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To the Grave
When DS Joe Romano first meets Ana Dobrescu she’s nervous, in serious danger, and clearly needs help. The next time Romano sees her, she’s dead.
There was nothing more he could have done, but that’s cold comfort for Romano. He’s determined to catch Ana’s killer. Although the prime suspect, her millionaire boyfriend, is in a coma.
With the help of his larger-than-life partner Rita Scannon-Aktar, Romano begins to piece together a puzzle that places Ana at the centre of something much bigger than they could have imagined.
But while they’re hunting a murderer, those higher up are more concerned about the money. So it’s up to Romano to get justice for Ana. And whatever she knew, he’ll just have to pray that she didn’t take her secrets to the grave.
There was nothing more he could have done, but that’s cold comfort for Romano. He’s determined to catch Ana’s killer. Although the prime suspect, her millionaire boyfriend, is in a coma.
With the help of his larger-than-life partner Rita Scannon-Aktar, Romano begins to piece together a puzzle that places Ana at the centre of something much bigger than they could have imagined.
But while they’re hunting a murderer, those higher up are more concerned about the money. So it’s up to Romano to get justice for Ana. And whatever she knew, he’ll just have to pray that she didn’t take her secrets to the grave.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2022
5 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
John Barlow
52 books49 followersJohn Barlow's prize-winning fiction and non-fiction has been published by HarperCollins/William Morrow, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 4th Estate and various others in the UK, US, Australia, Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain and Poland.
His current project is the Joe Romano crime thriller series. The first novel, RIGHT TO KILL, is out in the UK with HQ/HarperCollins on June 24th, 2021.
***
John was born in West Yorkshire, England, in 1967. He worked as a musician before studying English Literature at Cambridge University and language acquisition at Hull University. After teaching English for several years, he moved to Spain to write full-time, and has been there ever since. He is married to Susana, with whom he has two sons. They currently live in the Galician city of A Coruña.
Apart from writing fiction, he also works as a ghost writer and journalist. He has written for the Washington Post, Slate.com, Penthouse, Departures Magazine and The Big Issue, and he is currently a feature writer for the award-winning food magazine Spain Gourmetour.
***
John's first published work, a novella, won the Paris Review's Discovery (Plimpton) Prize in 2002. He went on to publish a collection of novellas, EATING MAMMALS, the novel INTOXICATED, set in the late nineteenth century, and EVERYTHING BUT THE SQUEAL, a food-travelogue about Spain. He then published the off-beat noir novel WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JERRY PICCO?, and three novels in the LS9 series, featuring amateur sleuth John Ray.
John has also worked with the conceptual artists goldin+enneby on their ACÉPHALE project, which has so far taken him to Nassau, Bergamo, Oslo and London, and into the company of Bahamian off-shore bankers, defamation layers, prize-winning artists, and Martina Navratilova. His writing for the project has been published variously in English, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Portuguese, and has featured at numerous art shows/galleries in the UK, the US, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The novel HEADLESS, based on the project, was release in 2013.
His current project is the Joe Romano crime thriller series. The first novel, RIGHT TO KILL, is out in the UK with HQ/HarperCollins on June 24th, 2021.
***
John was born in West Yorkshire, England, in 1967. He worked as a musician before studying English Literature at Cambridge University and language acquisition at Hull University. After teaching English for several years, he moved to Spain to write full-time, and has been there ever since. He is married to Susana, with whom he has two sons. They currently live in the Galician city of A Coruña.
Apart from writing fiction, he also works as a ghost writer and journalist. He has written for the Washington Post, Slate.com, Penthouse, Departures Magazine and The Big Issue, and he is currently a feature writer for the award-winning food magazine Spain Gourmetour.
***
John's first published work, a novella, won the Paris Review's Discovery (Plimpton) Prize in 2002. He went on to publish a collection of novellas, EATING MAMMALS, the novel INTOXICATED, set in the late nineteenth century, and EVERYTHING BUT THE SQUEAL, a food-travelogue about Spain. He then published the off-beat noir novel WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO JERRY PICCO?, and three novels in the LS9 series, featuring amateur sleuth John Ray.
John has also worked with the conceptual artists goldin+enneby on their ACÉPHALE project, which has so far taken him to Nassau, Bergamo, Oslo and London, and into the company of Bahamian off-shore bankers, defamation layers, prize-winning artists, and Martina Navratilova. His writing for the project has been published variously in English, Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Portuguese, and has featured at numerous art shows/galleries in the UK, the US, Canada, Brazil, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The novel HEADLESS, based on the project, was release in 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 13, 2022
*4.5 stars*
To all fans of police procedurals, - allow me to introduce you to Yorkshire based, DS Joe Romano. Joe Romano, meet your future readers, for I think they’re going to love you and your kickass partner DS Rita Scannon-Aktar as much as I did!
When DS Joe Romano met immigrant Ana Dobrescu, after her friend Stefan was badly beaten, she was very anxious, clearly had something on her mind. She wanted to help Joe with his inquiry and they arranged to meet later, but first she had something important she had to do, things to put in place, and promised Joe that she would furnish him with lots of information into some major criminal activity, something really big. The next time they met, she was dead.
Joe is determined to catch Ana’s killer, and also discover what it was that she wanted to tell him - it must have been something really big if she had to be silenced.
Joe’s not perfect, (not surprisingly, it seems all detectives come with a host of personal problems nowadays). He has a tendency to follow his instincts, not orders, and has a stubborn disdain for authority, he’s the awkward one, the one that doesn’t quite fit anywhere.
However, he’s a great character who, together with DS Rita Scannon-Aktar , (an immense and amusing personality), and combined with a compelling storyline that takes us into the grim world of modern slavery and grooming, it makes for a terrific read! This is book2# in the series, and although I hadn’t read the previous book, it read really well as a stand-alone.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
To all fans of police procedurals, - allow me to introduce you to Yorkshire based, DS Joe Romano. Joe Romano, meet your future readers, for I think they’re going to love you and your kickass partner DS Rita Scannon-Aktar as much as I did!
When DS Joe Romano met immigrant Ana Dobrescu, after her friend Stefan was badly beaten, she was very anxious, clearly had something on her mind. She wanted to help Joe with his inquiry and they arranged to meet later, but first she had something important she had to do, things to put in place, and promised Joe that she would furnish him with lots of information into some major criminal activity, something really big. The next time they met, she was dead.
Joe is determined to catch Ana’s killer, and also discover what it was that she wanted to tell him - it must have been something really big if she had to be silenced.
Joe’s not perfect, (not surprisingly, it seems all detectives come with a host of personal problems nowadays). He has a tendency to follow his instincts, not orders, and has a stubborn disdain for authority, he’s the awkward one, the one that doesn’t quite fit anywhere.
However, he’s a great character who, together with DS Rita Scannon-Aktar , (an immense and amusing personality), and combined with a compelling storyline that takes us into the grim world of modern slavery and grooming, it makes for a terrific read! This is book2# in the series, and although I hadn’t read the previous book, it read really well as a stand-alone.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
February 21, 2022
4.5 rounded up
DS Joe Romano #2
Off duty and on leave, DS Joe Romano witnesses a horrifying and brutal attack on Stefan at a pub in Batley. He urges ‘no police’ in broken English but asks that Ana Dobrescu be contacted. Stefan is Romanian and illegal and Joe does as he asks and tracks down Ana. Joe walks (or is that marches?) into a very dangerous mystery that starts with Ana and broadens into something he couldn’t have predicted taking the police team into uncharted waters.
This is definitely what you could describe as gritty Yorkshire noir with some very good atmospheric descriptions of the West Yorkshire locations. The plot is complex with very good connections in a well thought out, fast paced plot. It encompasses a whole raft of things from xenophobia and racism and human trafficking so it’s inevitably got very dark overtones. There is plenty of suspense and tension (some between the higher ups and Joe!) There are multiple well thought out twists which keep you gripped.
However, John Barlow gives us plenty of opportunities for relief from the bleakness that is unveiled within some elements of ‘humanity’. There is plenty of humour and some great banter usually when Rita (Hridi) Scannon (-Akrar) is around. I’ll leave future readers to discover the joys of the fabulous Rita for themselves, what an unforgettable character the author has created. That’s true of Joe too, he is so likeable despite his seriousness and complexity combined with his lack of love of authority. You’d want Joe in your corner that’s for certain and he’s a pretty good dad too as well a true friend to DCI Andy Mills and Rita.
The plot builds extremely well, the conclusion to the inquiry is exciting and almost Hollywood worthy with an ending that leads to a tear in my eye. It’s a great mix of dramatic with the topical that should concern us all combined with some poignancy and some personal issues with Joe at the centre. If you like characters like John Rebus then you like Joe and this series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for that much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
DS Joe Romano #2
Off duty and on leave, DS Joe Romano witnesses a horrifying and brutal attack on Stefan at a pub in Batley. He urges ‘no police’ in broken English but asks that Ana Dobrescu be contacted. Stefan is Romanian and illegal and Joe does as he asks and tracks down Ana. Joe walks (or is that marches?) into a very dangerous mystery that starts with Ana and broadens into something he couldn’t have predicted taking the police team into uncharted waters.
This is definitely what you could describe as gritty Yorkshire noir with some very good atmospheric descriptions of the West Yorkshire locations. The plot is complex with very good connections in a well thought out, fast paced plot. It encompasses a whole raft of things from xenophobia and racism and human trafficking so it’s inevitably got very dark overtones. There is plenty of suspense and tension (some between the higher ups and Joe!) There are multiple well thought out twists which keep you gripped.
However, John Barlow gives us plenty of opportunities for relief from the bleakness that is unveiled within some elements of ‘humanity’. There is plenty of humour and some great banter usually when Rita (Hridi) Scannon (-Akrar) is around. I’ll leave future readers to discover the joys of the fabulous Rita for themselves, what an unforgettable character the author has created. That’s true of Joe too, he is so likeable despite his seriousness and complexity combined with his lack of love of authority. You’d want Joe in your corner that’s for certain and he’s a pretty good dad too as well a true friend to DCI Andy Mills and Rita.
The plot builds extremely well, the conclusion to the inquiry is exciting and almost Hollywood worthy with an ending that leads to a tear in my eye. It’s a great mix of dramatic with the topical that should concern us all combined with some poignancy and some personal issues with Joe at the centre. If you like characters like John Rebus then you like Joe and this series.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for that much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
May 22, 2022
Human trafficking, modern day slavery and murder. A really good crime thriller which kept me reading late into the night. Plenty of tension and heart stopping moments. A new author for me and I will definitely be searching out more of his work.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 3, 2022
Well, the Joe Romano series is shaping up to be a bit of a 'must read' for me. To The Grave is the 2nd in the series and it really is a great read. The character development form book 1 is brillinat. I really fel that I know this little team of characters now and firmly root for them.
Romano, the main character, is particularly appealing. His moral comass, his backstory and his dedication to the victims alongside his all too human failings make him believable, likeable and compelling. By drawing on Romanos own experiences as a third generation Sicilian migrant, Barlow imbues this book with many parallels which resonate so well with today's society.
With themes of Modern Day Slavery, grooming gangs and more, To The Grave, is hard hitting, yet touches of humour lighten the narrative to make it both illuminating and enjoyable.
Fast paced and relevant, with diverse characters that jump off the pages and a brilliantly illustrated Yorkshire setting, this book will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
Romano, the main character, is particularly appealing. His moral comass, his backstory and his dedication to the victims alongside his all too human failings make him believable, likeable and compelling. By drawing on Romanos own experiences as a third generation Sicilian migrant, Barlow imbues this book with many parallels which resonate so well with today's society.
With themes of Modern Day Slavery, grooming gangs and more, To The Grave, is hard hitting, yet touches of humour lighten the narrative to make it both illuminating and enjoyable.
Fast paced and relevant, with diverse characters that jump off the pages and a brilliantly illustrated Yorkshire setting, this book will keep you captivated from beginning to end.
April 9, 2022
To the grave by John Barlow.
Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery Book 2.
A curiously dated child's suitcase arrives, unannounced and unexplained, in a modern-day Washington suburb. A week later, American genealogist Jefferson Tayte is sitting in an English hotel room, staring at the wrong end of a loaded gun.
A really good read with good characters. Great story. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
Jefferson Tayte Genealogical Mystery Book 2.
A curiously dated child's suitcase arrives, unannounced and unexplained, in a modern-day Washington suburb. A week later, American genealogist Jefferson Tayte is sitting in an English hotel room, staring at the wrong end of a loaded gun.
A really good read with good characters. Great story. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
April 25, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ for an advance copy of To the Grave, the second novel to feature DS Joe Romano of the Leeds Police.
When Joe first meets Ana Dobrescu she is nervous and frightened, but promises him information, the second time he meets her she is dead and the prime suspect, her rich boyfriend, is in a coma. Joe isn’t so sure about the boyfriend’s guilt and with his partner, DS Rita Scannon-Aktar, starts investigating something that becomes much bigger than murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed To the Grave, which is an interesting police procedural with various angles and a topical subject. It is told from Romani’s point of view and covers not just the investigation, but some of his problems at home and his feelings. It is well done and the author has the balance right.
The plot hums along with various characters coming under suspicion, although they change as more information comes to light and the investigation widens in scope. It is absorbing to read and while it is not chock full of twists there are some surprises, although mostly it moves logically from point A to point B. I like the realism in that Romano and Scannon may make the discoveries but the ensuing investigation is handed off to another team. It keeps the focus on the murder investigation, until the brass and the NCA get involved. Fortunately Romano has a few tricks up his sleeve to keep the focus. The big surprise in the novel is the final action scenes, which are tense, exciting and satisfying, although probably the least realistic. Who cares, when it’s gripping stuff?
Joe Romano is an odd duck. He doesn’t fit easily into police culture and has few friends on the job. Fortunately the larger than life Rita Scannon makes up for these deficiencies. He is the loner who doesn’t have much time for rigid adherence to the rule book, working on hunches and offbeat theories. Mostly, it saves the day, but does generate friction with his bosses. I found some of his thoughts rather elliptical and had no idea what he meant, so 4 rather than 5*.
To the Grave is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Joe first meets Ana Dobrescu she is nervous and frightened, but promises him information, the second time he meets her she is dead and the prime suspect, her rich boyfriend, is in a coma. Joe isn’t so sure about the boyfriend’s guilt and with his partner, DS Rita Scannon-Aktar, starts investigating something that becomes much bigger than murder.
I thoroughly enjoyed To the Grave, which is an interesting police procedural with various angles and a topical subject. It is told from Romani’s point of view and covers not just the investigation, but some of his problems at home and his feelings. It is well done and the author has the balance right.
The plot hums along with various characters coming under suspicion, although they change as more information comes to light and the investigation widens in scope. It is absorbing to read and while it is not chock full of twists there are some surprises, although mostly it moves logically from point A to point B. I like the realism in that Romano and Scannon may make the discoveries but the ensuing investigation is handed off to another team. It keeps the focus on the murder investigation, until the brass and the NCA get involved. Fortunately Romano has a few tricks up his sleeve to keep the focus. The big surprise in the novel is the final action scenes, which are tense, exciting and satisfying, although probably the least realistic. Who cares, when it’s gripping stuff?
Joe Romano is an odd duck. He doesn’t fit easily into police culture and has few friends on the job. Fortunately the larger than life Rita Scannon makes up for these deficiencies. He is the loner who doesn’t have much time for rigid adherence to the rule book, working on hunches and offbeat theories. Mostly, it saves the day, but does generate friction with his bosses. I found some of his thoughts rather elliptical and had no idea what he meant, so 4 rather than 5*.
To the Grave is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 25, 2022
The return of DS Joe Romano in this second book in the series sees him witnessing a vicious attack on a man outside a notoriously rough pub, he helps, and the man survives. Joe knows Stefan needs help, and when he meets Ana, he knows that he will help them both. Set in Leeds, this is a dark contemporary thriller exploring the darker side of humanity in a complex plot. DS Joe Romano's family's experiences make him sensitive to the plight of immigrant workers and the victims of people trafficking. Disturbing themes contrast with lighter moments in the investigating team's lives. They have a believable dynamic, and all are vibrant characters.
The ending is impactful and completes this addictive read perfectly.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
The ending is impactful and completes this addictive read perfectly.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 26, 2022
Ooh, I think I’ve found my new favourite detectives. DS Joe Romano paired up with DS Rita Scannon. What a team! This is the first novel I’ve read by John Barlow and I thoroughly enjoyed it, partly because I’m a Yorkshire lass who lives where all the action is. To the Grave is an excellent police procedural that covers some difficult subjects. It’s so true to life and feels as if it’s been written by a real detective. I loved it so much that I have just bought the first in the series, Right to Kill. I need to know much more about Joe and Rita! A brilliant well-written read, with hopefully more to come. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
May 2, 2022
This is a well written police procedural featuring the very interesting DS Joe Romano. Joe gets caught up in a fight between two men outside a pub and this quickly leads to murders and human trafficking and slavery. I like the character of Joe, he is determined and compassionate, along with Rita, who is a very humorous personality. The plot pulled me in from the start and I would recommend the read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
May 14, 2022
4/5 Very Good
This is an excellent follow to the first book in the series that brings back DS Joe Romano and his effervescent partner Rita.
Set in Leeds, this story which is deep in human trafficking and money is excellently done and really held my attention throughout. Sharply paced and plotted perfectly, John Barlow has an easy reading style and has created a detective I want to read more and more of.
Slick, enjoyable and very good crime writing,
This is an excellent follow to the first book in the series that brings back DS Joe Romano and his effervescent partner Rita.
Set in Leeds, this story which is deep in human trafficking and money is excellently done and really held my attention throughout. Sharply paced and plotted perfectly, John Barlow has an easy reading style and has created a detective I want to read more and more of.
Slick, enjoyable and very good crime writing,
May 25, 2022
I think it is the gritty realism that makes this book so extraordinarily good. Everything about it is authentic and topical. Joe Romano is a deeply interesting character. The West Yorkshire setting (an area I know well) is evocatively drawn with its beauty invaded by violence and murder. This is crime thriller writing of the highest order.
July 16, 2022
Another gritty and gripping police procedural and a good addition to this series.
It's quite dark, twisty, and well plotted. Roman and Rita are two fleshed out and well developed characters.
I liked how the author dealt with topics like human trafficking.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's quite dark, twisty, and well plotted. Roman and Rita are two fleshed out and well developed characters.
I liked how the author dealt with topics like human trafficking.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 12, 2022
The second instalment in this absorbing Yorkshire-based police procedural series. DS Joe Romano's career is nothing but interesting. While off-duty Joe comes to rescue of a Romanian man being attacked outside a pub. This leads Joe to uncovering a human trafficking ring. But the stakes rise when a woman is killed. A vivid and fascinating read.
July 31, 2025
I found the writing style hard to flow and therefore the book didnt "flow" for me.
The middle section of the story line in the book drags a bit and you'll probably have guessed who and why long before the end.
The middle section of the story line in the book drags a bit and you'll probably have guessed who and why long before the end.
September 22, 2022
Joe Romano is brilliant, looking forward to more of him. Preferred the first book to this one but still a great read.
April 20, 2023
Average read
June 27, 2023
4 Skemmtilega mannlegar persónur. Fannst þó endirinn eitthvað ruglandi.
December 30, 2023
Enjoyed the first, enjoyed the second. I’ll wait impatiently for the third. 🤞
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews