post mortems) . Charlie is hailed as a wonder woman shame she does not always appear to make use of the skills and experience of the rest of the team (it is mentioned, but not really acted upon in my opinion)
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
The writing is at times very stilted and at times repetetive. We know that Annie was educated by nuns,it is mentioned a lot in the book. I found the characters here two dimensional , even to some extent Charlie. The crime(s) are uite well thought out though. There seems to be little discussion, unfortunately, Charlie gets to do most, if not all of the thinking. Descriptions at times repetetive (for example about the Post mortems) . Charlie is hailed as a wonder woman shame she does not always appear to make use of the skills and experience of the rest of the team (it is mentioned, but not really acted upon in my opinion)
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 2, 2024
This book is part of the DI Charley Mann crime series. I first became aware of R.C. Bridgestock when I entered The Sight for Wight short story competition in 2022.
Persecution was the first book of theirs that I read. It is very clear that the authors, like me, have a great deal of knowledge about Police procedures and use it well in the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, although I have to admit that it took me a while to warm towards DI Charlie Mann. She runs a very tight ship in what I believe to be a gripping tale of murder and sexual abuse. Her team is very loyal towards her, and it's not long before you, as the reader, get to know them individually. It was a page-turner for me, and I highly recommend it to other readers. I now intend to buy and read all of the other books in the series, and those in the Jack Dylan series, as that was written by the same authors.
Persecution was the first book of theirs that I read. It is very clear that the authors, like me, have a great deal of knowledge about Police procedures and use it well in the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, although I have to admit that it took me a while to warm towards DI Charlie Mann. She runs a very tight ship in what I believe to be a gripping tale of murder and sexual abuse. Her team is very loyal towards her, and it's not long before you, as the reader, get to know them individually. It was a page-turner for me, and I highly recommend it to other readers. I now intend to buy and read all of the other books in the series, and those in the Jack Dylan series, as that was written by the same authors.
December 8, 2025
Overindulgence in police procedures and a slow pace made the reading tedious and laborious. There are no twists or turns, and I don’t understand why so much emphasis was placed on Annie’s comments and ideas, just because she was too young. The perpetrator’s name appears in the last pages, and it was dead easy to find enough evidence to incriminate him; it felt as if the authors were rushing to finish the story.
This is the first and last book I’ll read from these writers.
This is the first and last book I’ll read from these writers.
January 8, 2026
Overindulgence in police procedures and a slow pace made the reading tedious and laborious. There are no twists or turns, and I don’t understand why so much emphasis was placed on Annie’s comments and ideas, just because she was too young. The perpetrator’s name appears in the last pages, and it was dead easy to find enough evidence to incriminate him; it felt as if the authors were rushing to finish the story.
This is the first and last book I’ll read from these writers.
This is the first and last book I’ll read from these writers.
Read
August 25, 2023Very gripping.
A well constructed thriller well thoughtout and I always was looking forward to coming back and continuing the way Charley and her team worked and planned together.
The final climax and interviews highlighting the predators planning and motivation was tense and brought a quick and convincig conclusion. Thank you.
I look forward to the next.
A well constructed thriller well thoughtout and I always was looking forward to coming back and continuing the way Charley and her team worked and planned together.
The final climax and interviews highlighting the predators planning and motivation was tense and brought a quick and convincig conclusion. Thank you.
I look forward to the next.
July 30, 2021
Absolutely LOVE all books by RC Bridgestock! With each one they get better and better! And this is no exception! Keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end! Well written and put together! Their stories and characters stay with you long after you close the book! Thank you for all you both do
February 20, 2022
Gripping story
DI Charley Mann is definitely a force to recon with. Always determined to get justice. Annie Glover an up and coming CID officer who's so willing to learn from the best. An excellent series
DI Charley Mann is definitely a force to recon with. Always determined to get justice. Annie Glover an up and coming CID officer who's so willing to learn from the best. An excellent series
October 9, 2022
A great instalment in the Charley Mann series, with a really creepy killer. I loved the cameo from Jack Dylan the lead of their other series and as always you know you’re in good hands when it comes to the police procedures being accurate and interesting. A great read 4.5* from me
October 19, 2021
Thrilling and exciting to the final page it can only be a matter of time before a tv company come along and take up the option of putting DI Charley Mann on our screens
October 28, 2024
Really enjoyed reading put together well
January 28, 2025
Enjoyed this crime book, Charley and crew on the hunt to find out who is the suspect in a number of murders, and incidents to which they catch the person who did it.
October 5, 2025
Classic detective story, enjoyable read.
November 19, 2021
The third in the DI Charley Mann series and for me the best to date,
When a female student at the local university wakes up to find a man standing at the end of her bed, security don’t take her claims seriously, fortunately Charley Mann does, soon a body of a homeless person is discovered near by, seemingly unlinked the police begin to investigate.
At the heart of the story as we have become familiar reading their previous books is that real feel of authenticity thanks to their personnel experiences combined with an ability to tell a story that is always fresh and always superbly told.
A wonderful mix for the finer details there to give that real feel of police work, but not at the expense of taking away from a great story which is at the heart of the book
Wonderfully plotted and executed on the page Persecution has plenty of twists, you can feel that the story moves in real time as an investigation would
One thing that always shines through when reading are the characters and the way they are portrayed, and come fully rounded on the page, Team work is clearly important and Charley understands how to motivate and get the best out of her team, she is is however no ones fool, strong and determined to uncover the truth for the victims. You always get a sense and feel for the characters human sides when reading
As the investigation continues and moves along, the drama and tension build as things reach their conclusion, the ending doesn’t disappoint
Plotting, character and landscape all play their part in making for a highly enjoyable and satisfying read
You don’t have to have read the previous books in the series, though i suspect once you have read this you will want to
This will appeal to all fans of police thrillers and highly recomend
When a female student at the local university wakes up to find a man standing at the end of her bed, security don’t take her claims seriously, fortunately Charley Mann does, soon a body of a homeless person is discovered near by, seemingly unlinked the police begin to investigate.
At the heart of the story as we have become familiar reading their previous books is that real feel of authenticity thanks to their personnel experiences combined with an ability to tell a story that is always fresh and always superbly told.
A wonderful mix for the finer details there to give that real feel of police work, but not at the expense of taking away from a great story which is at the heart of the book
Wonderfully plotted and executed on the page Persecution has plenty of twists, you can feel that the story moves in real time as an investigation would
One thing that always shines through when reading are the characters and the way they are portrayed, and come fully rounded on the page, Team work is clearly important and Charley understands how to motivate and get the best out of her team, she is is however no ones fool, strong and determined to uncover the truth for the victims. You always get a sense and feel for the characters human sides when reading
As the investigation continues and moves along, the drama and tension build as things reach their conclusion, the ending doesn’t disappoint
Plotting, character and landscape all play their part in making for a highly enjoyable and satisfying read
You don’t have to have read the previous books in the series, though i suspect once you have read this you will want to
This will appeal to all fans of police thrillers and highly recomend
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews