What do you think?
Rate this book
DCI William Blake #6
Death's Cold Hand
Could you obey an order that might cost you everything?.
When the director of a local veterans’ charity is found murdered on the steps of a war memorial, it seems like a straight-forward case of random street violence. But similarities with a previous death arouse Blake’s suspicions and the apparently well-loved victim turns out to have had hidden flaws and many enemies. Blake is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger as he investigates the murder. Could it be terrorist activity? Is a psychotic serial killer stalking veterans? Or is there another explanation? As Blake wrestles with this most delicate and troubling of cases, he hears news that his partner, Laura Vexley has returned to the Wirral, but something is not right. A bombshell revelation means he must avoid contact with her or lose his job. Can Blake keep his professional integrity and solve the murders before the killer strikes again?
… Oh and watch out, Serafina the cat has tooth ache…
When the director of a local veterans’ charity is found murdered on the steps of a war memorial, it seems like a straight-forward case of random street violence. But similarities with a previous death arouse Blake’s suspicions and the apparently well-loved victim turns out to have had hidden flaws and many enemies. Blake is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger as he investigates the murder. Could it be terrorist activity? Is a psychotic serial killer stalking veterans? Or is there another explanation? As Blake wrestles with this most delicate and troubling of cases, he hears news that his partner, Laura Vexley has returned to the Wirral, but something is not right. A bombshell revelation means he must avoid contact with her or lose his job. Can Blake keep his professional integrity and solve the murders before the killer strikes again?
… Oh and watch out, Serafina the cat has tooth ache…
- GenresMystery
Audible Audio
First published May 10, 2021
133 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 12, 2021
Wow, this is the 7th story in the DCI Will Blake series and it is another excellent read. I have read the last few stories in the order they were released. And had them pre-ordered and started them on the day they released. At the beginning I was jumping around, but now I read the stores in the order they release. I have stated before that each of the stories is strong enough to be read on its own, but they are better as part of the series and better yet being read in order. I discovered this series based on a recommendation from Alex Smith, author of the DCI Kett books. I had read all the Kett books and was awaiting the next Softley Softley book when Smith mentioned book two in this series, Fearful Symmetry, and gave it a plug. I am still waiting for that Softley novel. But have had a lot of DCI Blake stories to fill the time. After reading that first story I discovered that the author publishes under two names, much like Smith. One for Adult crime novels, J.E. Mayhew and another for Young Adult and younger readers, Jon Mayhew. And I have now read books under both names. I was glad I gave that first one a try and after reading all seven currently available I know I will read this series as long as new books are published in it. And even pre-ordered book 7 the day this one released. I also have plans to go back and read more of Mayhew’s Young Adult offerings as well. These books are not as gritty as the Kett novels, but they are excellent British crime procedural stories. When I reviewed a Kett story I stated I could see Jamie Bamber as DCI Kett, and while reading this I could not help but picture Karl Urban as DCI Will Blake. And can picture it much like the TV series Wired in the Blood.
But let us now return to this specific book. This story is different than many of the others in the series. It is a little more pure mystery, and a little less action and adventure, or thriller. It feels like a change of pace before the next huge hit to Blake and his team. This story starts with a murder on a War Memorial, And soon the case is taking twists and turns no one could have expected. And soon Blake is pulling together the strings of thoughts and trying to solve the case before things go horribly wrong at a racially motivated political rally. The description of this volume is:
“Could you obey an order that might cost you everything?
When the director of a local veterans’ charity is found murdered on the steps of a war memorial, it seems like a straight-forward case of random street violence. But similarities with a previous death arouse Blake’s suspicions and the apparently well-loved victim turns out to have had hidden flaws and many enemies. Blake is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger as he investigates the murder. Could it be terrorist activity? Is a psychotic serial killer stalking veterans? Or is there another explanation? As Blake wrestles with this most delicate and troubling of cases, he hears news that his partner, Laura Vexley has returned to the Wirral, but something is not right. A bombshell revelation means he must avoid contact with her or lose his job. Can Blake keep his professional integrity and solve the murders before the killer strikes again?
… Oh and watch out, Serafina the cat has tooth ache….”
But who is really calling the shots. Is the charity for veterans that it appears to be. Is Blake’s ex really in that deep again. And how can one cat cause such mayhem.
Another great read from the pen of J.E. Mayhew. It is an excellent offering in a great series. Another book that leaves you desperate for the next volume, No Time For Sorrow. And as always nervous about where it will go. An excellent British crime lit novel, for a master of the genre.
But let us now return to this specific book. This story is different than many of the others in the series. It is a little more pure mystery, and a little less action and adventure, or thriller. It feels like a change of pace before the next huge hit to Blake and his team. This story starts with a murder on a War Memorial, And soon the case is taking twists and turns no one could have expected. And soon Blake is pulling together the strings of thoughts and trying to solve the case before things go horribly wrong at a racially motivated political rally. The description of this volume is:
“Could you obey an order that might cost you everything?
When the director of a local veterans’ charity is found murdered on the steps of a war memorial, it seems like a straight-forward case of random street violence. But similarities with a previous death arouse Blake’s suspicions and the apparently well-loved victim turns out to have had hidden flaws and many enemies. Blake is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger as he investigates the murder. Could it be terrorist activity? Is a psychotic serial killer stalking veterans? Or is there another explanation? As Blake wrestles with this most delicate and troubling of cases, he hears news that his partner, Laura Vexley has returned to the Wirral, but something is not right. A bombshell revelation means he must avoid contact with her or lose his job. Can Blake keep his professional integrity and solve the murders before the killer strikes again?
… Oh and watch out, Serafina the cat has tooth ache….”
But who is really calling the shots. Is the charity for veterans that it appears to be. Is Blake’s ex really in that deep again. And how can one cat cause such mayhem.
Another great read from the pen of J.E. Mayhew. It is an excellent offering in a great series. Another book that leaves you desperate for the next volume, No Time For Sorrow. And as always nervous about where it will go. An excellent British crime lit novel, for a master of the genre.
May 13, 2021
I love DCI Will Blake and his team, they get the job done without too many dramas. Then there is Superintendent Martin, who really has to get over a television programme from years ago and DCI Matty Cavanagh, something going on with him for sure.
This book started with the murder on a war memorial of a veteran who was a director of a charity supporting other veterans and the story took many twists and turns, a previous case, another murder and a few suspects until Blake and co worked out who was behind the killings and the reason for it. His brother, Jeff is still writing the book about criminal, Josh Gamble and getting involved with very bad ‘types’ and Seraphina the cat is just Seraphina the cat with a tooth ache - ouch.
My only ‘problem’ with this book is Laura, why can’t she just go away and stay away, I took an instant dislike to her when she first arrived and pushed herself into Will’s life and house and now she’s back (scream emoji here) leading her previous life. We know her back story now and I hope we don’t get another back story in a future book telling us ‘she was doing it all for Will’.
This really was a great read with a believable plot, solution and brilliant characters. I’m really looking forward to the next book in August (hope there’s not too much Laura in it (eye roll emoji here) she’s overstayed her welcome.
This book started with the murder on a war memorial of a veteran who was a director of a charity supporting other veterans and the story took many twists and turns, a previous case, another murder and a few suspects until Blake and co worked out who was behind the killings and the reason for it. His brother, Jeff is still writing the book about criminal, Josh Gamble and getting involved with very bad ‘types’ and Seraphina the cat is just Seraphina the cat with a tooth ache - ouch.
My only ‘problem’ with this book is Laura, why can’t she just go away and stay away, I took an instant dislike to her when she first arrived and pushed herself into Will’s life and house and now she’s back (scream emoji here) leading her previous life. We know her back story now and I hope we don’t get another back story in a future book telling us ‘she was doing it all for Will’.
This really was a great read with a believable plot, solution and brilliant characters. I’m really looking forward to the next book in August (hope there’s not too much Laura in it (eye roll emoji here) she’s overstayed her welcome.
May 14, 2021
Death's Cold Hand
A superior Will Blake mystery. Good writing, good plot and a very likable set of characters including a quite mischievous cat, Serafina, and cute dog named Charlie. A significant social issue is addressed in this novel; it being brain-injured veterans. But, the money issue is the key. No spoilers as you will definitely want to read this excellent British mystery with a big twist. Jon Mayhew has given Will another conundrum: what's with Laura Vexley and Kyle Quinlan! I hope Will goes after that duo in the sequel!
A superior Will Blake mystery. Good writing, good plot and a very likable set of characters including a quite mischievous cat, Serafina, and cute dog named Charlie. A significant social issue is addressed in this novel; it being brain-injured veterans. But, the money issue is the key. No spoilers as you will definitely want to read this excellent British mystery with a big twist. Jon Mayhew has given Will another conundrum: what's with Laura Vexley and Kyle Quinlan! I hope Will goes after that duo in the sequel!
Read
August 15, 2021Another brilliant read.
The book is brilliant from start to end. Some of the book is actually heart breaking to play with the mind of a severely mental veteran by his own psychologist is so wrong, as a mental health sufferer myself trusting people is a hard thing to do so I can relate to the frame of mind Terry was in. The book has so many twist and turns as soon as you start to believe it was one person, the plot thickens. I have enjoyed every book of d.c.I Blake and I hope there is a lot more to come in the future. Thanks again for another fantastic read.
The book is brilliant from start to end. Some of the book is actually heart breaking to play with the mind of a severely mental veteran by his own psychologist is so wrong, as a mental health sufferer myself trusting people is a hard thing to do so I can relate to the frame of mind Terry was in. The book has so many twist and turns as soon as you start to believe it was one person, the plot thickens. I have enjoyed every book of d.c.I Blake and I hope there is a lot more to come in the future. Thanks again for another fantastic read.
May 24, 2021
The war goes on
Centred around a group of ex soldiers and a charity set up by them to support others , this mystery entertains whilst stretching the imagination and toying with perceptions of life after active service and pure human greed disguised as something entirely different
There is probably no innocent victims in this tale but we are all answerable for our actions what ever the motivation which is well tested here !
Centred around a group of ex soldiers and a charity set up by them to support others , this mystery entertains whilst stretching the imagination and toying with perceptions of life after active service and pure human greed disguised as something entirely different
There is probably no innocent victims in this tale but we are all answerable for our actions what ever the motivation which is well tested here !
May 12, 2021
Brilliant series
One of my favourite Authors at the moment, loving this series, always an entertaining read which keeps you engrossed till the end. Looking forward to the next one, roll on August.
One of my favourite Authors at the moment, loving this series, always an entertaining read which keeps you engrossed till the end. Looking forward to the next one, roll on August.
March 13, 2023
An ex-soldier who runs a charity to help fellow veterans is found dead by the local war memorial. This is the start of a new Will Blake investigation. The story touches on his personal life too, and is full of action. A really enjoyable story.
May 15, 2021
Not For Me
Got to the weirdo covered in blood and gore using a blowtorch on a toy soldier and quit right there. Brit crime authors- I think I've had about enough.
Got to the weirdo covered in blood and gore using a blowtorch on a toy soldier and quit right there. Brit crime authors- I think I've had about enough.
May 19, 2021
A real pageturner
I am really enjoyable series and believe the books are great even as a stand alone read,thank you for your incredible imagination
I am really enjoyable series and believe the books are great even as a stand alone read,thank you for your incredible imagination
May 19, 2021
Loved it
I absolutely love this series will Blake is a full on character wall in himself.I love the storyline
I don’t like Laura what ever she’s up to
I absolutely love this series will Blake is a full on character wall in himself.I love the storyline
I don’t like Laura what ever she’s up to
May 26, 2021
Another fabulous Drake story ,these books are so well written with great characters of hope Drake finds happiness soon and that Serafina stops biting him
May 28, 2021
Another great read in this series.
May 29, 2021
Good
I enjoyed this book, I like Will and his team. However, I hope the series won't be taken up with Laura and her ex, I just can't warm to the woman...Please kill her off.
I enjoyed this book, I like Will and his team. However, I hope the series won't be taken up with Laura and her ex, I just can't warm to the woman...Please kill her off.
June 3, 2021
Loved the book the series the characters What am I going to do now When is the next one out
October 5, 2021
Another great Will Blake story.
In this book several strands of new and previous cases and complications in Blake's personal life blend together for a very engrossing tale.
In this book several strands of new and previous cases and complications in Blake's personal life blend together for a very engrossing tale.
August 16, 2021
Another fab read! Absolutely love the Will Blake series and can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews