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Maddie Ives #1-4
Detective Maddie Ives Books 1–4
In this four-book box set:
Book 1: HE IS WATCHING YOU
A young woman’s body is left in a metal container in a remote location. The killer is careful to position her under a camera that links to his smartphone. He likes to look back at his work. He is watching her. But she isn’t dead. So he will return to finish the job. Detective Maddie Ives and DI Harry Blaker must work fast. Time is running out for the woman in the container. And the killer has already identified his next target.
Book 2: HE WILL KILL YOU
Grace Hughes is kicked to the bathroom floor by her partner. Fighting to regain her breath, she can no longer ignore a simple truth: she must leave or he will kill her. Grace has a plan to get free. And Detective Sergeant Maddie Ives is going to help her. But Maddie has a lot on her mind. A dead boy in a bath, a car bomber who wants to make a statement, and the return of a scarred DI Harry Blaker. Can he and Maddie stop the bomber, find a killer and save Grace — whether she helps herself or not?
Book 3: HE WILL FIND YOU
A ten-year-old-boy steps out in front of traffic. He is dazed, confused and barefoot. He is covered in blood. It’s not his. Detective Maddie Ives is called out and finds the boy backed up against a shop front. He’s ready to run again. He can’t tell her why. Then a man is found brutally murdered and Maddie and Detective Harry Blaker are determined to find out who is pulling the strings. If they don’t stop him, he will find more victims. And the evil will come close to home.
Book 4: HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS
Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location and the car goes over the edge of the cliff. As Holly falls to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack. She will give her life to bring him down. Kelly Dale receives a text from Holly, sent just before the accident, and rushes to the clifftop. She is too late. Detective Maddie Ives must stop a powerful man who exploits and controls women before it’s too late.
Book 1: HE IS WATCHING YOU
A young woman’s body is left in a metal container in a remote location. The killer is careful to position her under a camera that links to his smartphone. He likes to look back at his work. He is watching her. But she isn’t dead. So he will return to finish the job. Detective Maddie Ives and DI Harry Blaker must work fast. Time is running out for the woman in the container. And the killer has already identified his next target.
Book 2: HE WILL KILL YOU
Grace Hughes is kicked to the bathroom floor by her partner. Fighting to regain her breath, she can no longer ignore a simple truth: she must leave or he will kill her. Grace has a plan to get free. And Detective Sergeant Maddie Ives is going to help her. But Maddie has a lot on her mind. A dead boy in a bath, a car bomber who wants to make a statement, and the return of a scarred DI Harry Blaker. Can he and Maddie stop the bomber, find a killer and save Grace — whether she helps herself or not?
Book 3: HE WILL FIND YOU
A ten-year-old-boy steps out in front of traffic. He is dazed, confused and barefoot. He is covered in blood. It’s not his. Detective Maddie Ives is called out and finds the boy backed up against a shop front. He’s ready to run again. He can’t tell her why. Then a man is found brutally murdered and Maddie and Detective Harry Blaker are determined to find out who is pulling the strings. If they don’t stop him, he will find more victims. And the evil will come close to home.
Book 4: HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS
Holly Maguire takes a taxi to a clifftop location and the car goes over the edge of the cliff. As Holly falls to her death, she tightens her grip on a rucksack. She will give her life to bring him down. Kelly Dale receives a text from Holly, sent just before the accident, and rushes to the clifftop. She is too late. Detective Maddie Ives must stop a powerful man who exploits and controls women before it’s too late.
1493 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2022
959 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
33 books589 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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January 11, 2022HE IS WATCHING YOU
Hello Maddie Ives - kicked out of a job she loves and transferred to the back of beyond. She doesn't want to be there and they certainly don't want a loose cannon in their midst. Harry, however, can see something others can't in the feisty female and sticks his neck out to stop her packing up and leaving.
The story itself takes over the book rather than the characters it is unusual, fast-paced and I was turning pages unable to put it down. It was engrossing to watch the character of Maddie evolve to become part of a partnership that I am sure will continue for many books to come. A totally different kettle of fish to the George books so there is no mileage in comparing the two. Maddie and Harry grow on you so keep an open mind and the story takes hold of you and transports you to a world of crime and policework never seen before in a book.
HE WILL KILL YOU
A traffic jam in a tunnel and cars exploding and the story begins. It took me a while to work out what the bombs had to do with domestic abuse and what the woman and child had to do with anything but come together it did. Parts made for difficult reading but this stuff does go on every day somewhere so I read on. Got to love Maddie Ives she is a feisty character but one I definitely want in my corner in times of trouble. This book humanised her as we had an insight into her romantic side. She and Harry are opposites working to the same standards and objectives they make a brilliant team and I can see how that is going to make this series going forwards. The story is fast paced with plenty of grit and is unusual as the lines between victim and murderer become blurred.
HE WILL FIND YOU
The adrenaline starts pumping at the beginning when a child covered in blood walks in front of a car. Quite where this fits into the story isn't clear until much later on. Harry is dealing with some personal issues that give the reader a lot more insight into the character. The fatal accident that cost his wife her life comes back to haunt him and sees Harry struggling between right and wrong especially when his daughter's mental health is thrown into the mix. Then there is the story which is complicated and it is this complexity that causes so many problems for the investigation. No clues and something dark and evil is going on. Can Maddie and Harry get a handle on what is actually going on before more people die? This is an intriguing book that keeps the reader turning pages as we join Maddie and Harry in trying to work out what is going on, who is behind it and why
HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS
A taxi goes over a cliff killing the taxi driver and a prostitute who is known to the Police. Maddie attends and her gut instinct is telling her there is something wrong. There are several very probable theories about what happened: a sex act gone wrong, murder/suicide ..... But Maddie is not buying any of them. When her boss, Harry tells her to leave it and concentrate on the cases she already has, she uses her own time to continue investigating, determined to put the pieces together and find out what Holly wanted her to know. The story develops and we see the police view and the view from the criminal side as we are immersed in the sickening and violent world of abuse and exploitation masterminded by a known criminal that keeps escaping justice. This is a fast paced story but we really get into the detective side as we follow Maddie as she tries to join up the dots and help people that don't want to be helped. I do love this series and in this one Maddie takes more of a central role with Harry taking a back seat for once. As always the banter between Maddie and Vince adds humour to offset the darkness that shrouds Major Crimes.
Hello Maddie Ives - kicked out of a job she loves and transferred to the back of beyond. She doesn't want to be there and they certainly don't want a loose cannon in their midst. Harry, however, can see something others can't in the feisty female and sticks his neck out to stop her packing up and leaving.
The story itself takes over the book rather than the characters it is unusual, fast-paced and I was turning pages unable to put it down. It was engrossing to watch the character of Maddie evolve to become part of a partnership that I am sure will continue for many books to come. A totally different kettle of fish to the George books so there is no mileage in comparing the two. Maddie and Harry grow on you so keep an open mind and the story takes hold of you and transports you to a world of crime and policework never seen before in a book.
HE WILL KILL YOU
A traffic jam in a tunnel and cars exploding and the story begins. It took me a while to work out what the bombs had to do with domestic abuse and what the woman and child had to do with anything but come together it did. Parts made for difficult reading but this stuff does go on every day somewhere so I read on. Got to love Maddie Ives she is a feisty character but one I definitely want in my corner in times of trouble. This book humanised her as we had an insight into her romantic side. She and Harry are opposites working to the same standards and objectives they make a brilliant team and I can see how that is going to make this series going forwards. The story is fast paced with plenty of grit and is unusual as the lines between victim and murderer become blurred.
HE WILL FIND YOU
The adrenaline starts pumping at the beginning when a child covered in blood walks in front of a car. Quite where this fits into the story isn't clear until much later on. Harry is dealing with some personal issues that give the reader a lot more insight into the character. The fatal accident that cost his wife her life comes back to haunt him and sees Harry struggling between right and wrong especially when his daughter's mental health is thrown into the mix. Then there is the story which is complicated and it is this complexity that causes so many problems for the investigation. No clues and something dark and evil is going on. Can Maddie and Harry get a handle on what is actually going on before more people die? This is an intriguing book that keeps the reader turning pages as we join Maddie and Harry in trying to work out what is going on, who is behind it and why
HE KNOWS YOUR SECRETS
A taxi goes over a cliff killing the taxi driver and a prostitute who is known to the Police. Maddie attends and her gut instinct is telling her there is something wrong. There are several very probable theories about what happened: a sex act gone wrong, murder/suicide ..... But Maddie is not buying any of them. When her boss, Harry tells her to leave it and concentrate on the cases she already has, she uses her own time to continue investigating, determined to put the pieces together and find out what Holly wanted her to know. The story develops and we see the police view and the view from the criminal side as we are immersed in the sickening and violent world of abuse and exploitation masterminded by a known criminal that keeps escaping justice. This is a fast paced story but we really get into the detective side as we follow Maddie as she tries to join up the dots and help people that don't want to be helped. I do love this series and in this one Maddie takes more of a central role with Harry taking a back seat for once. As always the banter between Maddie and Vince adds humour to offset the darkness that shrouds Major Crimes.
December 17, 2022
Charlie Gallagher is a British policeman who wrote the Maddie Ives mystery and detective set of books and I thoroughly enjoyed them. Some were quite grim but all were satisfyingly gripping reads. Highly recommend.
December 16, 2022
Excellent four books.😛
I recommend this Det.Maddie Ives 1-4 box set.The Author Charlie Gallagher has written a great series,I have read other book series and stand alones and enjoyed his storylines.😛
I recommend this Det.Maddie Ives 1-4 box set.The Author Charlie Gallagher has written a great series,I have read other book series and stand alones and enjoyed his storylines.😛
October 19, 2022
A really good read
This book is a real breath of fresh air for me.I didn't know anything about this author as l usually read American novelists,it s in a l believe altogether warts and all story of the English police system written by an ex police officer.Excellent
This book is a real breath of fresh air for me.I didn't know anything about this author as l usually read American novelists,it s in a l believe altogether warts and all story of the English police system written by an ex police officer.Excellent
January 12, 2023
These books are great. Reading takes me many places if you'll let it.
March 31, 2022
Engrossing, exciting & in some ways appalling-just what you want in a mixer mystery!
I love the heroines-all of them! The villain is smooth, attractive & terrifying. And the tension just rackets up & up like a great rollercoaster!
The only thing I wanted was more! Maybe a great trial, & hanging judge & a terminal verdict- well deserved.
But ultimately I just want more of DS Maddie Ives & Inspector Harry Blaker, I want many more books, more wild roller coasters & twisted villians!
I love the heroines-all of them! The villain is smooth, attractive & terrifying. And the tension just rackets up & up like a great rollercoaster!
The only thing I wanted was more! Maybe a great trial, & hanging judge & a terminal verdict- well deserved.
But ultimately I just want more of DS Maddie Ives & Inspector Harry Blaker, I want many more books, more wild roller coasters & twisted villians!
February 9, 2022
A fantastic series of crime books. Full of suspense, characters you learn to love and hate, moments where you are not sure if you want to turn the page and find out the outcome but do not fail to keep reading. The Police characters are so true to life if you have worked in a Police environment you wont fail to identify with some of the characters. Am looking forward to reading the next book knowing that I will be drawn into the story right to the very end. If you don't read any other crime series this year read this one and enjoy.
February 18, 2022
Brilliant
All the books in this series are very thrilling. It's an action packed suspense bonanza with plenty of twists and turns that would keep your eyes glued to the book. Maddie Ives has so many tricks up her sleeves to force a confession out of the criminal or nab a culprit that I find her a splendid detective with a sharp brain. She lends an excellent support to DI Harry in all the cases. Kudos to the author for her brilliant work. Highly recommended for reading.
All the books in this series are very thrilling. It's an action packed suspense bonanza with plenty of twists and turns that would keep your eyes glued to the book. Maddie Ives has so many tricks up her sleeves to force a confession out of the criminal or nab a culprit that I find her a splendid detective with a sharp brain. She lends an excellent support to DI Harry in all the cases. Kudos to the author for her brilliant work. Highly recommended for reading.
March 3, 2022
Intense mysteries
These detective stories I found difficult to put down. They were well written and the plots were extremely well constructed and portrayed throughout. Great reading writing done by an author who has a firm grip on English grammar and spelling. Makes a nice change. One of the main detectives in the stories was characterised as being somewhat impulsive and abrasive in her attitude and actions. That was somewhat annoying.
These detective stories I found difficult to put down. They were well written and the plots were extremely well constructed and portrayed throughout. Great reading writing done by an author who has a firm grip on English grammar and spelling. Makes a nice change. One of the main detectives in the stories was characterised as being somewhat impulsive and abrasive in her attitude and actions. That was somewhat annoying.
June 17, 2025
These were four excellent British crime thrillers filled with tension and suspense.
I have reviewed each one separately so will just say that these were well-written with suitable and believable characters. The subjects were raw and disturbing but dealt with very well.
Maddie and Harry are likeable and are well-developed.
Engaging, gripping and enjoyable.
Recommended.
I have reviewed each one separately so will just say that these were well-written with suitable and believable characters. The subjects were raw and disturbing but dealt with very well.
Maddie and Harry are likeable and are well-developed.
Engaging, gripping and enjoyable.
Recommended.
January 23, 2022
Gripping storylines
I am a fan of crime thrillers and Detective Maddie Ives is a strong character. I was glad I read books 1 -4 in tandem as I really felt I got into the team and knew how they would bounce off each other. Strong and emotive storylines makes for a good read.
I am a fan of crime thrillers and Detective Maddie Ives is a strong character. I was glad I read books 1 -4 in tandem as I really felt I got into the team and knew how they would bounce off each other. Strong and emotive storylines makes for a good read.
February 25, 2022
brilliant
Absolutely fantastic series, well worth reading. Enjoyed each book . Drama, intrigue, emotions and real story lines. Sorry to finish the series, hoping there’s more to come .
Absolutely fantastic series, well worth reading. Enjoyed each book . Drama, intrigue, emotions and real story lines. Sorry to finish the series, hoping there’s more to come .
January 27, 2022
Amazing story
Story kept me hooked. Characters are wonderful. I have hopes for Big Vince. This book was the best of the first four, and they were great, also.
Story kept me hooked. Characters are wonderful. I have hopes for Big Vince. This book was the best of the first four, and they were great, also.
February 3, 2022
Hard to put down
These books were hard going and hard to put down well written and great reading. Really enjoyed reading them all.
These books were hard going and hard to put down well written and great reading. Really enjoyed reading them all.
February 7, 2022
I read a few of the Maddie Ives books a few years ago butI got the box set mainly because anything written by Charlie Gallagher deserves a read or even a re-read.
March 3, 2022
Spell binding read
The writing is amazing, I was hooked from the first chapter. This series gives an insight into human behaviours and when confronted with evil our will to survive is paramount.
The writing is amazing, I was hooked from the first chapter. This series gives an insight into human behaviours and when confronted with evil our will to survive is paramount.
March 28, 2022
Detective Maddie Ives 4 books.
I've given this series a 5 as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them. All different but all complete stories that at times, have you wanting to just "skip ahead " to see that the characters are going to be OK. Would recommend this series as a great read.
I've given this series a 5 as I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them. All different but all complete stories that at times, have you wanting to just "skip ahead " to see that the characters are going to be OK. Would recommend this series as a great read.
March 16, 2022
Captivating
Absolutely gripping story telling. The accuracy of the descriptive narrative can be disturbing, but necessary.
A great entertaining and enlightening series.
Absolutely gripping story telling. The accuracy of the descriptive narrative can be disturbing, but necessary.
A great entertaining and enlightening series.
March 23, 2022
Brilliant
I’m not sure I’ve read a series as intense as these books. There were times I couldn’t read fast enough, dying to know the outcome of a scene. I would have to force myself to slow down and actually read! And, I love this series as much, if not more, because of Harry. He is the glue that holds it all together. Very well done!
I’m not sure I’ve read a series as intense as these books. There were times I couldn’t read fast enough, dying to know the outcome of a scene. I would have to force myself to slow down and actually read! And, I love this series as much, if not more, because of Harry. He is the glue that holds it all together. Very well done!
May 7, 2022
Superb stuff
Reading the Maddie Ives character was gripping,on the edge of seat reading,you felt the emotions of the work police do on a daily basis,they have a bond like a family,fill of highs and lows.well worth reading,agai and again.
Reading the Maddie Ives character was gripping,on the edge of seat reading,you felt the emotions of the work police do on a daily basis,they have a bond like a family,fill of highs and lows.well worth reading,agai and again.
August 28, 2022
What a great selection of books! I couldn’t wait to read them one after the other and must say I enjoyed them all! Time to buy some more follow ons!
August 9, 2022
Great read for crime /detective readers
I liked the commonrarity between each detective. Loves how Harry has the no humor personality, but Maddie finds little ways to get him to smile.
I liked the commonrarity between each detective. Loves how Harry has the no humor personality, but Maddie finds little ways to get him to smile.
September 22, 2022
Had to read all 4 books,
Ex undercover cop determined to use skills learned in normal policing against cruel criminals with no respect for property or life.
Many twists and turns to keep your attention into the early hours!
Ex undercover cop determined to use skills learned in normal policing against cruel criminals with no respect for property or life.
Many twists and turns to keep your attention into the early hours!
August 5, 2022
Awesome.
I love this book, deeply emotional. I am looking forward to read the rest of the series. I sure hope they are just as good.
I love this book, deeply emotional. I am looking forward to read the rest of the series. I sure hope they are just as good.
September 9, 2022
I enjoyed this series. I hope there’s more to come!
July 4, 2025
Hard to Read, Tough Graphic Subject Matter
All 4 Books have Very Graphic too Long Scenes of Horror. For me these Books are too Graphic and they spend way too much time on Detailed Descriptions. These Scenes are extended dragged out for too long, lasting entire chapters.
I would much rather have the Horrors Less Graphic with Less time Devoted to these parts of the books. The time given to this part of the Books was completely unnecessary. The term Less is More is actually True.
You can say a person had a gunshot to the head that took half their face off... I can visualize that well enough without paragraphs of extra detail.
If a Child is Traumatized by a Graphic Murder that he witnessed a paragraph, maybe a few paragraphs is long enough... Giving a whole chapter to it is Excessive. It doesn't add anything to the Story. It actually drags the story down...
I don't like the Author's style of writing. I don't like the overall subject matter.
All 4 Books have Very Graphic too Long Scenes of Horror. For me these Books are too Graphic and they spend way too much time on Detailed Descriptions. These Scenes are extended dragged out for too long, lasting entire chapters.
I would much rather have the Horrors Less Graphic with Less time Devoted to these parts of the books. The time given to this part of the Books was completely unnecessary. The term Less is More is actually True.
You can say a person had a gunshot to the head that took half their face off... I can visualize that well enough without paragraphs of extra detail.
If a Child is Traumatized by a Graphic Murder that he witnessed a paragraph, maybe a few paragraphs is long enough... Giving a whole chapter to it is Excessive. It doesn't add anything to the Story. It actually drags the story down...
I don't like the Author's style of writing. I don't like the overall subject matter.
September 22, 2022
Tough to rate them all at once -However I will say Charlie you have definitely got the mark of a brilliant storyteller -I will take you in incremental small doses -because you do write very graphically -Your characterization is witty , caustic and downright clever -There wasn't one story that did not draw me in - and you have a knack for keeping the reader on the edge of the seat -waiting and holding ones breath for what is around the corner -I know you have a background in policing and it shows -to your favour and ours -Keep it up -Well done -
April 18, 2024
Heavy going in parts but brilliant.
I've had had this 'on the go's for a while. The first tale gripped me and I made the decision to spread out the stories rather than go straight through the lot.
The last of the four is particularly brutal in parts and has one of the worst villains I've ever read about.
The stories are not for the faint hearted but are well written within a continuing supply of twists and turns that will keep the reader involved.
I've had had this 'on the go's for a while. The first tale gripped me and I made the decision to spread out the stories rather than go straight through the lot.
The last of the four is particularly brutal in parts and has one of the worst villains I've ever read about.
The stories are not for the faint hearted but are well written within a continuing supply of twists and turns that will keep the reader involved.
April 9, 2022
Poor copy editing
I would have given more stars had it not been littered with a number of grammatical errors. I enjoy the books themselves as good crime fiction and it's unfair that authors are being let down by copy editors who are clearly not doing the job tasked to them. I point these things out in the hope that authors see them and take the copy editors to task.
I would have given more stars had it not been littered with a number of grammatical errors. I enjoy the books themselves as good crime fiction and it's unfair that authors are being let down by copy editors who are clearly not doing the job tasked to them. I point these things out in the hope that authors see them and take the copy editors to task.
July 23, 2022
I am a huge fan of this series! Lots of twists and turns. If you want something to wile away the hours and characters that are easy to like (and dislike) then you will enjoy this series. There are surprises and at every turn and some plots you will be able to see coming. I enjoy this one very much. That's all I'm telling. Discover Maddie and her cronies for yourself. It's a fun ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews