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DI Charley Mann #4
Vengeance
A terrible act of violence. A chance occurrence – or something more sinister?
On a beautiful summer afternoon, Stacey Sullivan is getting married to Mark James. But then screams smother the laughter, police sirens drown out the church bells. Out of nowhere, a drug-fuelled gunman opens fire on the wedding party.
The shooter is beaten, disarmed and detained by the guests. No one knows who the gunman is… or if they do, they’re not admitting it. The job of solving the two murders is laid solely at the feet of DI Charley Mann.
Could this be a random attack, or a pre-planned assassination? When information comes to light of a link to feuding drug-dealing families in Manchester, Charley’s team need to act rapidly. They need to find – and apprehend – those responsible. Fast.
It soon becomes clear: if they fail, more deaths are coming…
On a beautiful summer afternoon, Stacey Sullivan is getting married to Mark James. But then screams smother the laughter, police sirens drown out the church bells. Out of nowhere, a drug-fuelled gunman opens fire on the wedding party.
The shooter is beaten, disarmed and detained by the guests. No one knows who the gunman is… or if they do, they’re not admitting it. The job of solving the two murders is laid solely at the feet of DI Charley Mann.
Could this be a random attack, or a pre-planned assassination? When information comes to light of a link to feuding drug-dealing families in Manchester, Charley’s team need to act rapidly. They need to find – and apprehend – those responsible. Fast.
It soon becomes clear: if they fail, more deaths are coming…
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2022
8 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
R.C. Bridgestock
33 books75 followersRC Bridgestock is the name that husband and wife co-authors Robert (Bob) and Carol Bridgestock write under. Between them they have nearly 50 years of police experience, offering an authentic edge to their stories. The writing duo created the character DI Jack Dylan, a down-to- earth detective, written with warmth and humour.
Bob was a highly commended career detective of 30 years, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent. As a police civilian supervisor Carol also received a Chief Constable’s commendation for outstanding work.
The couple are the storyline consultants on BAFTA winning BBC One police drama Happy Valley and series 3 of ITV’s Scott & Bailey.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 22, 2022
4.5⭐
Vengeance is my first introduction to husband and wife writing team R.C. Bridgestock and protagonist DI Charley Mann and what a fantastic introduction it is.
As this story pulls together a rather gripping murder mystery. But adds a whole other layer in that you get a real insight into how the investigation works. From the moment the murder is called in until those responsible are caught, charged and remanded in prison.
And every step of it was completely riveting. With procedural detail I found utterly fascinating, great characters and twists. As the team headed by the SOI (DI Charley Mann) try to solve the case.
And what an interesting case it was. As a family man is gunned down at his daughters wedding in the rural town of Slaithwaite, in what the team perceive as an act of vengeance.
But against whom? And why?
And with fantastic pacing and such a great storyline. I was hooked throughout, and I'll definitely be reading the three books I've missed out on.
I would also happily recommend this story to all.
My thanks to my friend Sarah (who has a cameo in this story) for the recommendation. 😊
Vengeance is my first introduction to husband and wife writing team R.C. Bridgestock and protagonist DI Charley Mann and what a fantastic introduction it is.
As this story pulls together a rather gripping murder mystery. But adds a whole other layer in that you get a real insight into how the investigation works. From the moment the murder is called in until those responsible are caught, charged and remanded in prison.
And every step of it was completely riveting. With procedural detail I found utterly fascinating, great characters and twists. As the team headed by the SOI (DI Charley Mann) try to solve the case.
And what an interesting case it was. As a family man is gunned down at his daughters wedding in the rural town of Slaithwaite, in what the team perceive as an act of vengeance.
But against whom? And why?
And with fantastic pacing and such a great storyline. I was hooked throughout, and I'll definitely be reading the three books I've missed out on.
I would also happily recommend this story to all.
My thanks to my friend Sarah (who has a cameo in this story) for the recommendation. 😊
September 29, 2022
The fourth in the Charles Mann series, it could be read as a stand alone but I enjoy reading the books in order. It is another fantastic police procedural/ Crime Thriller, set in Yorkshire is the icing on the cake for me. A wedding in a small village is the scene of a shooting where the brides father is shot dead and another guest gravelly injured.The man with the gun is wrestled to the ground and held until the police arrive, he is know to the police but mainly for petty crime and drug use. This is the start of the enquiry which leads them over the border into Lancashire, they know on the face of it the shooter acted alone but they aren't convinced that others arent involved. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced read, with plenty of surprises on the way. Highly Recommended
September 29, 2022
What a cracker of a book!! It was like meeting an old friend for coffee that you hadn't seen in a long time!! It starts with a wedding and you want to keep on reading to find out the why and how it all came to be??!! The story goes through so many twists and turns that the ending is very surprising!! It's a book that I couldn't put down!! More of the same please!!!
September 6, 2022
** This book is dedicated to those who died from Covid-19 and to people whose life is shortened due to life-threatening illnesses.** (preface).
'If an injury has to be done to a man, it should be so severe that his vengeance should not be feared.' (Niccolo Machiavelli)
What an utterly exciting police thriller, with a twist that I didn't see coming, and without doubt one of the best police procedurals I have read recently!
This title is the fourth in a series, I haven't read the previous books in the series; Vengeance (#4) can be read as a stand- alone.
The story starts right in Herriot Country: what should have been the most beautiful day of their lives turns into a nightmare when a gunman appears at their wedding. The father of the bride is killed during the shooting, another guest later dies of a heart attack, probably caused by the stress of the attack. Initially, the father of the bride appears to be the intended target. but the evidence shows that there must have been more than one shooter, and the case also appears to be linked to Manchester drug gangs.
The story leans heavily on police procedures and uses a lot of law enforcement jargon. Besides the fact that I found it an incredibly exciting story, I also learned a few things, because it's a misconception that once a criminal is arrested, the work is over.
The reader also gains insight in policework: the incredibly long hours, the tough jokes to cope with the heaviness of the job, the quick bite at the desk, MOPS, and more.
An very good police procedural, involving a case that at first glance showed an obvious culprit, but then quickly took a completely different turn. Captivating from start to finish!
Quotes from The Prince (Niccolo Machiavelli) & to Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee) have been included in the story.
For me, definitely one of the best police procedurals I have read recently. I certainly hope to read more from this author. A very good story indeed, highly recommended. ***** (5 stars)
Date of publication: 29 September 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this arc. I leave my review voluntarily.
'If an injury has to be done to a man, it should be so severe that his vengeance should not be feared.' (Niccolo Machiavelli)
What an utterly exciting police thriller, with a twist that I didn't see coming, and without doubt one of the best police procedurals I have read recently!
This title is the fourth in a series, I haven't read the previous books in the series; Vengeance (#4) can be read as a stand- alone.
The story starts right in Herriot Country: what should have been the most beautiful day of their lives turns into a nightmare when a gunman appears at their wedding. The father of the bride is killed during the shooting, another guest later dies of a heart attack, probably caused by the stress of the attack. Initially, the father of the bride appears to be the intended target. but the evidence shows that there must have been more than one shooter, and the case also appears to be linked to Manchester drug gangs.
The story leans heavily on police procedures and uses a lot of law enforcement jargon. Besides the fact that I found it an incredibly exciting story, I also learned a few things, because it's a misconception that once a criminal is arrested, the work is over.
The reader also gains insight in policework: the incredibly long hours, the tough jokes to cope with the heaviness of the job, the quick bite at the desk, MOPS, and more.
An very good police procedural, involving a case that at first glance showed an obvious culprit, but then quickly took a completely different turn. Captivating from start to finish!
Quotes from The Prince (Niccolo Machiavelli) & to Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee) have been included in the story.
For me, definitely one of the best police procedurals I have read recently. I certainly hope to read more from this author. A very good story indeed, highly recommended. ***** (5 stars)
Date of publication: 29 September 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this arc. I leave my review voluntarily.
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September 18, 2022A solid police procedural, gripping and entertaining. It kept me hooked and the solution surprised.
Good character and plot development. I like the storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Good character and plot development. I like the storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 13, 2022
Interesting story. Taking place in the small town of Slaithwaite- known as Slawit to the locals - a double murder, at a wedding. The police in Marsden have the shooter and weapon in custody. A straightforward case, that gradually gets more and more twisted.
Really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
August 30, 2022
This is book four in the DI Charley Mann series, set in Yorkshire, but can easily be read as a stand alone. The book opens on a lovely summer day at a wedding. Joy soon turns to horror when the sound of gunfire brings down two guests and the joyous occasion turns into a nightmare for the bride and her family. Is this a targeted attack, or just a random one? What are the links to drug dealing gangs in Manchester? The book pulled me in from the start, as Charley and her team investigate the shootings. The book is well plotted and well written, with excellent characterisation and good insight into police procedures. It's full of suspense to occupy the reader, my only complaint is, the police drink too much coffee! I would recommend the series to lovers of police procedurals. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC
August 31, 2022
This is #4 in the DI Charley Mann series but can easily be read as a standalone.
On a lovely day, Stacey and Mark get married in the local church. Afterwards, the photographs are being taken outside when shots are fired. The bride’s father is dead and another guest badly injured, dying later in hospital. The gunman is wrestled to the ground by guests until the police arrive to arrest him.
It’s now up to DI Charley and her team to investigate and bring the true killer/s to justice.
A brilliant plot with lots of unexpected twists that kept me gripped. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
On a lovely day, Stacey and Mark get married in the local church. Afterwards, the photographs are being taken outside when shots are fired. The bride’s father is dead and another guest badly injured, dying later in hospital. The gunman is wrestled to the ground by guests until the police arrive to arrest him.
It’s now up to DI Charley and her team to investigate and bring the true killer/s to justice.
A brilliant plot with lots of unexpected twists that kept me gripped. Highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2022
The fourth book in a police procedural series featuring DI Charley Mann written by the husband and wife team of Bob and Carole Bridgestock. A shooting at a wedding is the crime under investigation in this book and we follow DI Mann and her team as they gather evidence to discover the perpetrators.
This is the first book I have read by this couple. They both have years of police experience and so are well-placed to give a faithful portrayal of police procedure. Unfortunately, I found the focus on the procedure to be over-emphasised. Every action was explained, and the style of writing ended up detracting from the story.
In addition, the characters were underdeveloped and very wooden. I got no sense of any personalities coming through. The plot itself was reasonably entertaining but nothing special.
In my opinion, there are numerous police procedural books out there that are much better than this.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
This is the first book I have read by this couple. They both have years of police experience and so are well-placed to give a faithful portrayal of police procedure. Unfortunately, I found the focus on the procedure to be over-emphasised. Every action was explained, and the style of writing ended up detracting from the story.
In addition, the characters were underdeveloped and very wooden. I got no sense of any personalities coming through. The plot itself was reasonably entertaining but nothing special.
In my opinion, there are numerous police procedural books out there that are much better than this.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
October 25, 2022
Having read books in this series before, it was good to be back with Charley and the team.
This time they are investigating a shooting at a wedding. What follows is an excellent piece of detection, which leads across the Pennines to Manchester, where some notorious criminals are involved. Although Charley and her team are acting as fast as they can, there’s pressure to catch those at the top, before it’s too late.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, good police procedural and unusually Charley was able to get in with her job without too much interference from above!
My thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
This time they are investigating a shooting at a wedding. What follows is an excellent piece of detection, which leads across the Pennines to Manchester, where some notorious criminals are involved. Although Charley and her team are acting as fast as they can, there’s pressure to catch those at the top, before it’s too late.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, good police procedural and unusually Charley was able to get in with her job without too much interference from above!
My thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
October 16, 2022
I mostly like R.C. Bridgestock's books, but find the writing style irritating at times. Here too, there were moments when it felt wooden and did not really flow. Lots of information in places too much (I found the police oath written out too much information, as one example) . All in all a good read though.
I have met Charley before and like her, other characters more shallowly described. The plot is OK and gathering the evidence comprehensively described step by step.
Thanks to net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I have met Charley before and like her, other characters more shallowly described. The plot is OK and gathering the evidence comprehensively described step by step.
Thanks to net galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 26, 2022
Book 4 in the highly acclaimed series featuring DI Charley Mann and for me the best yet, I have to admit I have been a huge fan since the early days of the Dylan series, but Vengeance is a cut above.
As you start out reading you think this is going to be straight forward, but then the authors hit you with an unexpected twist which turns everything on its head and send the investigation in a completely different direction, for me it was the plot twist that changed the whole feel of the book and where the writing in terms of showed how an investigation can change and how you can’t take everything at face value, however, in addition you also have superb characterisation and a quality of writing that puts the reader at the heart of the story.
Thanks to the authors experience you can almost follow the investigation in real time, each path that has to be taken and the evidence gathered to ensure a conviction, in someways you have two sides, the Police investigation and plot and the human side wonderfully intertwined
The way the plot is constructed and thought out but then delivered on the page shows a maturity in the writing and delivers a read which grips and entertains, there are plenty of twists along the way, as the truth is slowly revealed, the authors know how sow the seeds of doubt and misdirect, so that the reader is kept of their toes trying to second guess, this for me kept that heightened sense of anticipation and intrigue not knowing who was telling the truth.
You also get wonderfully drawn out characters, their is a real human side to each, such that you can picture them in your mind, I always like the way the authors convey that sense of teamwork required, it is not just Charley Mann but those around her as well, equally you have a terrific sense of place and location within the writing.
One thing you can be assured of as you read is that this is how an investigation is run, the little details are there, however, importantly not at the expense of the story telling, this is a work of fiction, not a text book, but the authors combine those little points that give you that feeling that yes this is how it would be in real life.
Overall I was drawn in from the opening pages, the drama and suspense are there, it is a book which kept me gripped throughout, highly entertaining
5* highly recommend, as Police procedurals go this is right up there with the best
As you start out reading you think this is going to be straight forward, but then the authors hit you with an unexpected twist which turns everything on its head and send the investigation in a completely different direction, for me it was the plot twist that changed the whole feel of the book and where the writing in terms of showed how an investigation can change and how you can’t take everything at face value, however, in addition you also have superb characterisation and a quality of writing that puts the reader at the heart of the story.
Thanks to the authors experience you can almost follow the investigation in real time, each path that has to be taken and the evidence gathered to ensure a conviction, in someways you have two sides, the Police investigation and plot and the human side wonderfully intertwined
The way the plot is constructed and thought out but then delivered on the page shows a maturity in the writing and delivers a read which grips and entertains, there are plenty of twists along the way, as the truth is slowly revealed, the authors know how sow the seeds of doubt and misdirect, so that the reader is kept of their toes trying to second guess, this for me kept that heightened sense of anticipation and intrigue not knowing who was telling the truth.
You also get wonderfully drawn out characters, their is a real human side to each, such that you can picture them in your mind, I always like the way the authors convey that sense of teamwork required, it is not just Charley Mann but those around her as well, equally you have a terrific sense of place and location within the writing.
One thing you can be assured of as you read is that this is how an investigation is run, the little details are there, however, importantly not at the expense of the story telling, this is a work of fiction, not a text book, but the authors combine those little points that give you that feeling that yes this is how it would be in real life.
Overall I was drawn in from the opening pages, the drama and suspense are there, it is a book which kept me gripped throughout, highly entertaining
5* highly recommend, as Police procedurals go this is right up there with the best
September 30, 2022
A great police procedural that makes you feel you're actually in the room with the detectives. It feels so authentic and it's obvious the author's have a police background.
This is book 4 in the DI Charley Mann series. This is the first book I've read from this duo but it won't be the last.
A cracking plot that takes you from a sleepy churchyard to the drug filled feuding of Manchester. I was hooked from the start and flew through it in two sittings
This is book 4 in the DI Charley Mann series. This is the first book I've read from this duo but it won't be the last.
A cracking plot that takes you from a sleepy churchyard to the drug filled feuding of Manchester. I was hooked from the start and flew through it in two sittings
November 9, 2022
Another fantastic instalment in the Charley Mann series, this time with a guest appearance by me. I love the bridgestocks writing it’s like a comfort read you know you are in good hands and the plot will be engrossing. Always a pleasure to read there books and long may this series and any others they write continue. 4.5* from me
February 1, 2023
Policeman log book with characters
Reads like a chronicle of police procedure and although the characters are ok none stood out. The villains who carried out the crime seemed 'flat' and story seemed to drag.
Reads like a chronicle of police procedure and although the characters are ok none stood out. The villains who carried out the crime seemed 'flat' and story seemed to drag.
October 5, 2022
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot...
This is a fast-moving police procedural murder mystery novel set in Yorkshire. I didn't realise that it is part of a series, but it worked just fine as a standalone read.
The unusual plot is well thought out and has a number of twists and turns to keep the interest going.
The author is in fact two people - a husband and wife team, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in the Police force, so their writing comes with added first-hand knowledge!
I'd happily read more in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
This is a fast-moving police procedural murder mystery novel set in Yorkshire. I didn't realise that it is part of a series, but it worked just fine as a standalone read.
The unusual plot is well thought out and has a number of twists and turns to keep the interest going.
The author is in fact two people - a husband and wife team, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in the Police force, so their writing comes with added first-hand knowledge!
I'd happily read more in this series.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews