That's the controversial question many citizens of Oxfordshire are asking when a skilled, ruthless assassin starts targeting newly-released child sex offenders. Some want the 'paedo killer' locked up forever. Others think he's a hero. Either way, now it's DI Tom McAllister's job to catch the elusive murderer.
Not your ordinary police detective, Tom's a maverick outsider who always gets his man. But with the case spiralling out of control and the killer seemingly always one step ahead, he finds himself drawn into a deadly game of deception that threatens to destroy more than just his career. But the worst is yet to come, as the horrifying truth begins to emerge about the significance of THE CAGE . . .
If you're a fan of smart, fast-paced detective thrillers with a twist, the first of Scott Mariani's sensational new DI Tom McAllister series will have you on the edge of your seat and yearning for more!
Scott Mariani‘s writing tends to be highly addictive, at least many of the novels I have taken the time to read. While he has dazzled readers for years with his collection of Ben Hope novels, he’s taken a break to pen this novel with a new protagonist. Detective Inspector Tom McAllister is a cop with a lot to prove, but also an anger management problem that could cost him his job in Oxfordshire. After a convicted paedophile is found murdered in a wooded area, DI McAllister and his partner are sent to investigate. It is only when a second person is killed that talk of a vigilante spreads around town. Is someone killing those who targeted children? McAllister will have to get to the root of it all, while also juggling a new relationship that has him baffled. Mariani does well with this standalone piece that kept me intrigued until the final pages.
Detective Inspector Tom McAllister has a great deal to prove working in Oxfordshire. He is a cop who does not do well colouring between the lines and has a pile of reprimands to show for it. When he’s assigned a new case looking into the murder of a convicted paedophile, he puts himself in to the middle of it and begins asking the tough questions. He has little on which to go, but that soon changes when a man is shot in a park one afternoon. DI McAllister and his partner soon learn that the second victim has also recently been released from prison for preying on children.
While DI McAllister tries to work through all the facts, the community is highly divided. Some want this killer caught and brought to justice, while others think the vigilante deserves a hero’s welcome. DI McAllister must sift through all the evidence and speak to those who knew the victims to get a better understanding of who they were and what commonalities, besides the obvious, exist. All the while, the killings continue and the media are serving the local police up on a silver platter as incompetent louts.
DI McAllister engages the assistance of a woman who has first-hand knowledge of some paedophiles who have been returned to the outside world. Her assistance could be valuable, bot only to understanding the inner working of their minds, but also how to capture someone who might be targeting them. As DI McAllister delves deeper, he finds himself connecting on a personal and professional level with the psychologist who may hold the key to solving the case. Time is of the essence and the killer may strike again at any time. All the while, a man waits in a cage and becomes to plaything to someone who has an agenda all their own. A chilling story that shows how versatile Scott Mariani can be. Perfect for his fans and those who want a stunning new series to follow.
Admittedly, I was not sure what to think when I saw this book hit the market. I had been so devoted and focussed on the Ben Hope thrillers that anything else would surely be a let-down. However, this book, listed as the first in a series, caught my attention, as I wondered if Ben Hope could stand to the side and DI Tom McAllister could rise to the occasion. Mariani weaves a story that is both highly transitional and well-grounded. Using his skills effectively, Mariani provides a stunning piece that forces the reader to take a side, both of which have their weaknesses. While I am reluctant to stray from what I know, particularly when an author has pulled me in over so many novels, I am eager to see where this series is headed.
Scott Mariani has long held my attention with his thrillers and yet there is something about this new book that has me wanting more. It could be the strong narrative abilities Mariani has woven into the story or even the great characters who emerge throughout, but I am hooked and need to know how DI Tom McAllister will work his way through things. Plot turns through the story emerge and keep the reader guessing, without getting too over the top. I admit, it is difficult not to try comparing Hope to McAllister, but they are so different and yet appear as though they might complement one another well. I will keep my eyes open for more DI McAllister, but trust Ben Hope is not on his way out.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani, for making a believer out of me. What do you have in store for your fans next, other than more Hope adventures?
Mixed feelings about this debut Tom McAllister. It flowed well enough but the plot and the culprit very predictable. I've read all the Ben Hope series up to number 23 so will give #2 a shot when it comes out.
I've been postponing this book for a long time now. I knew I was gonna get it for the sole reason the series is a spin-off of Ben Hope. I wasn't sure what to expect really but I actually quite enjoyed it. There's plenty of the author's familiar sense of humour which I thoroughly enjoy and have so much fun reading it. The plot revolves around such a sensitive topic that all the reactions are a true reflection of the real world. Detective Inspector Tom McAllister is so alike Ben, no wonder he was such a great addition to the books he appeared in. It is truly a surprise he happens to be a cop, he'd be great as more of a freelancer. Hopefully, the detective will get his restaurant at some point. To be honest, at times the novel felt a bit predictable, I lacked the suspense I usually face in thrillers and especially all the Ben Hope books but still, it did not disappoint. The ending was completely unexpected and the reader comes to the same realisations at the same time as the characters. I do thing it was a pleasant and entertaining read, even if not exactly a favourite of mine, it was still pretty good.
(Spoilers) Scott Mariani moves away from Ben Hope to do a story about a character from the Ben Hope world. Scott must have felt like a change of scenery and apart from the baddie being a bit obvious, the pacing and characters are solid- he continues to do action/adventure stories with believable characters well. If not for the obvious baddie, would have given it 5 stars. Given how other authors butcher stories in this genre, I hope Scott keeps going with both Ben and Tom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A tense and well-plotted story with twists and a surprising finale to the newest in the DI Tom McAllister series by Scott Mariani. The protagonist is a street smart cop, who does not go well with his boss, a good cook, and dreams of setting up his little restaurant in the remote interiors of Oxfordshire. However, he is also riddled with anger management issues because of which he counsels with a long-time friend. The town is shattered with two murders in a short period, of pedophiles who have been released from prison and rehabilitated into the community. While there is a mixed reaction to these killings in the media and among the general public, who hail him as a true hero and vigilante, Tom is assigned as CIO to bring the perpetrator to justice. He is apprised about the process of rehabilitation by Dr. Desi Fielding, a consulting psychiatrist through whom he gets a lead on the suspect. When this suspect is killed in a bizarre road accident and the town comes to terms with the end of their so hailed hero, another pedophile is killed. A series of unfortunate events leads to Tom's suspension, his friend and counselor Harvey is brutally assaulted and his affection to Dr. Fielding seems to wither as another man enters her life. From this point on, the plot takes an extreme twist when Tom sniffs a lead in the murder case. Brace yourself in your seats as the story moves at a tumultuous pace with unexpected twists and thought-provoking climax as the face of the murderer unmasks in front of him. A great start to a new series and hope for many more to come. Do not expect the usual action-packed sequences similar to the Ben Hope series by the author.
First time book with Detective Tom McAllister and I hope not the last. This book had me rivited from the start to finish. I have read all of Scott Mariani Ben Hope books and this was a amazing breath of fresh air which just showed the talent of the superb author. This was a whodunit on steroids, had me guessing and just when I thought I was right completely prove me wrong with huge surprise. How how much do I want to say here but I'm not going to spoil it. Get the book it's highly recommended. Word of advise if you're on a diet. Eat before you read as Tom cooked some mouth-watering dishes. I hope that's not a spoiler for anyone as I'm not going to tick the box for that one. All around a brilliantly enjoyable read.
An exciting and intriguing book that is hard to put down. That's the positive. The question, however, is whether it’s worth reading, whether it offers something plus. Unfortunately, I don’t have good news, it doesn’t stand out from books on similar topics, it features the usual schemes that are still effective as the book is written in a professional way. There were several twists in the story that were quite predictable, just as it wasn’t hard to figure out who the killer was.
Three stars at a pinch: that’s for the ingenuity of the plot, wildly melodramatic though it be, but only ** for the writing. Tom McAllister is a North Irish cop in Oxford, so he is: that last is just to remind us that he is Irish, it doesn’t come out in his speech otherwise except for the odd “eedjit”. Most of the other characters are over the top: Forbes, the brutal police commissioner, who constantly yells abuse at Tom; the all too perfect Desi; the faithful black cop Billie; the irritating Kendrick; the stock character brigadier. Then there are the highly unlikely: Tom’s TV interview; doing 130 MPH chases and not being pulled up; all pinched cars conveniently have the keys left in; black and white in descriptions, all good or all bad, no subtlety. All of which makes it easy to read stuff. There’s none of the reality check with Mariani’s Mozart and Bach books, just Boys’ Own thrills. There is a serious theme though: do convicted paedophiles have a right to live when they have served their sentence? Even that question is a bit over the top in itself.
Another brilliant story from one of my favourite authors! Convicted paedophiles are being released early from prison, under the assumption that they have been 'cured' of their inclinations. As they are quietly going about their lives, hidden from their neighbours by a web of secrecy, somebody is killing them. DI Tom McAllister is an Irishman from Belfast in the Thames Valley police, stationed in Kidlington and sometimes in St Aldates. He is in charge of the investigation of the paedophile murders. His superior tells him who the main suspect is, which is fine, until Tom proves him wrong. Tom is a hot headed man with anger issues and is single. He has a therapist and a lovely German Shepherd called Radar. The investigation is getting nowhere. Then it stops in its tracks. Tom makes things happen in his own inimitable way, getting suspended in the process. Only then does he get the breaks needed to solve the crime. Enjoyed this book so much. Hope there'll be a second one in this series.
The Cage has a twisty and interesting plot. Very different from my usual hero, Ben Hope.
I couldn't get the voice of McAllister right in my head nor were any of the characters appealing or likeable to me. I also felt I'd read it before but didn't recall doing so. I didnt like his car either and couldn't decide if it was right or left hand drive. A pointless mystery that bothered me, pointlessly.
My biggest disappointment, though, was the hackneyed feud between McAllister and his nasty boss, Forbes. I'm really bored with this kind of bullying boss v Maverick, genius cop.
I'm going to read a sample of book 2 to see if it's worth my time and money following the series.
So far, not my favourite character or Scott's best work.
Detective Inspector Tom McAllister is the lead detective in A highly publicized case involving the murders of child sex offenders. The general public thinks the murdered sex offenders g ot what they deserved. Tom in reality is a typical hardcore street cop. He and his boss don't get along. He's an arrogant pencil pusher with no street savvy. Tom also has anger management issue's. What this story entails is a cast of quite a few possible likely suspects until the real one is identified. The problems Tom is in love with her. An excellent read as well as a believable scenario. Enjoyed immensely!!
Another barnstormer of a book from the pen (or rather computer) of Mr Mariani. Tom McAllister features in several of the Ben Hope novels, but in this case, he takes the story himself.
It tells the story of a vigilante who takes care of some rather nasty criminals, and makes a mockery of Thames Valley police.. I won't spoil the surprise, but will admit that I didn't expect the twist in the tale.
Suffice to say that I hope we will get more stories from Mr Mariani with DI McAllister as the protagonist.
A different genre for Scott Mariani but still a high octane read with great characters and a story which grabs you by the throat. It definitely helps if you’ve read certain of the Ben Hope series as this is where DI Tom McCallister is first introduced. However it is by no means a necessity as the author gives more than enough background info on the main character throughout. I enjoyed the story but some of the plot lines were a bit obvious however this didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Hopefully we’ll have more in this series as well as more Ben Hope.
I have read all Scott’s books and he is an author that I pre order as soon as a new title is released. I wasn’t sure what I made of Tom and found this book a bit hard to get into. Have looked to see if there is a second in this series to give the character a go but no new titles.
I felt the latter part of the book more enjoyable than the beginning, it was slow to get into and I know that scene setting takes a while but it was difficult to like the characters.
I felt it was an interesting story line and am glad I persevered with it to its conclusion. Well worth a read.
If you are a fan of Scott Mariani's hero Ben Hope as l am, then this is definitely a curve ball. Tom McAllister ,who is a policeman and not politically correct, is a very different character and yet similarities to Ben Hope in their moral outlook. Story is good with its many twists and turns before the reader eventually finds out who the Black clad killer is. This is a new series, and l am interested enough to want to read the next book.
Not usually into murder mystery but Scott mariani is one of my go to author I've been an avid reader of his ben hope books and will continue reading them till the end. Tom mcallister is a engaging and addictive protagonist just like Ben hope I avidly look forward to the next tom mcallister book
I gave it 4 stars but perhaps 3.5 would be nearer the mark . I love his other series but felt a few times that this one wasn’t as believable . The plot was very good and I was taken in by the red herrings . It was the character of Tom which was very unbelievable , a serving policeman who flaunted the laws as he did .
Thoroughly entertaining read. DI McAllister at odds with his boss, who knows nowt. Finding love, jealousy and trouble. Enjoyed the twist. Read in a day. Highly recommend.
Great book highly recommended. Hopefully DI McAllister will feature in more books, this tale of a vigilante who targets paedophiles raises some good questions about what justice really is for those who commit this crime.
Superb, as usual. Stonking story, missed Ben, though, but not sure where you go from here. Did Desi leave a clue when she referred to Tom’s job? I would’ve thought he would have a problem with his career. Looking forward to the next Ben Hope book, as always.
I have always enjoyed the Ben Hope series and so was intrigued by this character, who we had been introduced to in Hope’s last adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next story.
I really wanted to like this but there was something that held me back. I almost connected with Tom as a character, but then it unraveled a bit and it didn’t quite work for me . The ending did not align with the earlier actions of the character . Not sure if I will read the next one
I really liked this book. I didn't think I would after Ben Hope, but I did. I liked the way Tom was written about and is credible. Well done Scott Mariani I'm sure it wasn't an easy task. I look forward to reading more about Radar and Tom McAllister.
A new main character from Mariani, an Oxfordshire DI with anger management problems gets assigned to a murder of a sex offender by long range rifle. Good pace throughout but the ending was a little weak.
The first Tom McAllister book is a real page turner from this amazing author. Scott Mariani’s Ben Hope will now have a companion character. I loved the book.
I have enjoyed all the Ben Hope books and thought to give this a go, glad I did. This book was thoroughly enjoyed, this was the first in the series and it would be good to see more. Not taxing, just enjoyable, good character's, good storyline, good read.
I've read lots of the Ben Hope books so was keen to read this new series from Scott Mariani and it didn't dissapoint. Really enjoyed this and very easy to read. Looking forward to the next book in the series