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PI Hanlon #1
Silenced For Good
Book #1 from the series: PI Hanlon
🎧Run Time = 9 hours and 17 minutes
An absolutely gripping crime mystery that will have you hooked!
‘A nail-biting thriller that is gritty, action-packed and so compulsively readable putting it down is simply not an option…’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
Can she catch the killer before someone else is silenced for good…?
Detective Hanlon is addicted to violence. She likes the rush, the danger, the losing control...
When Hanlon is suspended from the force for assaulting a suspect, she escapes to the remote Scottish island of Jura, home to the mysterious Corryvreckan whirlpool.
But wherever Hanlon goes, violence is sure to follow.
As soon as she checks into The Mackinnon Arms, Hanlon senses something isn't quite right about the staff at her home for the week.
Sure enough, within days of arriving, the body of a member of staff is found floating in the sea. While police believe she was claimed by the local whirlpool, Hanlon isn't so sure.
As she pieces together the evidence, dark secrets begin to unravel. Can Hanlon work out what is going on before another floating body is found...?
The start of a gripping new crime series, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza and Lisa Regan.
🎧Run Time = 9 hours and 17 minutes
An absolutely gripping crime mystery that will have you hooked!
‘A nail-biting thriller that is gritty, action-packed and so compulsively readable putting it down is simply not an option…’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
Can she catch the killer before someone else is silenced for good…?
Detective Hanlon is addicted to violence. She likes the rush, the danger, the losing control...
When Hanlon is suspended from the force for assaulting a suspect, she escapes to the remote Scottish island of Jura, home to the mysterious Corryvreckan whirlpool.
But wherever Hanlon goes, violence is sure to follow.
As soon as she checks into The Mackinnon Arms, Hanlon senses something isn't quite right about the staff at her home for the week.
Sure enough, within days of arriving, the body of a member of staff is found floating in the sea. While police believe she was claimed by the local whirlpool, Hanlon isn't so sure.
As she pieces together the evidence, dark secrets begin to unravel. Can Hanlon work out what is going on before another floating body is found...?
The start of a gripping new crime series, perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza and Lisa Regan.
Audible Audio
First published April 14, 2020
208 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Alex Coombs
19 books82 followersAlex Coombs studied Arabic at Oxford and Edinburgh Universities and went on to work in adult education and then retrained to be a chef,
Alex Coombs was born in Lambeth in south London. Silenced for Good is the first of a new series of novels featuring Hanlon as a PI. He lives in South Bucks but has family in Scotland and spends a considerable amount of time in Edinburgh and Argyll.
He is the author of four previous novels featuring Hanlon in the police ( the DCI Hanlon series). He also writes light-hearted crime fiction as HVCoombs for One More Chapter/Harper Collins.
Visit his website at www.alexcoombs.co.uk or Facebook@AlexCoombsCrime
Alex Coombs was born in Lambeth in south London. Silenced for Good is the first of a new series of novels featuring Hanlon as a PI. He lives in South Bucks but has family in Scotland and spends a considerable amount of time in Edinburgh and Argyll.
He is the author of four previous novels featuring Hanlon in the police ( the DCI Hanlon series). He also writes light-hearted crime fiction as HVCoombs for One More Chapter/Harper Collins.
Visit his website at www.alexcoombs.co.uk or Facebook@AlexCoombsCrime
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
April 17, 2020
When DCI Hanlon is suspended from duty after violently assaulting a suspect she travels to the Scottish island of Jura for some R&R. However trouble seems to follow Hanlon, and she soon finds it at the Mackinnon Arms, the hotel where she's staying. Owned by drunken lecher Big Jim, and staffed by a curious assortment of characters, there is something decidedly off about the place. When a girl turns up dead soon after she arrives Hanlon has no choice but to investigate, but as her true nature asserts itself, she finds she may be next on the killer's list.
I did have some reservations about this book, while the Scottish island setting is magnificent, the idea of the hotel is implausible. In reality it would have been shut down and out of business quickly, not let to go on like it has. And while the plot is quite a good one all of the characters, especially Hanlon herself, are odious. So why I did quite enjoy reading this book I don't know that I would read any of the series that is going to follow.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I did have some reservations about this book, while the Scottish island setting is magnificent, the idea of the hotel is implausible. In reality it would have been shut down and out of business quickly, not let to go on like it has. And while the plot is quite a good one all of the characters, especially Hanlon herself, are odious. So why I did quite enjoy reading this book I don't know that I would read any of the series that is going to follow.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2023
*Addictive Read*
This is a different series which feature Detective Hanlon who is suspended from the Metropolitan Police Force. While she is in limbo she decides to go to Scotland far from London and have a break. Well her reputation proceeds her and not only does trouble find her, she puts herself in harms way. Soon she stumbles upon drugs, deception, police corruption and more, not to mention bodies are stacking up, will she live to tell the tale?…….
This is a different series which feature Detective Hanlon who is suspended from the Metropolitan Police Force. While she is in limbo she decides to go to Scotland far from London and have a break. Well her reputation proceeds her and not only does trouble find her, she puts herself in harms way. Soon she stumbles upon drugs, deception, police corruption and more, not to mention bodies are stacking up, will she live to tell the tale?…….
May 13, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
She wasn’t exactly friendless in the Metropolitan Police, but it surely felt that way. She was like a wounded lioness in a pack; the others had smelled her weakness and were moving away from her. Hyenas were circling in the distance.
About twenty or so people were sitting, in various stages of undress, watching a widescreen TV with rapt attention. There was a lot of wrinkled flesh on offer. The baby boomers were not going gentle into that good night. She stared at what was going on in horrified disgust... The Mackinnon Arms hotel was obviously the centre for some sort of ageing island swingers group.
It stood on a street corner as a tired old prostitute might, soliciting trade, and not doing very well. Its sign was peeling; a chalkboard advertised ‘Exotic Dancers’ on Saturday afternoons. A poster said, ‘Food available’. In the Rob Roy that sounded more like a warning than a promise.
She watched his face redden; it happened from the base of his neck upwards like mercury rising in a thermometer. His normally pale face was flushed and she didn’t think it was from exertion.
The flat was sparsely furnished with cheap furniture. As well as the smell of the cannabis, there was a strong smell of poverty. The carpet was threadbare, the sofa had been fixed with duct tape. The armchairs were of the sort that old people were sometimes discovered dead in.
My Review:
This crafty wordsmith is flawless. I am totally enamored with and ensnared by his impressive word voodoo. The man has mad skills! His use of metaphors and descriptions was cleverly creative, vivid, and easily pulled keen visuals to mind. Plus, I cannot get enough of his complex and enigmatic kickass chick character of DCI Hanlon. I know it was mentioned in an earlier book but I honestly don’t recall her first name, everyone just calls her Hanlon, as does she when she introduces herself. She is deeply flawed and tough as steel-toed boots, yet still human and able to feel the occasional prickles of unease at how others relish her misfortunes and are enjoying her downfall, although she is surprisingly comfortable in her own skin. I will most likely always be striving for her level of self-acceptance. I adore her but wouldn’t want to have her laser focus honing in on me.
She wasn’t exactly friendless in the Metropolitan Police, but it surely felt that way. She was like a wounded lioness in a pack; the others had smelled her weakness and were moving away from her. Hyenas were circling in the distance.
About twenty or so people were sitting, in various stages of undress, watching a widescreen TV with rapt attention. There was a lot of wrinkled flesh on offer. The baby boomers were not going gentle into that good night. She stared at what was going on in horrified disgust... The Mackinnon Arms hotel was obviously the centre for some sort of ageing island swingers group.
It stood on a street corner as a tired old prostitute might, soliciting trade, and not doing very well. Its sign was peeling; a chalkboard advertised ‘Exotic Dancers’ on Saturday afternoons. A poster said, ‘Food available’. In the Rob Roy that sounded more like a warning than a promise.
She watched his face redden; it happened from the base of his neck upwards like mercury rising in a thermometer. His normally pale face was flushed and she didn’t think it was from exertion.
The flat was sparsely furnished with cheap furniture. As well as the smell of the cannabis, there was a strong smell of poverty. The carpet was threadbare, the sofa had been fixed with duct tape. The armchairs were of the sort that old people were sometimes discovered dead in.
My Review:
This crafty wordsmith is flawless. I am totally enamored with and ensnared by his impressive word voodoo. The man has mad skills! His use of metaphors and descriptions was cleverly creative, vivid, and easily pulled keen visuals to mind. Plus, I cannot get enough of his complex and enigmatic kickass chick character of DCI Hanlon. I know it was mentioned in an earlier book but I honestly don’t recall her first name, everyone just calls her Hanlon, as does she when she introduces herself. She is deeply flawed and tough as steel-toed boots, yet still human and able to feel the occasional prickles of unease at how others relish her misfortunes and are enjoying her downfall, although she is surprisingly comfortable in her own skin. I will most likely always be striving for her level of self-acceptance. I adore her but wouldn’t want to have her laser focus honing in on me.
May 21, 2020
Suspended from the police force for assaulting a suspect, Detective Hanlon is told to take a vacation while the powers that be figure out what to do with her. She decides to visit the Scottish Island of Jura, where an old friend is now living.
One of the last things she was told ... do NOT go looking for trouble. But wherever Hanlon goes, violence and death are sure to follow.
Staying in a rather rundown inn, one of their staff is found floating face down in the sea. Local police want to call it an accident, Hanlon has other ideas.
As usual, Hanlon decides to investigate on her own.
Addicted to the violence of her chosen profession, she enjoys the rush, the danger that losing control allows her. She's been at this for a really long time and her gut tells her when something isn't quite right.
In this newest adventure, the something not quite right extends to a possible crooked cop, a bartender who has spent time in jail, a chef who's wanting the owner of the inn where she's staying to see out to him, and various other possible suspects who randomly roam these pages. Several twists and turns keep the action non-stop until the very last explosive page.
Author Alex Coombs has written more of this series under the name of Alex Howard. This is the 5th in the series and reads well as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author/ Boldwood Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 19, 2022
Loved it. The audiobook is available on Scribd and even though I didn't always understand the Scottish accents the narrator added to this gritty murder mystery, I had no trouble following the plot. Loved the atmosphere and moody setting of a small island with lots of places to hide the bodies. DCI Hanlon is an angry, disillusioned and somewhat bitter cop about to be fired for her overly aggressive approach to policing. She is told to relax and ponder her future while on vacation only to arrive on the same day the body of a young woman is discovered. Hanlon is very good at gathering information, especially when she discovers some unsavory activities taking place in her hotel. Hard to know who to trust when everyone in this tight knit community are less than truthful.
Terrific start to this series. Thanks for the recommendation, Corrie. Looking forward to more Hanlon time.
Terrific start to this series. Thanks for the recommendation, Corrie. Looking forward to more Hanlon time.
November 2, 2024
Listened to the audiobook on Hoopla. Thanks to my GR friends for recommending it. I want to listen to more of these books by Coombs. Hanlen was a tough investigator and this had a twisty plot with an ending I didn’t see coming. The bad guy got away so hopefully Harlen will track them done in the next episode. Listening to the Scottish brogue enhanced the story.
January 9, 2022
‘I think that you’re addicted to violence. I think you like the adrenaline rush, the danger. I think you like losing control.’
Silenced for Good by Alex Coombs is the first in the PI Hanlon Series and it absolutely blew me away. Not for the faint of heart as it packs quite a punch. Expect graphic violence and strong language. But oh man, the solid writing and plot turns suck you in. The slow and steady build-up is addictive. I love deeply flawed characters and no-nonsense, kick-ass DCI Hanlon is a prime example. She may be hard to love, but she really grew on me and I’m compelled to read all of her adventures (also the ones that came before).
We meet Hanlon when she is put on mandatory leave, heading for the remote Western Isles of Scotland to try and clear her head and get her act together, only to find herself being a magnet for trouble again. During her investigation that takes her all over Jura and parts of Glasgow, she stumbles across money laundering, drug dealing, sex parties, at least one copper on the take, gets involved in a romantic liaison, and through it all the bodies are piling up. Hanlon – not able to walk away - is determined to get to the bottom of this and find the killer, if the killer doesn’t beat her to it.
The author did a fantastic job with the plot as the denouement was a big shocker! Bravo! The beautiful and stark backdrop of the island of Jura was a big plus as well.
The whole series is available on Scribd both as book and audio book although I would really encourage you to chose for the audio experience just so you don’t miss out on the marvelous narration of actor and writer Carolyn Bonnyman. She was an absolute revelation and lifted the book to another level. I loved all her accents (including several different Scottish ones).
f/f fade to black scenes
Themes: Jura, Argyll peninsula, Corryvreckan whirlpool, the Paps, The Mackinnon Arms, the body of Eva Balodis, sex parties, coke, DS Catriona McCleod and her border collie Wemyss, DI Campbell, owner (Big) Jim Richardson, food and beverage manager Harriet Reynolds, bar manager Kai McPherson, head chef Donald Crawford, Nose-stud.
5 Stars
Silenced for Good by Alex Coombs is the first in the PI Hanlon Series and it absolutely blew me away. Not for the faint of heart as it packs quite a punch. Expect graphic violence and strong language. But oh man, the solid writing and plot turns suck you in. The slow and steady build-up is addictive. I love deeply flawed characters and no-nonsense, kick-ass DCI Hanlon is a prime example. She may be hard to love, but she really grew on me and I’m compelled to read all of her adventures (also the ones that came before).
We meet Hanlon when she is put on mandatory leave, heading for the remote Western Isles of Scotland to try and clear her head and get her act together, only to find herself being a magnet for trouble again. During her investigation that takes her all over Jura and parts of Glasgow, she stumbles across money laundering, drug dealing, sex parties, at least one copper on the take, gets involved in a romantic liaison, and through it all the bodies are piling up. Hanlon – not able to walk away - is determined to get to the bottom of this and find the killer, if the killer doesn’t beat her to it.
The author did a fantastic job with the plot as the denouement was a big shocker! Bravo! The beautiful and stark backdrop of the island of Jura was a big plus as well.
The whole series is available on Scribd both as book and audio book although I would really encourage you to chose for the audio experience just so you don’t miss out on the marvelous narration of actor and writer Carolyn Bonnyman. She was an absolute revelation and lifted the book to another level. I loved all her accents (including several different Scottish ones).
f/f fade to black scenes
Themes: Jura, Argyll peninsula, Corryvreckan whirlpool, the Paps, The Mackinnon Arms, the body of Eva Balodis, sex parties, coke, DS Catriona McCleod and her border collie Wemyss, DI Campbell, owner (Big) Jim Richardson, food and beverage manager Harriet Reynolds, bar manager Kai McPherson, head chef Donald Crawford, Nose-stud.
5 Stars
May 24, 2020
DCI Hanlon was accused of excessive force on a suspect at work so was told to go on a break. A holiday like never before, she found a body to contend with. Murder found its way to her, so she had to solve it.
My first book by this author, though fifth in the series. I loved Hanlon; she was tough and brassy. The story was quite twisty with many suspects and action packed all due to the protagonist. Quite graphic in its speech, the story was one rocking ride. Not for the faint-hearted.
My first book by this author, though fifth in the series. I loved Hanlon; she was tough and brassy. The story was quite twisty with many suspects and action packed all due to the protagonist. Quite graphic in its speech, the story was one rocking ride. Not for the faint-hearted.
April 17, 2020
Silenced For Good is the newest instalment in an intriguing exciting crime thriller series by author Alex Coombs although he has written more of this DI Hanlon series under the name Alex Howard. It took a little more time than I am usually used to in order to be completely gripped but you should give it a little extra time to become addictive as it's worth having patience. I feel the reason that it took more time than most to be engrossed was because Coombs was busy not only setting up the cast of characters and plot for this opening instalment but also the rest of the series which is unavoidable really.
It pulls no punches in that it’s really quite brutal, profane and, at times, graphic so is by no means suitable for those who enjoy their thrillers tame as it’s not for the faint-hearted. This is a series that certainly shows promise and I indeed hope that Ms Coombs continues it and that it continues to progress and go from strength to strength. I look forward to the next instalment being even better. Many thanks to Boldwood Books for an ARC.
It pulls no punches in that it’s really quite brutal, profane and, at times, graphic so is by no means suitable for those who enjoy their thrillers tame as it’s not for the faint-hearted. This is a series that certainly shows promise and I indeed hope that Ms Coombs continues it and that it continues to progress and go from strength to strength. I look forward to the next instalment being even better. Many thanks to Boldwood Books for an ARC.
September 29, 2024
I grabbed this book out of Hoopla based on recommendations from die-hard mystery fans. At first, I considered dnf’ing the book because there are no decent human beings here. Everyone is just awful, even the main character. Detective Hanlon is on forced Leave on one of the Scottish islands because her violent temper has her on the brink of being fired from the London police. The departmental psychologist sends her on retreat hoping that Hanlon can use the time to reevaluate her life. When she first arrives to the sparsely inhabited island, it’s evident that she’s out of control and could be a danger to anyone who even looks at her wrong. But as time goes on, the land and sea begin to heal her, honestly, the way only nature can do. Unfortunately, illegal shenanigans and a suspicious death steer her into investigating the mystery. In the end, I grew to appreciate Hanlon’s ferocity and tenacity in setting things right in her own hardcore way. This one is gritty but well written. The stellar narration by Carolyn Bonnyman did not flinch in the telling. I ended up being hooked into Hanlon’s story and falling for Wemyss the Border Collie. F/F fade to black affair.
4.5 stars.
4.5 stars.
May 21, 2022
2.5 stars
June 21, 2020
Review for 'Silenced For Good ' by Alex Coombs
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Blackwood Books
This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is the only book he has written under the name Alex Coombs but he has 4 books in the DI Hanlon series under a different publisher and under the name of Alex Howards. He also writes light hearted crime fiction under the name HVCoombs.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing cover and blurb.
This novel consists of 36 chapters which are medium length so good if you want to read 'just one more chapter', not that I ever end up doing that, more like two or three.
The story is set in the UK and had has a strong female lead which is always a bonus for myself being female and British.
The plot is quite interesting and there are scenes in the beginning, middle and end that had me on the edge of my seat but the majority of the book was a slow burner.
The book is well written with good descriptions. I liked the Scottish dialect as it made me feel like I was 'in' the book more but there were times when I did struggle to understand what some words meant.
There was a good mix of characters and most of them were realistic. However, I did find Hanlon to be quite blunt and rude. I don't mind the bluntness so much but can't abide rude people, places and thank you doesn't cost anything, so I struggled with her character in quite a few places although she did grow on me in the end.
Unfortunately, I cannot say I was completely surprised by who did what which is a shame. However others may not work it out as there were quite a few red herrings thrown in.
If I was to recommend this book it would be to fans of crime and mystery.
288 pages
Free on kindle unlimited or 99p to purchase on kindle. I think this is a good price for this book.
Rated 3/5 (It was OK) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews
#SilencedForGood #AlexCoombs #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #BookReview
@AlexCoombs @BoldwoodBooks @Bookworm1986
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Blackwood Books
This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is the only book he has written under the name Alex Coombs but he has 4 books in the DI Hanlon series under a different publisher and under the name of Alex Howards. He also writes light hearted crime fiction under the name HVCoombs.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing cover and blurb.
This novel consists of 36 chapters which are medium length so good if you want to read 'just one more chapter', not that I ever end up doing that, more like two or three.
The story is set in the UK and had has a strong female lead which is always a bonus for myself being female and British.
The plot is quite interesting and there are scenes in the beginning, middle and end that had me on the edge of my seat but the majority of the book was a slow burner.
The book is well written with good descriptions. I liked the Scottish dialect as it made me feel like I was 'in' the book more but there were times when I did struggle to understand what some words meant.
There was a good mix of characters and most of them were realistic. However, I did find Hanlon to be quite blunt and rude. I don't mind the bluntness so much but can't abide rude people, places and thank you doesn't cost anything, so I struggled with her character in quite a few places although she did grow on me in the end.
Unfortunately, I cannot say I was completely surprised by who did what which is a shame. However others may not work it out as there were quite a few red herrings thrown in.
If I was to recommend this book it would be to fans of crime and mystery.
288 pages
Free on kindle unlimited or 99p to purchase on kindle. I think this is a good price for this book.
Rated 3/5 (It was OK) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads for more reviews
#SilencedForGood #AlexCoombs #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #BookReview
@AlexCoombs @BoldwoodBooks @Bookworm1986
April 10, 2023
Interesting short story
April 16, 2020
Detective Hanlon is the kind of person who would have been incredible as a sheriff in a Wild West town. Unfortunately, her style of policing really isn’t suitable for a modern cop in the Met, and her methods have landed her in trouble with the higher-ups. On mandatory leave, she heads for the remote Western Isles of Scotland to try and get her head together… and finds herself neck-deep in trouble without even trying.
As Hanlon investigates, she finds evidence of money laundering, drug dealing, at least one police officer mixed up in things up to their neck… and a mounting body count. Constitutionally incapable of walking away, Hanlon is determined to find the killer, but the killer might have found her first!
It wasn’t until late in the book that I finally figured out what was going on, despite the author leaving a decent trail of breadcrumbs. Almost the entire book is told from Hanlon’s PoV, with just a couple of chapters here and there in others, and to be honest I think those could have been dispensed with as they were mainly used to give the impressions other characters had of Hanlon, and we just didn’t need it. We’re in Hanlon’s mind, we know her heart. We don’t need to know that certain characters find her attractive, or intimidating, or both.
I liked Hanlon and her no-nonsense approach, I liked the beautiful setting on the remote Scottish island of Jura and the other characters introduced, and I thought the plot was intriguing. Nevertheless, I can’t quite give this five stars because of the issues I had with the unnecessary PoV switches; a good editor should have told the author to cut those and stay with Hanlon, a reliable narrator if ever there was one. Four stars for a solid story which just needed a few more tweaks.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
As Hanlon investigates, she finds evidence of money laundering, drug dealing, at least one police officer mixed up in things up to their neck… and a mounting body count. Constitutionally incapable of walking away, Hanlon is determined to find the killer, but the killer might have found her first!
It wasn’t until late in the book that I finally figured out what was going on, despite the author leaving a decent trail of breadcrumbs. Almost the entire book is told from Hanlon’s PoV, with just a couple of chapters here and there in others, and to be honest I think those could have been dispensed with as they were mainly used to give the impressions other characters had of Hanlon, and we just didn’t need it. We’re in Hanlon’s mind, we know her heart. We don’t need to know that certain characters find her attractive, or intimidating, or both.
I liked Hanlon and her no-nonsense approach, I liked the beautiful setting on the remote Scottish island of Jura and the other characters introduced, and I thought the plot was intriguing. Nevertheless, I can’t quite give this five stars because of the issues I had with the unnecessary PoV switches; a good editor should have told the author to cut those and stay with Hanlon, a reliable narrator if ever there was one. Four stars for a solid story which just needed a few more tweaks.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
April 13, 2020
⭐⭐⭐1/2.
"I think that you're addicted to violence. I think you like the adrenaline rush, the danger. I think you like losing control."
With these words ringing in her ears Hamlon decides to take a break and go to Jura, a sparsely populated Scottish island. Surely she cannot get in trouble there......or can she.
Dead bodies start turning up and the owner of the hotel she is staying in is 1 bad dude. Will she be able to figure out what is going on and will her instincts be right.
A good solid read. Here and there I found some phrases a bit repetitive but that's a minor thing that will not bother most people. The ending has a good twist that most people won't see coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
"I think that you're addicted to violence. I think you like the adrenaline rush, the danger. I think you like losing control."
With these words ringing in her ears Hamlon decides to take a break and go to Jura, a sparsely populated Scottish island. Surely she cannot get in trouble there......or can she.
Dead bodies start turning up and the owner of the hotel she is staying in is 1 bad dude. Will she be able to figure out what is going on and will her instincts be right.
A good solid read. Here and there I found some phrases a bit repetitive but that's a minor thing that will not bother most people. The ending has a good twist that most people won't see coming.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 16, 2020
"Stunning settings"
Scotland is the perfect setting for a thriller. I don't think I'd ever grow to like Hanlon as a main character in a series. Once a writer has described a couple of fights it becomes repetitive. Hanlon's certainly different though, and this is a better than average thriller. (I'm not a fan of the hyped product page. It's a format that's been used over the past six months or so, and it often promises more than it delivers. Readers will soon find you out. This just about lived up to the exaggerated promise)
Scotland is the perfect setting for a thriller. I don't think I'd ever grow to like Hanlon as a main character in a series. Once a writer has described a couple of fights it becomes repetitive. Hanlon's certainly different though, and this is a better than average thriller. (I'm not a fan of the hyped product page. It's a format that's been used over the past six months or so, and it often promises more than it delivers. Readers will soon find you out. This just about lived up to the exaggerated promise)
November 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this audiobook and I think I will enjoy the series.
The setting of Isla was well described and there were some fabulously shady characters.
I have downloaded the 2nd one in the series and I suspect another late night tonight as I get engrossed into it.
The setting of Isla was well described and there were some fabulously shady characters.
I have downloaded the 2nd one in the series and I suspect another late night tonight as I get engrossed into it.
October 13, 2024
2.5 Stars
September 30, 2021
You don't have to like a character to empathize with them, and that was my experience with this book. The story was compelling and kept my interest. I can't say I was surprised by the twists, but that didn't stop the enjoyment of the story. She was a superhero, which was fun.
April 14, 2020
After reading the blurb I was looking forward to reading this.
Unfortunately I just didn't enjoy it. The main character was just not likable and the plot didn't grab my attention. I carried on reading hoping it would get better but for me it didn't.
Other's may enjoy it but sorry it wasn't my thing at all.
Unfortunately I just didn't enjoy it. The main character was just not likable and the plot didn't grab my attention. I carried on reading hoping it would get better but for me it didn't.
Other's may enjoy it but sorry it wasn't my thing at all.
December 3, 2021
This is a hard one for me to rate. I listened to the audio and it really kept my attention. The narrator did a great job. But I didn't particularly like the MC. So I'm going with 3.5 - rounding up since I was beginning to warm to her by the end of the book. I'm planning on listening to the next in series.
August 2, 2023
DCI Hanlon is suspended from her position on the force after assaulting a suspect. She is addicted to violence, she can’t seem to control her anger. She decides to take a holiday to the remote Scottish island of Jura, home to the mysterious Corryvreckan whirlpool. When she checks into the Mackinnon Arms hotel, she feels something is not right, and on the day she arrives a young girl is found drowned and a couple days later another girl is also found drowned. Hanlon cannot help herself and decides to investigate. She discovers they are running sex parties and drugs are being dealt. The narration is great. The location of the northern Scottish islands is a great backdrop. Hanlon is not really a likeable character, but it was not a bad read, will be interesting to see how the series progresses.
October 16, 2021
Brilliant need to read the next one quickly. Nothing better than a troubled copper
December 3, 2021
Unlikeable characters, frequent dull descriptions, slow paced, and a little outlandish
February 21, 2022
I'll be honest....I wasn't pulled in straight away and found the beginning a bit...strange but I'm so glad that I stuck with it. I loved the twists and turns and really grew to like the main character. I will definitely read more of these.
March 15, 2022
I’m surprised that so many people don’t like Hanlon. I adore her. I read these books out of order so totally guessed the plot of this one but still thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 7, 2022
3.5 stars
October 3, 2022
Very real characters and a complex story with several twists
May 6, 2024
What a fun, fast paced book. Good mystery, action, and a hardened detective…IN SCOTLAND!!!
August 20, 2024
I listened to this on Audible. A great listen, definitely one to keep walking further as it was full of drama, great twist at the end. Recommend!
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