What do you think?
Rate this book
DS Jo Howe #2
Force of Hate
When a night-time firebomb attack at a Brighton travellers' site kills women and children, Chief Superintendent Jo Howe has strong reason to believe the new, dubiously elected, neo-nazi council leader is behind the murders. Against the direct orders of her chief constable, Jo digs deep into the killings secretly briefing the senior investigating officer of her suspicions.
As she delves further, Jo uncovers an underworld of human trafficking, slavery and euthanasia all leading to a devastating plot which threatens thousands of lives and from which the murderous politician looks sure to walk scott-free. Having narrowly survived a plot to kill her, where another was not so lucky, she realises that only by facing near-certain death once more can she thwart this terrorist outrage.
As she delves further, Jo uncovers an underworld of human trafficking, slavery and euthanasia all leading to a devastating plot which threatens thousands of lives and from which the murderous politician looks sure to walk scott-free. Having narrowly survived a plot to kill her, where another was not so lucky, she realises that only by facing near-certain death once more can she thwart this terrorist outrage.
- GenresThriller
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2023
10 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Graham Bartlett
5 books62 followersI am a best-selling author and crime and police procedural advisor to fiction and TV writers.
I was a police officer for thirty years and mainly policed the city of Brighton and Hove, rising to become a Chief Superintendent and its police commander. I started writing when I left the police in 2013 and, almost by accident, became a police procedural and crime advisor, helping scores of authors and TV writers (including Peter James, Mark Billingham, Elly Griffiths, Anthony Horowitz, Ruth Ware, Claire McGowan and Dorothy Koomson) achieve authenticity in their drama.
I run online crime writing workshops and courses with the Professional Writing Academy and deliver inputs to Masters programmes at the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia as well as at the Crime Writing Certificate programme at West Dean College.
I live in Sussex with my wife Julie and, variously, my 24yr old triplets!
My debut crime novel, Bad for Good is now on pre-sale on Amazon. It asks the question:
How far would you go?
"The murder of a promising footballer and, crucially, the son of the Brighton's Chief Superintendent, means Detective Superintendent Jo Howe has a complicated and sensitive case on her hands. The situation becomes yet more desperate following devastating blackmail threats.
Howe can trust no one as she tracks the brutal killer in a city balanced on a knife edge of vigilante action and a police force riven with corruption."
The next chapter in the Jo Howe series is published in 2023
Aside from my new fiction career, I have two non fictions to my name, both co-written with 2015 Crime Writer’s Association Diamond Dagger Award winner, Peter James.
The first, a Sunday Times bestseller, "Death Comes Knocking. Policing Roy Grace's Brighton," is an account of what it is like to police one of the UK’s most cosmopolitan cities, Brighton and Hove. With real stories, drawn from my 30 year career we link the events, incidents and investigations I describe into the fictional world created by Peter in his Roy Grace novels.
The second, "Babes in the Wood," is described as a gripping police procedural with an insight into the motivations of a truly evil man, in what became a thirty-two-year fight for justice.
"On 9 October 1986, nine-year-olds Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway went out to play on their Brighton estate. They would never return home; their bodies discovered the next day concealed in a local park. This devastating crime rocked the country.
With unique access to the officers charged with catching the killer, former senior detective Graham Bartlett and bestselling author Peter James tell the compelling inside story of the investigation as the net tightens around local man Russell Bishop. The trial that follows is one of the most infamous in the history of Brighton policing – a shock result sees Bishop walk free.
Three years later, Graham is working in Brighton CID when a seven-year-old girl is abducted and left to die. She survives . . . and Bishop’s name comes up as a suspect. Is history repeating itself? Can the police put him away this time, and will he ever be made to answer for his past horrendous crimes?"
I was a police officer for thirty years and mainly policed the city of Brighton and Hove, rising to become a Chief Superintendent and its police commander. I started writing when I left the police in 2013 and, almost by accident, became a police procedural and crime advisor, helping scores of authors and TV writers (including Peter James, Mark Billingham, Elly Griffiths, Anthony Horowitz, Ruth Ware, Claire McGowan and Dorothy Koomson) achieve authenticity in their drama.
I run online crime writing workshops and courses with the Professional Writing Academy and deliver inputs to Masters programmes at the University of Cambridge and the University of East Anglia as well as at the Crime Writing Certificate programme at West Dean College.
I live in Sussex with my wife Julie and, variously, my 24yr old triplets!
My debut crime novel, Bad for Good is now on pre-sale on Amazon. It asks the question:
How far would you go?
"The murder of a promising footballer and, crucially, the son of the Brighton's Chief Superintendent, means Detective Superintendent Jo Howe has a complicated and sensitive case on her hands. The situation becomes yet more desperate following devastating blackmail threats.
Howe can trust no one as she tracks the brutal killer in a city balanced on a knife edge of vigilante action and a police force riven with corruption."
The next chapter in the Jo Howe series is published in 2023
Aside from my new fiction career, I have two non fictions to my name, both co-written with 2015 Crime Writer’s Association Diamond Dagger Award winner, Peter James.
The first, a Sunday Times bestseller, "Death Comes Knocking. Policing Roy Grace's Brighton," is an account of what it is like to police one of the UK’s most cosmopolitan cities, Brighton and Hove. With real stories, drawn from my 30 year career we link the events, incidents and investigations I describe into the fictional world created by Peter in his Roy Grace novels.
The second, "Babes in the Wood," is described as a gripping police procedural with an insight into the motivations of a truly evil man, in what became a thirty-two-year fight for justice.
"On 9 October 1986, nine-year-olds Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway went out to play on their Brighton estate. They would never return home; their bodies discovered the next day concealed in a local park. This devastating crime rocked the country.
With unique access to the officers charged with catching the killer, former senior detective Graham Bartlett and bestselling author Peter James tell the compelling inside story of the investigation as the net tightens around local man Russell Bishop. The trial that follows is one of the most infamous in the history of Brighton policing – a shock result sees Bishop walk free.
Three years later, Graham is working in Brighton CID when a seven-year-old girl is abducted and left to die. She survives . . . and Bishop’s name comes up as a suspect. Is history repeating itself? Can the police put him away this time, and will he ever be made to answer for his past horrendous crimes?"
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 25, 2023
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
Force of Hate is the second instalment in the Chief Superintendent Jo Howe series and a fantastic follow-up. I thoroughly enjoyed Bad for Good (the first), but Force of Hate definitely has the edge and ticks all the boxes for me.
This excellent crime thriller/police procedural can easily be read as a standalone, although I do think it probably reads better knowing a little about some of the characters’ backstories.
The well-written, well-plotted, gritty storyline is interesting and secured my attention from the off; I flew through the tension-filled chapters in no time. The subjects covered are extremely topical, especially in the current climate, and some things mentioned are sadly all too believable.
The characterisation is superb, with fully fleshed-out characters — Chief Inspector Jo Howe is a likeable, strong, feisty female lead character, and the natural dialogue and banter between her and her team always feels authentic and believable.
A fabulous page-turner and one of the best police procedurals I’ve ever read. Can’t wait for the next one!
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Force of Hate is the second instalment in the Chief Superintendent Jo Howe series and a fantastic follow-up. I thoroughly enjoyed Bad for Good (the first), but Force of Hate definitely has the edge and ticks all the boxes for me.
This excellent crime thriller/police procedural can easily be read as a standalone, although I do think it probably reads better knowing a little about some of the characters’ backstories.
The well-written, well-plotted, gritty storyline is interesting and secured my attention from the off; I flew through the tension-filled chapters in no time. The subjects covered are extremely topical, especially in the current climate, and some things mentioned are sadly all too believable.
The characterisation is superb, with fully fleshed-out characters — Chief Inspector Jo Howe is a likeable, strong, feisty female lead character, and the natural dialogue and banter between her and her team always feels authentic and believable.
A fabulous page-turner and one of the best police procedurals I’ve ever read. Can’t wait for the next one!
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
February 5, 2023
My, oh my, oh my. Where do I even begin? Well, I guess i can start with the obvious - just buy this book. You know it makes sense. And while you're at it, if you haven't already, buy and read book one as I promise you will enjoy them both. I'm not sure that either does anything to help with any campaigns that Brighton Tourist Board may be running to attract visitors, but I've been assured that this book is just fiction and the streets are much safer and the people much friendlier than you might think after reading this book. Graham Bartlett draws forth a much darker and seedier side to Brighton than reputation may suggest. And I'm sure that there are some nefarious goings on in town, but hopefully not as twisted, hateful or dramatic as this. Just the kind of book that is right up my street, obviously.
If you have read book one, Bad For Good, and thought that the author couldn't be any harder on his protagonist, Chief Superintendent Jo Howe- think again. There are very senior, very serious, forces working against her once again, but this time it turns personal. There is a new council in town, a group of pro-Brexit, anti-immigration, 'Make Britain Great' again bunch of, quite frankly, nutters, and they are stoking up all the hatred and prejudice that Brighton has been hiding. Drawing upon some of the strongest and most heinous of attitudes and hatred that has started to show it's face in recent years, all behaviours that have been emboldened by Brexit and, dare I suggest, the more right-wing attitudes of some of our present government, Graham Bartlett takes readers into a dark world, where hate speech is starting to become the norm and any one not of 'normal' behaviour (i.e. white, preferably male, English born ... you know the drill) is fair game for violence and intimidation.
With attempts to oust the local traveller community, attacks on mosques and a plan to ban Pride (in Brighton! I know!) There is another story which flows through the heart of the book, drawing on the subject of forced labour, both of a sexual and non-sexual nature. There is another story which flows through the heart of the book, drawing on the subject of forced labour, both of a sexual and non-sexual nature. You can see pretty quickly where the book is heading, and it's not a pretty or comfortable place to be. None of the violence is necessarily gratuitous in nature - that is kept mercifully off the page, but we are left in no doubt as to what has occurred, and the impact is very powerful. That mixture of sympathy and sadness, matched by the sense of hate loathing that I developed for the antagonists in this book.
I really like Jo Howe as a character. In the face of overwhelming corruption and pressure from those in charge to look the other way or to make less of an effort just because a victim may be Muslim, an immigrant or a traveller, she stands strong, refusing to be intimidated and working always for justice and the fate of the victims in this story. It takes quite a personal toll on her this time around, the costs of her defiance threefold - physical, emotional and potentially career ending. She has some great support around her - Bob Heaton and Gary Hedges being two people I really have grown to like. They are very different in personality, but you do feel that both are on the side of good, even if Gary isn't quite as adept at the politics game as an officer of his rank perhaps should be. Bob is superb, and a perfect ally for Jo, but as a team, the three of them make this book really enjoyable, especially if you think they are going to triumph over the bad guys. Wouldn't be the first time after all.
Force of Hate is a very timely and topical novel, with a scary edge of plausibility which makes you stop and think. The pacing is top notch, keeping tension and action balanced against the need to tell the victims, and Officer's, stories in a meaningful way. The author's own experience no doubt helped in keeping that sense of authenticity, whilst knowing that the odd regulation needs to be cast aside in order to aid the dramatic premise of the story. I'm hoping that the lions share of this book comes from his imagination, although I'm also sure that over the course of his career he has met more than the odd character from whom he was able to draw inspiration. Then again, in the world of hate we seem to be living in, you don't have to scroll far down social media to see this people do exist. As I said before - scarily plausible.
I ate this book up in a single day, completely engrossed in the story, the tension and the fates of the characters, especially Jo and one of the immigrants, Ajee. And as for that ending. High tension, pulse pounding final chapters ending with a scene that made me both smile and sad. I can only wonder what Graham Bartlett is going to treat us to next. Definitely recommended.
If you have read book one, Bad For Good, and thought that the author couldn't be any harder on his protagonist, Chief Superintendent Jo Howe- think again. There are very senior, very serious, forces working against her once again, but this time it turns personal. There is a new council in town, a group of pro-Brexit, anti-immigration, 'Make Britain Great' again bunch of, quite frankly, nutters, and they are stoking up all the hatred and prejudice that Brighton has been hiding. Drawing upon some of the strongest and most heinous of attitudes and hatred that has started to show it's face in recent years, all behaviours that have been emboldened by Brexit and, dare I suggest, the more right-wing attitudes of some of our present government, Graham Bartlett takes readers into a dark world, where hate speech is starting to become the norm and any one not of 'normal' behaviour (i.e. white, preferably male, English born ... you know the drill) is fair game for violence and intimidation.
With attempts to oust the local traveller community, attacks on mosques and a plan to ban Pride (in Brighton! I know!) There is another story which flows through the heart of the book, drawing on the subject of forced labour, both of a sexual and non-sexual nature. There is another story which flows through the heart of the book, drawing on the subject of forced labour, both of a sexual and non-sexual nature. You can see pretty quickly where the book is heading, and it's not a pretty or comfortable place to be. None of the violence is necessarily gratuitous in nature - that is kept mercifully off the page, but we are left in no doubt as to what has occurred, and the impact is very powerful. That mixture of sympathy and sadness, matched by the sense of hate loathing that I developed for the antagonists in this book.
I really like Jo Howe as a character. In the face of overwhelming corruption and pressure from those in charge to look the other way or to make less of an effort just because a victim may be Muslim, an immigrant or a traveller, she stands strong, refusing to be intimidated and working always for justice and the fate of the victims in this story. It takes quite a personal toll on her this time around, the costs of her defiance threefold - physical, emotional and potentially career ending. She has some great support around her - Bob Heaton and Gary Hedges being two people I really have grown to like. They are very different in personality, but you do feel that both are on the side of good, even if Gary isn't quite as adept at the politics game as an officer of his rank perhaps should be. Bob is superb, and a perfect ally for Jo, but as a team, the three of them make this book really enjoyable, especially if you think they are going to triumph over the bad guys. Wouldn't be the first time after all.
Force of Hate is a very timely and topical novel, with a scary edge of plausibility which makes you stop and think. The pacing is top notch, keeping tension and action balanced against the need to tell the victims, and Officer's, stories in a meaningful way. The author's own experience no doubt helped in keeping that sense of authenticity, whilst knowing that the odd regulation needs to be cast aside in order to aid the dramatic premise of the story. I'm hoping that the lions share of this book comes from his imagination, although I'm also sure that over the course of his career he has met more than the odd character from whom he was able to draw inspiration. Then again, in the world of hate we seem to be living in, you don't have to scroll far down social media to see this people do exist. As I said before - scarily plausible.
I ate this book up in a single day, completely engrossed in the story, the tension and the fates of the characters, especially Jo and one of the immigrants, Ajee. And as for that ending. High tension, pulse pounding final chapters ending with a scene that made me both smile and sad. I can only wonder what Graham Bartlett is going to treat us to next. Definitely recommended.
March 23, 2023
Having read the first in this series, I was certainly not going to miss the second!
Chief Superintendent Jo Howe is exceptionally good at her job and is used to working hand in glove with the local council. However, since the most recent election that has been in the hands of a group regarded as neo-nazis and when a firebomb attack at the local travellers site results in injuries and death, Jo is certain that's who is behind it all. But knowing and proving are not the same thing. As more crimes are revealed, it becomes apparent that it's possible those in charge of the council are behind a lot more than she first thought and as she strives to prove it, more forces are working against her. Can Jo get the better of them - and what will it cost her?
Wow, what a read! The whole situation is terrifying - especially as it's not beyond the bounds of reality and I was well aware of this as I worked my way through this book. This is an author who knows what he writes about - and it shows. Politics and policing are linked, there's no getting away from that and this shows how carefully we should all use our vote. I couldn't see how the main character was going to get out of this one; the story is incredibly well-plotted and beautifully written. It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat and, later, awake way beyond the time I should have been asleep - I just couldn't put it down. Absolutely terrific and an easy five shining stars plus my very highest recommendation to all lovers of a great thriller!
Chief Superintendent Jo Howe is exceptionally good at her job and is used to working hand in glove with the local council. However, since the most recent election that has been in the hands of a group regarded as neo-nazis and when a firebomb attack at the local travellers site results in injuries and death, Jo is certain that's who is behind it all. But knowing and proving are not the same thing. As more crimes are revealed, it becomes apparent that it's possible those in charge of the council are behind a lot more than she first thought and as she strives to prove it, more forces are working against her. Can Jo get the better of them - and what will it cost her?
Wow, what a read! The whole situation is terrifying - especially as it's not beyond the bounds of reality and I was well aware of this as I worked my way through this book. This is an author who knows what he writes about - and it shows. Politics and policing are linked, there's no getting away from that and this shows how carefully we should all use our vote. I couldn't see how the main character was going to get out of this one; the story is incredibly well-plotted and beautifully written. It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat and, later, awake way beyond the time I should have been asleep - I just couldn't put it down. Absolutely terrific and an easy five shining stars plus my very highest recommendation to all lovers of a great thriller!
February 22, 2023
I made no secret of the fact I loved Bad for Good, and it ended up in my joint top 3 books of 2022.
I was expecting good things from book 2, but I wasn't expecting this. It's far exceeded everything.
Force of Hate sees Jo Howe pick up her new job after the events of book 1. It also follows the story of Ajee, a young woman fleeing Syria and trafficked into the UK.
She is forced into a care home where residents seem to have mysterious Do Not Resuscitate orders slapped on them and die soon after. Its the investigation into this that sets the whole ball rolling. It's impossible to describe the plot, except to say its intricate, clever, full on and incredibly thought out and executed.
I genuinely hated Tom Doughty, Russ Parfitt and Peggy Squire, so much so I wanted to reach into the pages and do bad things to them.
Bob was a great calm antidote to Jo's crazy must act now and think later attitude.
There are some jaw dropping shocks along the way.
I can't praise this highly enough. This is about as perfectly written a crime/police procedural as you can get. Graham has lost the excess characters and instead created a tense thriller that you genuinely can't put down. Very excited for book 3.
I was expecting good things from book 2, but I wasn't expecting this. It's far exceeded everything.
Force of Hate sees Jo Howe pick up her new job after the events of book 1. It also follows the story of Ajee, a young woman fleeing Syria and trafficked into the UK.
She is forced into a care home where residents seem to have mysterious Do Not Resuscitate orders slapped on them and die soon after. Its the investigation into this that sets the whole ball rolling. It's impossible to describe the plot, except to say its intricate, clever, full on and incredibly thought out and executed.
I genuinely hated Tom Doughty, Russ Parfitt and Peggy Squire, so much so I wanted to reach into the pages and do bad things to them.
Bob was a great calm antidote to Jo's crazy must act now and think later attitude.
There are some jaw dropping shocks along the way.
I can't praise this highly enough. This is about as perfectly written a crime/police procedural as you can get. Graham has lost the excess characters and instead created a tense thriller that you genuinely can't put down. Very excited for book 3.
April 10, 2023
Another awesome book by Graham Bartlett. I love his style of writing and the way he tackles current issues in his stories.
In this book, we have some more very corrupt politicians and policemen who think they are above the law and who are trying to reinstate a Nazi-like city.
Joe is up against it with everyone trying to sidetrack her and in the end, trying to get rid of her. But she's like a bulldog who won't let go and who is serious about figuring out what is going on from the killing of four Gypsies and a politician to care homes where people are dying under mysterious circumstances.
Are these things linked and who is the head of the fish? Will she get to the truth and at what cost?
Another brilliant read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
In this book, we have some more very corrupt politicians and policemen who think they are above the law and who are trying to reinstate a Nazi-like city.
Joe is up against it with everyone trying to sidetrack her and in the end, trying to get rid of her. But she's like a bulldog who won't let go and who is serious about figuring out what is going on from the killing of four Gypsies and a politician to care homes where people are dying under mysterious circumstances.
Are these things linked and who is the head of the fish? Will she get to the truth and at what cost?
Another brilliant read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
January 20, 2024
Wow what a read, the first book was exciting but this one was gripping. Definitely worth a read.
June 24, 2023
Well, what can I say about Force Of Hate apart from Wow! This is Graham Bartlett’s second book in the Jo Howe series, and it was sensational.
The storyline is frankly so realistic, being set in Brighton with a newly elected Council Leader who has extreme far-right tendencies, and CS Jo Howe being in his headlights and therefore in grave danger! I found Force Of Hate chilling in its realism and was utterly gripped by the plot from the opening chapter. Force of Hate is not for the faint-hearted, it is a hard-hitting police procedural, that will make you uncomfortable and unsettled, by the skilful way Grahm has written it.
It does follow on from book one, Bad For Good so I would advise reading that first if you haven’t already. The cast of characters is utterly real and so clearly written, Grahgam’s skill at making his cast jump off the page and make you FEEL something is second to none, and this along with the frankly frightening plot, made Force of Hate an instant 5-star read, that’s gripping, a page turner and sublime. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for book 3!
I waited so long for Force Of Hate to arrive but I’m so pleased I have my Goldsboro Books signed limited edition to go with Bad For Good.
The storyline is frankly so realistic, being set in Brighton with a newly elected Council Leader who has extreme far-right tendencies, and CS Jo Howe being in his headlights and therefore in grave danger! I found Force Of Hate chilling in its realism and was utterly gripped by the plot from the opening chapter. Force of Hate is not for the faint-hearted, it is a hard-hitting police procedural, that will make you uncomfortable and unsettled, by the skilful way Grahm has written it.
It does follow on from book one, Bad For Good so I would advise reading that first if you haven’t already. The cast of characters is utterly real and so clearly written, Grahgam’s skill at making his cast jump off the page and make you FEEL something is second to none, and this along with the frankly frightening plot, made Force of Hate an instant 5-star read, that’s gripping, a page turner and sublime. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for book 3!
I waited so long for Force Of Hate to arrive but I’m so pleased I have my Goldsboro Books signed limited edition to go with Bad For Good.
April 7, 2023
The story starts with Ajee, who is fleeing the war in Syria. On her arrival in England, she quickly brings her survival instincts to the fore as the lorry they are travelling in is stopped, but she manages to escape. From this point onwards she must live of her wits and the goodwill of others.
Following this there is a fire bomb attack at a travellers camp with devastating effect. Two adults and two children are killed as a result and there are two further deaths as the attackers make their getaway. Such deaths may not have been expected but it is clearly an orchestrated attack, one designed to send a clear message.
Chief Superintendent Jo Howe is battling on many fronts. She is still processing the fall-out from the previous major case (in Bad for Good) and a misjudged affair. Her professional relationship with the Chief Constable Stuart Acers is strained as he seems too busy trying to please the local council. Jo must work with the Council Leader Tom Doughty and Chief Executive Russ Parfitt but they show her no respect and delight in making her position uncomfortable. They represent the far right British Patriot Party (BPP) and are busy setting their own agenda which includes undermining the position of the police in areas where they can’t exercise control.
The paths of Ajee and Jo cross by accident as they both play prominent roles within the plot before their paths cross once again towards the finale. The plot itself is the execution of a dastardly master plan by the BPP, aimed at disrupting social harmony and setting citizens against each other and particularly those who are incomers or in some way different. Certainly audacious, but also credible enough to have me wondering if such plans have been contemplated and thwarted by the authorities.
There is plenty happening throughout, and the action moves along at a fair pace to accommodate this. The style builds up a sense of urgency in the latter third through chapters shortening and narratives switching leading up to a breathless final set-piece. It is here the tables are turned and Jo asserts control over Doughty.
As a lead character Jo is both interesting and engaging, she has flaws, but no more than any other normal person. She possesses steely determination, is loyal to her colleagues and sensitive to the public. She is also pragmatic, not everything can be done by the rule book, but that doesn’t mean the rule book should be ripped up. Whilst her railing against her superior and facing suspension is a familiar trope in police procedurals, it is crucial to the plot and dealt with really well here.
The one aspect throughout is the authentic feel to the writing and a quick check of the author’s biography demonstrates why this is the case.
The supporting characters were excellently portrayed. There’s the hopes and fears of Ajee and a real feeling of jeopardy for her part. Doughty and Parfitt are textbook villainous bullies, obnoxious and nasty, brave in control but weak in isolation and Acer is a pathetic man who has risen too high and is determined to protect himself at all costs. In Bob and Gary, Jo has 100% reliable officers in support, which the author adroitly uses to build structure to the investigation whilst Jo is being Mrs Maverick, the sort you hope to come across if ever you need a police officer.
The interactions between the officers are perfectly judged if a little sanitised but for me the standout is the interviews, never overplayed but convincing, clearly written by someone with first-hand experience. Covering serious themes means light-hearted moments are few, though Jo’s frustration at the council when one of their officers tries to make her life difficult was a standout bit of schadenfreude.
Following this there is a fire bomb attack at a travellers camp with devastating effect. Two adults and two children are killed as a result and there are two further deaths as the attackers make their getaway. Such deaths may not have been expected but it is clearly an orchestrated attack, one designed to send a clear message.
Chief Superintendent Jo Howe is battling on many fronts. She is still processing the fall-out from the previous major case (in Bad for Good) and a misjudged affair. Her professional relationship with the Chief Constable Stuart Acers is strained as he seems too busy trying to please the local council. Jo must work with the Council Leader Tom Doughty and Chief Executive Russ Parfitt but they show her no respect and delight in making her position uncomfortable. They represent the far right British Patriot Party (BPP) and are busy setting their own agenda which includes undermining the position of the police in areas where they can’t exercise control.
The paths of Ajee and Jo cross by accident as they both play prominent roles within the plot before their paths cross once again towards the finale. The plot itself is the execution of a dastardly master plan by the BPP, aimed at disrupting social harmony and setting citizens against each other and particularly those who are incomers or in some way different. Certainly audacious, but also credible enough to have me wondering if such plans have been contemplated and thwarted by the authorities.
There is plenty happening throughout, and the action moves along at a fair pace to accommodate this. The style builds up a sense of urgency in the latter third through chapters shortening and narratives switching leading up to a breathless final set-piece. It is here the tables are turned and Jo asserts control over Doughty.
As a lead character Jo is both interesting and engaging, she has flaws, but no more than any other normal person. She possesses steely determination, is loyal to her colleagues and sensitive to the public. She is also pragmatic, not everything can be done by the rule book, but that doesn’t mean the rule book should be ripped up. Whilst her railing against her superior and facing suspension is a familiar trope in police procedurals, it is crucial to the plot and dealt with really well here.
The one aspect throughout is the authentic feel to the writing and a quick check of the author’s biography demonstrates why this is the case.
The supporting characters were excellently portrayed. There’s the hopes and fears of Ajee and a real feeling of jeopardy for her part. Doughty and Parfitt are textbook villainous bullies, obnoxious and nasty, brave in control but weak in isolation and Acer is a pathetic man who has risen too high and is determined to protect himself at all costs. In Bob and Gary, Jo has 100% reliable officers in support, which the author adroitly uses to build structure to the investigation whilst Jo is being Mrs Maverick, the sort you hope to come across if ever you need a police officer.
The interactions between the officers are perfectly judged if a little sanitised but for me the standout is the interviews, never overplayed but convincing, clearly written by someone with first-hand experience. Covering serious themes means light-hearted moments are few, though Jo’s frustration at the council when one of their officers tries to make her life difficult was a standout bit of schadenfreude.
March 27, 2023
Strong plotting and authentic detail give this thriller the edge
(Spoiler-free review) Crime thriller enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the second volume in the series featuring Chief Superintendent Jo Howe of Brighton and Hove Police. There’s a fresh and interesting plot which explores the conflicts between principled Jo, committed to her professional ethics, and her political masters – Tom Doughty, Leader of the Council and Russ Parfitt, the Council’s Chief Executive. These two men, committed members of the far-right British Patriotic Party, have manipulated their way to power and are intent on rolling out an agenda based on homophobic and xenophobic beliefs.
You might (as I did initially) find this premise rather ludicrous but after I had reflected on what is happening in politics on the other side of the Atlantic, it doesn’t seem quite so preposterous. There is a real political depth to the novel and it touches on big political issues around migration and modern slavery. This is explored through a sub-plot concerning the enslavement of young women who, as irregular migrants, are forced to work in care home and as sex-workers.
These two plot lines are skilfully brought together in the second half of the novel when the pace of events accelerates. Then the book becomes that rare thing, a genuine page-turner, as it builds to a climax in the park where the annual Pride festival is taking place.
The USP of the author is that he really has been there and done that in a career which culminated in him being the Divisional Commander of Brighton Police. There’s plenty of authentic details in the procedural elements which give the writing a real edge.
But whereas the plotting and the processes are strong, I found that often the characters are flat and two dimensional, sometimes idealised, and there were only a few times when I got clear and convincing pictures of the people being portrayed.
The writing is at its best during the fast paced action sequences but during descriptive and contextualising sequences it tends become convoluted. Often, I had to stop reading and analyse a sentence to grasp what was going on.
There is a major plot-hole in the story and that is the lack of presence of a Police and Crime Commissioner. Stuart Acers, the Chief Constable, is very much in the pocket of Doughty and Parfitt. reporting to them and doing their bidding in a way which a PCC would be (or should be) concerned about. But suspend your disbelief on this point and you will find the story really motors along.
This is a powerful novel that entertains while making you think about some of the big issues facing Britain today.
Thanks go to NetGalley who provided a pre-publication copy so that I may make an honest and unbiased review.
(Spoiler-free review) Crime thriller enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the second volume in the series featuring Chief Superintendent Jo Howe of Brighton and Hove Police. There’s a fresh and interesting plot which explores the conflicts between principled Jo, committed to her professional ethics, and her political masters – Tom Doughty, Leader of the Council and Russ Parfitt, the Council’s Chief Executive. These two men, committed members of the far-right British Patriotic Party, have manipulated their way to power and are intent on rolling out an agenda based on homophobic and xenophobic beliefs.
You might (as I did initially) find this premise rather ludicrous but after I had reflected on what is happening in politics on the other side of the Atlantic, it doesn’t seem quite so preposterous. There is a real political depth to the novel and it touches on big political issues around migration and modern slavery. This is explored through a sub-plot concerning the enslavement of young women who, as irregular migrants, are forced to work in care home and as sex-workers.
These two plot lines are skilfully brought together in the second half of the novel when the pace of events accelerates. Then the book becomes that rare thing, a genuine page-turner, as it builds to a climax in the park where the annual Pride festival is taking place.
The USP of the author is that he really has been there and done that in a career which culminated in him being the Divisional Commander of Brighton Police. There’s plenty of authentic details in the procedural elements which give the writing a real edge.
But whereas the plotting and the processes are strong, I found that often the characters are flat and two dimensional, sometimes idealised, and there were only a few times when I got clear and convincing pictures of the people being portrayed.
The writing is at its best during the fast paced action sequences but during descriptive and contextualising sequences it tends become convoluted. Often, I had to stop reading and analyse a sentence to grasp what was going on.
There is a major plot-hole in the story and that is the lack of presence of a Police and Crime Commissioner. Stuart Acers, the Chief Constable, is very much in the pocket of Doughty and Parfitt. reporting to them and doing their bidding in a way which a PCC would be (or should be) concerned about. But suspend your disbelief on this point and you will find the story really motors along.
This is a powerful novel that entertains while making you think about some of the big issues facing Britain today.
Thanks go to NetGalley who provided a pre-publication copy so that I may make an honest and unbiased review.
March 28, 2023
Strong plotting and authentic detail give this thriller the edge
(Spoiler-free review) Crime thriller enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the second volume in the series featuring Chief Superintendent Jo Howe of Brighton and Hove Police. There’s a fresh and interesting plot which explores the conflicts between principled Jo, committed to her professional ethics, and her political masters – Tom Doughty, Leader of the Council and Russ Parfitt, the Council’s Chief Executive. These two men, committed members of the far-right British Patriotic Party, have manipulated their way to power and are intent on rolling out an agenda based on homophobic and xenophobic beliefs.
You might (as I did initially) find this premise rather ludicrous but after I had reflected on what is happening in politics on the other side of the Atlantic, it doesn’t seem quite so preposterous. There is a real political depth to the novel and it touches on big political issues around migration and modern slavery. This is explored through a sub-plot concerning the enslavement of young women who, as irregular migrants, are forced to work in care home and as sex-workers.
These two plot lines are skilfully brought together in the second half of the novel when the pace of events accelerates. Then the book becomes that rare thing, a genuine page-turner, as it builds to a climax in the park where the annual Pride festival is taking place.
The USP of the author is that he really has been there and done that in a career which culminated in him being the Divisional Commander of Brighton Police. There’s plenty of authentic details in the procedural elements which give the writing a real edge.
But whereas the plotting and the processes are strong, I found that often the characters are flat and two dimensional, sometimes idealised, and there were only a few times when I got clear and convincing pictures of the people being portrayed.
The writing is at its best during the fast paced action sequences but during descriptive and contextualising sequences it tends become convoluted. Often, I had to stop reading and analyse a sentence to grasp what was going on.
There is a major plot-hole in the story and that is the lack of presence of a Police and Crime Commissioner. Stuart Acers, the Chief Constable, is very much in the pocket of Doughty and Parfitt. reporting to them and doing their bidding in a way which a PCC would be (or should be) concerned about. But suspend your disbelief on this point and you will find the story really motors along.
This is a powerful novel that entertains while making you think about some of the big issues facing Britain today.
Thanks go to NetGalley who provided a pre-publication copy so that I may make an honest and unbiased review.
(Spoiler-free review) Crime thriller enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the second volume in the series featuring Chief Superintendent Jo Howe of Brighton and Hove Police. There’s a fresh and interesting plot which explores the conflicts between principled Jo, committed to her professional ethics, and her political masters – Tom Doughty, Leader of the Council and Russ Parfitt, the Council’s Chief Executive. These two men, committed members of the far-right British Patriotic Party, have manipulated their way to power and are intent on rolling out an agenda based on homophobic and xenophobic beliefs.
You might (as I did initially) find this premise rather ludicrous but after I had reflected on what is happening in politics on the other side of the Atlantic, it doesn’t seem quite so preposterous. There is a real political depth to the novel and it touches on big political issues around migration and modern slavery. This is explored through a sub-plot concerning the enslavement of young women who, as irregular migrants, are forced to work in care home and as sex-workers.
These two plot lines are skilfully brought together in the second half of the novel when the pace of events accelerates. Then the book becomes that rare thing, a genuine page-turner, as it builds to a climax in the park where the annual Pride festival is taking place.
The USP of the author is that he really has been there and done that in a career which culminated in him being the Divisional Commander of Brighton Police. There’s plenty of authentic details in the procedural elements which give the writing a real edge.
But whereas the plotting and the processes are strong, I found that often the characters are flat and two dimensional, sometimes idealised, and there were only a few times when I got clear and convincing pictures of the people being portrayed.
The writing is at its best during the fast paced action sequences but during descriptive and contextualising sequences it tends become convoluted. Often, I had to stop reading and analyse a sentence to grasp what was going on.
There is a major plot-hole in the story and that is the lack of presence of a Police and Crime Commissioner. Stuart Acers, the Chief Constable, is very much in the pocket of Doughty and Parfitt. reporting to them and doing their bidding in a way which a PCC would be (or should be) concerned about. But suspend your disbelief on this point and you will find the story really motors along.
This is a powerful novel that entertains while making you think about some of the big issues facing Britain today.
Thanks go to NetGalley who provided a pre-publication copy so that I may make an honest and unbiased review.
January 16, 2023
Oh wow Graham Bartlett's done it again, another outstanding police procedural! We have come back to the familiar scene of the Sussex Police Team, with Detective Superintendent Jo Howe in charge of things, and its about to get very very messy.
Having loved the first book, Bad for Good, so much, I dropped everything to read the second book as soon as I could.
In 'Force of Hate', Brighton and Hove City Council has lurched from its usual liberal political approach to something much more right wing, with both the Chief Exec and Leader of the Council members of the British Patriot Party. The BPP 's mission is to drive out any alternative lifestyles from Brighton (and more widely), starting with a horrific arson attack on a travellers' camp. Superintendent Jo Howe suspects the Leader of the Council is involved but he is covering his tracks. Throw in the fact that the Chief Constable is being blackmailed by the British Patriot Party leaders who wont let him investigate certain crimes or resource other community policing.
Alongside this, there is a storyline featuring asylum seekers from Syria. Ajee, one of them, manages to escape the lorry she's hidden in to live on the streets of Brighton, She is quickly offered work in a private care home, where it becomes clear that residents and staff alike are being ill-treated and she finds herself in an absolutely hopeless situation with no way out.
Both of these story lines escalate and develop alongside one another. I found myself racing through the pages with no idea how the stories could be resolved, desperate to see the outcome. I love Jo Howe's character, she's not afraid to challenge her bosses if she thinks they're in the wrong, she'll risk everything to achieve the right outcome.
Force of Hate is such a well plotted read and Graham Bartlett certainly knows how to wring the tension out of every situation. He has been Peter James' police advisor for a number of years and it is clear that he both knows the policing world inside out, and how to craft an edge-of-your-seat urban crime thriller. The situations that he has conjured up are scarily realistic, based on real-life situations as well as some more extreme elements.
Thank you to Allison and Busby & to Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC. A strong 5 stars from me!
Having loved the first book, Bad for Good, so much, I dropped everything to read the second book as soon as I could.
In 'Force of Hate', Brighton and Hove City Council has lurched from its usual liberal political approach to something much more right wing, with both the Chief Exec and Leader of the Council members of the British Patriot Party. The BPP 's mission is to drive out any alternative lifestyles from Brighton (and more widely), starting with a horrific arson attack on a travellers' camp. Superintendent Jo Howe suspects the Leader of the Council is involved but he is covering his tracks. Throw in the fact that the Chief Constable is being blackmailed by the British Patriot Party leaders who wont let him investigate certain crimes or resource other community policing.
Alongside this, there is a storyline featuring asylum seekers from Syria. Ajee, one of them, manages to escape the lorry she's hidden in to live on the streets of Brighton, She is quickly offered work in a private care home, where it becomes clear that residents and staff alike are being ill-treated and she finds herself in an absolutely hopeless situation with no way out.
Both of these story lines escalate and develop alongside one another. I found myself racing through the pages with no idea how the stories could be resolved, desperate to see the outcome. I love Jo Howe's character, she's not afraid to challenge her bosses if she thinks they're in the wrong, she'll risk everything to achieve the right outcome.
Force of Hate is such a well plotted read and Graham Bartlett certainly knows how to wring the tension out of every situation. He has been Peter James' police advisor for a number of years and it is clear that he both knows the policing world inside out, and how to craft an edge-of-your-seat urban crime thriller. The situations that he has conjured up are scarily realistic, based on real-life situations as well as some more extreme elements.
Thank you to Allison and Busby & to Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC. A strong 5 stars from me!
March 17, 2023
Book 2 in the Detective Superintendent Jo (Joanne) Howe series and whilst I really enjoyed book 1 this was definitely raising the goalposts another notch. Set in Brighton the Council has been taken over by Tom Doughty whose neo-Nazi British Patriot Party has somehow come to power. He has in turn placed his lackeys into power as Chief Executive and Chief Constable. This is a brilliantly written and plotted story with some disturbing and dark themes.
Briefly, the new Brighton senior officials are determined to turn Brighton into a “whites only and heterosexual“ zone. Against this background of hate Jo is investigating a firebomb attack on a travellers site which killed multiple women and children. Alongside this there is a thread of human trafficking and a Syrian refugee, Ajee, who has been forced to work in a care home where the police are investigating a large number of deaths.
Forced to work with the new authority Jo detests them and more and more she finds herself at odds with them. Themes include modern slavery, rape and murder, care home fraud and all matters considered by the new authorities as anti British. Jo finds herself and her life thrown into chaos as she tries to fight back to prevent an ever worsening situation from exploding.
In many ways this is a disturbing read as it shows how easy it could be for the worst elements in a multi cultural society to assume power on the backs of a silent majority.
Hopefully it won’t happen! There are some truly despicable characters in this and they were written so well I felt genuine hate for them. Thank goodness for the good ones! A fast paced and tense and violent, although not gratuitous, storyline; this is a really exciting police procedural. Fabulous book.
Briefly, the new Brighton senior officials are determined to turn Brighton into a “whites only and heterosexual“ zone. Against this background of hate Jo is investigating a firebomb attack on a travellers site which killed multiple women and children. Alongside this there is a thread of human trafficking and a Syrian refugee, Ajee, who has been forced to work in a care home where the police are investigating a large number of deaths.
Forced to work with the new authority Jo detests them and more and more she finds herself at odds with them. Themes include modern slavery, rape and murder, care home fraud and all matters considered by the new authorities as anti British. Jo finds herself and her life thrown into chaos as she tries to fight back to prevent an ever worsening situation from exploding.
In many ways this is a disturbing read as it shows how easy it could be for the worst elements in a multi cultural society to assume power on the backs of a silent majority.
Hopefully it won’t happen! There are some truly despicable characters in this and they were written so well I felt genuine hate for them. Thank goodness for the good ones! A fast paced and tense and violent, although not gratuitous, storyline; this is a really exciting police procedural. Fabulous book.
March 20, 2023
4.5⭐️
#2 DS Jo Howe
I loved the first, so was excited to read this book. I think you could jump in with this book and not be lost.
Theres a lot of themes explored in this book. It’s quite politically oriented.
There’s racial tension between the far right and the Muslim community. The Council leader has no tolerance for any minority groups. There’s more racial tension with the travellers based at the Brighton camp.
As Jo investigates murders of the travellers she uncovers human trafficking, slavery and euthanasia. So there’s quite the range of political hot potatoes in this book.
There are a diverse group of characters. My favourites are Jo, followed by Ajee.
It’s action packed, fast paced with an impressive body count. It has a good plot complexity. The author does a good job keeping the plates spinning in the different threads.
If you enjoy police procedurals, it’s one that I would recommend. It has a different viewpoint to most of the others in this sub genre.
Just a note to say that this book rating lower than the last book, isn’t a true reflection of the book. Unfortunately I read it while I haven’t been feeling well, and have struggled to concentrate, so have been reading only in short bursts which adversely affects my ability to engage. I think technically it’s a better book than the first. If there’s an audiobook version I would be tempted to listen to that too. As it was an arc I was reading to publication deadline.
#2 DS Jo Howe
I loved the first, so was excited to read this book. I think you could jump in with this book and not be lost.
Theres a lot of themes explored in this book. It’s quite politically oriented.
There’s racial tension between the far right and the Muslim community. The Council leader has no tolerance for any minority groups. There’s more racial tension with the travellers based at the Brighton camp.
As Jo investigates murders of the travellers she uncovers human trafficking, slavery and euthanasia. So there’s quite the range of political hot potatoes in this book.
There are a diverse group of characters. My favourites are Jo, followed by Ajee.
It’s action packed, fast paced with an impressive body count. It has a good plot complexity. The author does a good job keeping the plates spinning in the different threads.
If you enjoy police procedurals, it’s one that I would recommend. It has a different viewpoint to most of the others in this sub genre.
Just a note to say that this book rating lower than the last book, isn’t a true reflection of the book. Unfortunately I read it while I haven’t been feeling well, and have struggled to concentrate, so have been reading only in short bursts which adversely affects my ability to engage. I think technically it’s a better book than the first. If there’s an audiobook version I would be tempted to listen to that too. As it was an arc I was reading to publication deadline.
July 7, 2024
Force of Hate is the second in the Jo Howe series.
The new Brighton city council has an agenda of hate and are trying to force the police to impose their ideas. Jo is one of those trying to stand against them.
At times, this had the feel of dystopian literature. But having lived through the Trump presidency and the MAGA mindset of way too many, it reminded me how real this could be. And some of the more right wing mindsets of those behind Brexit also lend credence. But I think it would have made for better fiction to have the villains a little more nuanced. One man not only hates gays, Travellers and immigrants but emotionally abuses his wife and children. If there had been a dog, he would have kicked it. Flip side, Bartlett has done a good job providing well fleshed out team members and the victims.
The story is told from two perspectives - Jo’s and Ajee’s, a young female immigrant who gets caught in various forms of slavery.
At times, it goes over the top, just from the number of villains involved and the complexity of their plans. The ending, particularly, felt more like a thriller than procedural.
This is not a cozy mystery and those with TWs should steer clear.
I listened to this and Antonia Beamish did a decent job as the narrator although once or twice I struggled to distinguish between the voices.
The new Brighton city council has an agenda of hate and are trying to force the police to impose their ideas. Jo is one of those trying to stand against them.
At times, this had the feel of dystopian literature. But having lived through the Trump presidency and the MAGA mindset of way too many, it reminded me how real this could be. And some of the more right wing mindsets of those behind Brexit also lend credence. But I think it would have made for better fiction to have the villains a little more nuanced. One man not only hates gays, Travellers and immigrants but emotionally abuses his wife and children. If there had been a dog, he would have kicked it. Flip side, Bartlett has done a good job providing well fleshed out team members and the victims.
The story is told from two perspectives - Jo’s and Ajee’s, a young female immigrant who gets caught in various forms of slavery.
At times, it goes over the top, just from the number of villains involved and the complexity of their plans. The ending, particularly, felt more like a thriller than procedural.
This is not a cozy mystery and those with TWs should steer clear.
I listened to this and Antonia Beamish did a decent job as the narrator although once or twice I struggled to distinguish between the voices.
February 16, 2023
Force of Hate is another brilliant episode in the Detective superintendent Jo Howe series. I read the previous book in the series, and this is even better.
The series continues involving Brighton and Hove city council. Both the leader and the Chief executive are members of the British Patriot party and are trying to get rid of the asylum seekers and anyone living an alternative lifestyle. There is also a side story involving people trafficking, rape and murder and there is only one person trying to stop all this when they make it personal and targeting DS Jo Howe, nearly killing her in the process. She pulls out all the stops to find the culprits which includes some corrupt cops.
If anyone needs a new Police procedural, I highly recommend this one. The is a fast paced, explosive thriller and the action starts from the start. The storyline is believable, and the author really knows his stuff and current in today society. This is also a bit concerning if anything like this could happen today.
I loved the protagonist Jo Howe, with her determination and nothing seems to stop her finding the bag guys and the truth. She is a powerful, head strong woman.
I can’t wait for the next book in this fantastic series to see what happens next. 5 big stars from me.
The series continues involving Brighton and Hove city council. Both the leader and the Chief executive are members of the British Patriot party and are trying to get rid of the asylum seekers and anyone living an alternative lifestyle. There is also a side story involving people trafficking, rape and murder and there is only one person trying to stop all this when they make it personal and targeting DS Jo Howe, nearly killing her in the process. She pulls out all the stops to find the culprits which includes some corrupt cops.
If anyone needs a new Police procedural, I highly recommend this one. The is a fast paced, explosive thriller and the action starts from the start. The storyline is believable, and the author really knows his stuff and current in today society. This is also a bit concerning if anything like this could happen today.
I loved the protagonist Jo Howe, with her determination and nothing seems to stop her finding the bag guys and the truth. She is a powerful, head strong woman.
I can’t wait for the next book in this fantastic series to see what happens next. 5 big stars from me.
March 10, 2024
Book 2 in the Chief Superintendent Jo Howe series.
This is the follow up book to the brilliant Bad For Good. Once again it had me hooked from start to finish. It's dark twisted plot is devastating and, as we know from the news, utterly true to life. I love the characters in these books and Jo is just a badass who does everything needed to get justice for the victims. Loved it and cannot wait to read the next one.
When a night-time firebomb attack at a Brighton travellers’ site kills women and children, Chief Superintendent Jo Howe has strong reason to believe the new, dubiously elected, far-right council leader is behind the murders. Against the direct orders of her chief constable, Jo digs deep into the killings secretly briefing the senior investigating officer of her suspicions. As she delves further, Jo uncovers an underworld of human trafficking and euthanasia all leading to a devastating plot which threatens thousands of lives and from which the murderous politician looks sure to walk scot-free. Having narrowly survived a plot to kill her, where another was not so lucky, she realises that only by facing near-certain death once more can she thwart this terrorist outrage.
This is the follow up book to the brilliant Bad For Good. Once again it had me hooked from start to finish. It's dark twisted plot is devastating and, as we know from the news, utterly true to life. I love the characters in these books and Jo is just a badass who does everything needed to get justice for the victims. Loved it and cannot wait to read the next one.
When a night-time firebomb attack at a Brighton travellers’ site kills women and children, Chief Superintendent Jo Howe has strong reason to believe the new, dubiously elected, far-right council leader is behind the murders. Against the direct orders of her chief constable, Jo digs deep into the killings secretly briefing the senior investigating officer of her suspicions. As she delves further, Jo uncovers an underworld of human trafficking and euthanasia all leading to a devastating plot which threatens thousands of lives and from which the murderous politician looks sure to walk scot-free. Having narrowly survived a plot to kill her, where another was not so lucky, she realises that only by facing near-certain death once more can she thwart this terrorist outrage.
March 14, 2023
The author's rich history is evident in his writing, it packs a punch of reality in its brutal portrayal of the police force and the unfairness of daily life for so many people.
Force of Hate offers a grim and gritty insight into today's sad realities and it makes for hard reading at times. Running alongside a depressingly political take within the higher ranks is the tale of asylum seekers and, in particular, Ajee who believes she has fled her horrible past and is stepping into a brighter future. How wrong the poor girl is. Thankfully for Ajee, Detective Superintendent Jo Howe isn't one to shy away from her responsibilities and she is an excellent character to follow.
Quite possibly the scariest element of this book and its converging story arcs is the horrible truth of the situations that it covers, knowing that this is the lived reality for some is really quite sobering.
My thanks to Allison and Busby, the author and Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC in return for an honest review.
Force of Hate offers a grim and gritty insight into today's sad realities and it makes for hard reading at times. Running alongside a depressingly political take within the higher ranks is the tale of asylum seekers and, in particular, Ajee who believes she has fled her horrible past and is stepping into a brighter future. How wrong the poor girl is. Thankfully for Ajee, Detective Superintendent Jo Howe isn't one to shy away from her responsibilities and she is an excellent character to follow.
Quite possibly the scariest element of this book and its converging story arcs is the horrible truth of the situations that it covers, knowing that this is the lived reality for some is really quite sobering.
My thanks to Allison and Busby, the author and Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC in return for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
Wow ... what an exciting and thrilling read that was and is the best book I have read this year so far!
I haven't read anything by this author before but if this anything to go by, I won't be making that mistake again! Even though this is the second in the series, I don't think it mattered that much and certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of this thrilling book.
Force of Hate has everything you would want in a gritty, police procedural ... excellent characters, perfect setting, brilliant writing, exciting, thrilling and gripping plot covering realistic and disturbing topics resulting in a tension filled read from the start.
Highly recommended and I very much look forward to reading the next in the series and I must thank Allison & Busby and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Force of Hate.
Wow ... what an exciting and thrilling read that was and is the best book I have read this year so far!
I haven't read anything by this author before but if this anything to go by, I won't be making that mistake again! Even though this is the second in the series, I don't think it mattered that much and certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of this thrilling book.
Force of Hate has everything you would want in a gritty, police procedural ... excellent characters, perfect setting, brilliant writing, exciting, thrilling and gripping plot covering realistic and disturbing topics resulting in a tension filled read from the start.
Highly recommended and I very much look forward to reading the next in the series and I must thank Allison & Busby and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Force of Hate.
February 4, 2023
Having read the first book in the Jo Howe series, I was keen to find out what happens next to the likeable and feisty police officer and her colleagues in Brighton and Hove. Force of Hate didn’t disappoint. It is a full-on crime thriller with characters to love and to hate. The authors local knowledge is clearly evident, and I was there with Jo in the streets of one of my favourite cities, hoping to defeat the bad guys.
The book includes a lot of serious and very real issues, particularly human trafficking for slave labour and shows how easily discrimination can become an acceptable part of society.
I loved it and can recommend this book and the series. I just need a little lie down now, I am exhausted!
The book includes a lot of serious and very real issues, particularly human trafficking for slave labour and shows how easily discrimination can become an acceptable part of society.
I loved it and can recommend this book and the series. I just need a little lie down now, I am exhausted!
November 21, 2023
After reading the first book I couldn’t wait to get stuck in to the second one Force of Hate. A brilliantly written series that is full of interesting characters and details. It is obvious that the author knows what he is talking about. It is frightening how real it is and depicts what is happening in all police forces across the country. The main characters are so engaging and especially Jo Howe, an inspirational woman. I absolutely loved it and I am lucky enough to have the next instalment to read and review next. A massive 5 stars from me. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 21, 2023
After reading the first book I couldn’t wait to get stuck in to the second one Force of Hate. A brilliantly written series that is full of interesting characters and details. It is obvious that the author knows what he is talking about. It is frightening how real it is and depicts what is happening in all police forces across the country. The main characters are so engaging and especially Jo Howe, an inspirational woman. I absolutely loved it and I am lucky enough to have the next instalment to read and review next. A massive 5 stars from me. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 13, 2023
WOW!
Thanks to Graham and NetGalley for allowing me to read Force of Hate before the publication date.
I was not sure what to expect from this book as not everyone can translate their career experience into believable and enjoyable fiction.
However this is a terrifying page turner from start to finish.
The tensions start to build early in the storyline and the reader is drawn into the feeling of helplessness which Jo must feel as the investigations intrude on her personal life.
The subject is very topical with the reported rise in far-right groups and their agendas.
Thanks to Graham and NetGalley for allowing me to read Force of Hate before the publication date.
I was not sure what to expect from this book as not everyone can translate their career experience into believable and enjoyable fiction.
However this is a terrifying page turner from start to finish.
The tensions start to build early in the storyline and the reader is drawn into the feeling of helplessness which Jo must feel as the investigations intrude on her personal life.
The subject is very topical with the reported rise in far-right groups and their agendas.
March 31, 2024
This is a million times better than the first in the series and the author has not only ramped up the plot and pace but also given an edge to Jo Howe which I felt was lacking in Bad for Good. Focusing on police and council corruption and human trafficking this is a gritty and engrossing story that is hard to tear yourself away from. This has more than a touch of realism about it and the authors background no doubt shows through. Cracking pace, perfectly plotted and proper edge of your seat stuff. Loved it and will be eagerly waiting for book 3
March 20, 2023
It's the second instalment I read in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed as it's well plotted, solid, and fast paced.
A gripping mystery that surprised me with each twist and kept me guessing.
I was glad to catch up with Jo Howe and the cast of characters, appreciated their evolution and they were well written.
A mystery I thoroughly enjoyed.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
A gripping mystery that surprised me with each twist and kept me guessing.
I was glad to catch up with Jo Howe and the cast of characters, appreciated their evolution and they were well written.
A mystery I thoroughly enjoyed.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
March 26, 2023
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Having read a previous book by this author I was looking forward to this book and I wasn't disappointed, the author does not shy away from difficult subjects and this book made for some hard reading at times but was definitely worth it. I will be recommending this book to all my friends.
April 30, 2023
#ForceofHate #NetGalley Wow! This book had so much going on from corrupt police officers and politicians to mistreatment of care home guests that it took me a few chapters to understand where everything fitted in! Superbly written, this book was full of action and plenty of twists and turns to keep the attention focused. I love the character of Jo and her determination to do the right thing. A well deserved 5 stars.
April 30, 2023
#ForceofHate #NetGalley Wow! This book had so much going on from corrupt police officers and politicians to mistreatment of care home guests that it took me a few chapters to understand where everything fitted in! Superbly written, this book was full of action and plenty of twists and turns to keep the attention focused. I love the character of Jo and her determination to do the right thing. A well deserved 5 stars.
November 29, 2023
The second book in this brilliant series featuring Detective Chief Superintendent Jo Howe. The storyline includes neo-nazis, political corruption, extremism, modern slavery and so many more hateful crimes. Like the first book, this is a fast-paced gritty story that is both exciting and scary at the same time. It is well-written and I love the characters. Can't wait to read the next book.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
February 1, 2023
Detective Chief Superintendent Jo Howe is back in book 2 of the series.A fast paced story with a thought provoking storyline Graham Bartlett definitely knows how to write a story to keep you gripped throughout.
I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for the ARC.
I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for the ARC.
February 16, 2023
An absolute belter of a police procedural from the excellent Graham Bartlett, whose in-depth knowledge of the police shines through on every page. Great cops, brilliant plot, gritty themes such as as human trafficking, all put together with aplomb and sprinkled with bent officials. Tremendous stuff!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews