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BlackJack #2
Second to Sin
"It only takes a second to sin," Father Thomas said. He believes in saving souls, but Charles Balcombe is beyond saving. His control over his killer instinct appears to be weakening. BlackJack has killed again and more questions are being asked of Detective Inspector Munro. He is under increasing pressure to solve the murders, especially when he picks up more cases from Kowloon rather than solving his own.
As Balcombe battles with his demon, he investigates the death of a young woman. Was it an accident or did she kill herself? At first Balcombe thinks it's straightforward but as he digs, other cases reveal an evil in Hong Kong. One that could consume them all.
Set in 1954, this is book 2 of the series. It can be read as a stand-alone but the author recommends book 1 (Once a Killer) first.
Perfect for fans of Chris Carter, David Baldacci and Tom Wood.
As Balcombe battles with his demon, he investigates the death of a young woman. Was it an accident or did she kill herself? At first Balcombe thinks it's straightforward but as he digs, other cases reveal an evil in Hong Kong. One that could consume them all.
Set in 1954, this is book 2 of the series. It can be read as a stand-alone but the author recommends book 1 (Once a Killer) first.
Perfect for fans of Chris Carter, David Baldacci and Tom Wood.
- GenresThriller
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2023
9 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 21, 2023
Second To Sin is the second book in Murray Baileys BlackJack series. I have been eagerly awaiting this book and wasted no time getting started.
We are once again back with Charles Balcombe, AKA BlackJack. A character that started life in the Ash Carter series. Ash Carter is another of Murray Baileys' amazing series. The best way to appreciate BlackJack is to definitely read the series in order.
Charles Balcombe is still in Hong Kong, and it's now 1954. He is doing what he is most skilled at, and that's killing the scum of society. He has an uneasy 'partnership' we will call it, with Detective Inspector Munro of the Hong Kong police. Together, they investigate the case of a missing girl. Balcombe himself is asked to look into a young girls death. What seems to be a suicide turns into something more suspicious. The more he digs, the more evil he finds.
It's yet another totally thrilling page turner of a read. I thought the first book was good, but this is even better! Murray Bailey makes me feel like I am in Hong Kong with Balcombe. His detailed descriptions create such vivid pictures in my mind.
BlackJack/Balcombe is a character that your mind tells you to hate, but you can't help but like him... a little bit. The more time I spend reading about his escapades, the more I don't want to leave Hong Kong and all that it entails.
Murray Bailey cleverly interweaves two story threads, which cranks the action up. There are plenty of twists and red herrings that kept on my toes as I got closer to the end. Before I knew it, I was turning the last page. I'm hoping Murray has book three in hand already! This is a series I highly recommend for any crime thriller lovers out there.
Thanks to Murray Bailey for the copy of the book to write an unbiased review.
We are once again back with Charles Balcombe, AKA BlackJack. A character that started life in the Ash Carter series. Ash Carter is another of Murray Baileys' amazing series. The best way to appreciate BlackJack is to definitely read the series in order.
Charles Balcombe is still in Hong Kong, and it's now 1954. He is doing what he is most skilled at, and that's killing the scum of society. He has an uneasy 'partnership' we will call it, with Detective Inspector Munro of the Hong Kong police. Together, they investigate the case of a missing girl. Balcombe himself is asked to look into a young girls death. What seems to be a suicide turns into something more suspicious. The more he digs, the more evil he finds.
It's yet another totally thrilling page turner of a read. I thought the first book was good, but this is even better! Murray Bailey makes me feel like I am in Hong Kong with Balcombe. His detailed descriptions create such vivid pictures in my mind.
BlackJack/Balcombe is a character that your mind tells you to hate, but you can't help but like him... a little bit. The more time I spend reading about his escapades, the more I don't want to leave Hong Kong and all that it entails.
Murray Bailey cleverly interweaves two story threads, which cranks the action up. There are plenty of twists and red herrings that kept on my toes as I got closer to the end. Before I knew it, I was turning the last page. I'm hoping Murray has book three in hand already! This is a series I highly recommend for any crime thriller lovers out there.
Thanks to Murray Bailey for the copy of the book to write an unbiased review.
April 2, 2023
Review to follow
April 15, 2023
After this second BlackJack novel, I can't wait for the third!
Charles Balcombe comes across as a fine, upstanding citizen; however as 'BlackJack' he is a ruthless individual. As he investigates the disappearance of a young girl, we see both sides of his personality quite clearly. As he kills again, Detective Inspector Munro is under pressure to find the perpetrator especially when he is picking up cases from another district.
I can never quite decide whether I'm on the side of BlackJack or not; as soon as I veer one way, something happens to send me in the other direction. One thing's for sure - there is never a dull moment in these novels! The author enticingly dangles a mystery in front of the reader and adds several goings-on - just to keep you busy, you understand! Before long I was completely engrossed and had very definite ideas as to what was going on and was patting myself on the back for solving this one before the details were revealed. Boy, did I come back to earth with a bump when I realised I was completely wrong! Beautifully crafted, as always, and full of little bits of knowledge that I was quite unaware of before, I relished everything about this one - even though I failed to work it all out! I have to mention the rickshaw driver - my respect and admiration for her increases with each novel. A thrilling ride and one I definitely recommend. Five sparkling stars, well deserved!
Charles Balcombe comes across as a fine, upstanding citizen; however as 'BlackJack' he is a ruthless individual. As he investigates the disappearance of a young girl, we see both sides of his personality quite clearly. As he kills again, Detective Inspector Munro is under pressure to find the perpetrator especially when he is picking up cases from another district.
I can never quite decide whether I'm on the side of BlackJack or not; as soon as I veer one way, something happens to send me in the other direction. One thing's for sure - there is never a dull moment in these novels! The author enticingly dangles a mystery in front of the reader and adds several goings-on - just to keep you busy, you understand! Before long I was completely engrossed and had very definite ideas as to what was going on and was patting myself on the back for solving this one before the details were revealed. Boy, did I come back to earth with a bump when I realised I was completely wrong! Beautifully crafted, as always, and full of little bits of knowledge that I was quite unaware of before, I relished everything about this one - even though I failed to work it all out! I have to mention the rickshaw driver - my respect and admiration for her increases with each novel. A thrilling ride and one I definitely recommend. Five sparkling stars, well deserved!
April 18, 2023
Hong Kong, 1954. The man that calls himself Charles Balcombe is struggling to keep his alter ego BlackJack under control, as the arrangement he has made with Detective Inspector Munro to find an outlet for BlackJack's talents is not going quite as smoothly as hoped. BlackJack is getting reckless, and Detective Inspector Munro is walking a fine line coping with the pressure to somehow solve his crimes while preventing them being linked to Balcombe.
Balcombe needs a distraction. Fortunately, an investigation into the death of a young Catholic woman, who may or may not have committed suicide, comes his way at just the right time. At first, this case seems unremarkable, but Balcombe becomes increasingly concerned that the deaths of other Catholic young women may not be a coincidence. Is there evil at work in Hong Kong?
Meanwhile, Munro has the added headache of being under the beady of eye of a man who wants his job, and he gets embroiled in a case that sent his former colleague off the rails...
Second to Sin is the second book in the excellent BlackJack series, which takes the villain from one of Bailey's Ash Carter books, Singapore Killer, and lets him run free in his own thrilling adventures in 1950s Hong Kong.
The first book in the series, Once a Killer, established BlackJack's adopted cover as canny investigator Charles Balcombe, the debauched lounge-lizard hiding a compulsion to protect the vulnerable. By the end of that book, Balcombe forms an unconventional partnership with Detective Inspector Munro who hopes to use BlackJack as a tool to target organised crime. But BlackJack is not a force that can easily be controlled, and at the beginning of this second instalment, the boundary between Balcombe and his inner demon is becoming dangerously blurred.
Balcombe needs to channel his energy into a new investigation to stop BlackJack's murderous urges taking over, and this one is quite different from anything he has encountered before. Bailey weaves his magic to create a twisty mystery around the deaths of young Catholic women in Hong Kong, that has Balcombe gradually uncovering a pattern that has been missed by the authorities. It is a mystery that beautifully explores notions of sin and redemption, and in getting to the bottom of the crimes Balcombe also reflects upon his own capacity to cast aside his transgressions and seek absolution through a more conventional existence. Of course, BlackJack needs to come out to play too, and Bailey has him once again pursuing the undesirables that inhabit the dark underbelly of Hong Kong's criminal class in parallel with Balcombe and Munro's investigative storylines, with entertaining blood-soaked results.
Balcombe's continued tussle with his true nature is central to this story, as he wavers between the light and shade that make up his identity. But it is Munro's character that develops in leaps and bounds in this second book, making him a very engaging foil for Balcombe. You get to learn a lot more about what makes him tick, and his determination to see things through. He becomes consumed by the unsolved case of a missing girl, making it his personal crusade, and intriguingly it pushes him into his own dark place where he fears for his sanity. Munro's investigation easily carries enough weight to make his side of the tale equally as absorbing as Balcombe's, and I found myself absolutely gripped as I flipped back and forth between the separate threads of their inquiries.
The tension in this book builds with exquisite slow burn, ending in a delicious trade-off between Munro and Balcombe/BlackJack that is immensely satisfying. There is a lovely flash of dark humour in the way Munro deals with the unscrupulous character who tries to oust him from his job too - with a little help from his conflicted help-mate Balcombe, and Balcombe's ever resourceful assistant Albert, who it was great to see back in the thick of it.
As ever, Bailey has produced another a top-class crime thriller that is steeped in evocative vibes of his setting - in this case, bringing 1950s Hong Kong alive. He also looks back to how the wartime occupation of Hong Kong by the Japanese affected the lives of many of the characters here, with perfectly pitched poignancy. I always find myself learning something new about the historical period in which Bailey sets his stories, and this was no exception.
This is the most exciting book I have read of Murray Bailey's yet, which is saying a lot. I consumed this latest one in a single, breath-taking session, and did not want it to end. I cannot wait for BlackJack book three!
Balcombe needs a distraction. Fortunately, an investigation into the death of a young Catholic woman, who may or may not have committed suicide, comes his way at just the right time. At first, this case seems unremarkable, but Balcombe becomes increasingly concerned that the deaths of other Catholic young women may not be a coincidence. Is there evil at work in Hong Kong?
Meanwhile, Munro has the added headache of being under the beady of eye of a man who wants his job, and he gets embroiled in a case that sent his former colleague off the rails...
Second to Sin is the second book in the excellent BlackJack series, which takes the villain from one of Bailey's Ash Carter books, Singapore Killer, and lets him run free in his own thrilling adventures in 1950s Hong Kong.
The first book in the series, Once a Killer, established BlackJack's adopted cover as canny investigator Charles Balcombe, the debauched lounge-lizard hiding a compulsion to protect the vulnerable. By the end of that book, Balcombe forms an unconventional partnership with Detective Inspector Munro who hopes to use BlackJack as a tool to target organised crime. But BlackJack is not a force that can easily be controlled, and at the beginning of this second instalment, the boundary between Balcombe and his inner demon is becoming dangerously blurred.
Balcombe needs to channel his energy into a new investigation to stop BlackJack's murderous urges taking over, and this one is quite different from anything he has encountered before. Bailey weaves his magic to create a twisty mystery around the deaths of young Catholic women in Hong Kong, that has Balcombe gradually uncovering a pattern that has been missed by the authorities. It is a mystery that beautifully explores notions of sin and redemption, and in getting to the bottom of the crimes Balcombe also reflects upon his own capacity to cast aside his transgressions and seek absolution through a more conventional existence. Of course, BlackJack needs to come out to play too, and Bailey has him once again pursuing the undesirables that inhabit the dark underbelly of Hong Kong's criminal class in parallel with Balcombe and Munro's investigative storylines, with entertaining blood-soaked results.
Balcombe's continued tussle with his true nature is central to this story, as he wavers between the light and shade that make up his identity. But it is Munro's character that develops in leaps and bounds in this second book, making him a very engaging foil for Balcombe. You get to learn a lot more about what makes him tick, and his determination to see things through. He becomes consumed by the unsolved case of a missing girl, making it his personal crusade, and intriguingly it pushes him into his own dark place where he fears for his sanity. Munro's investigation easily carries enough weight to make his side of the tale equally as absorbing as Balcombe's, and I found myself absolutely gripped as I flipped back and forth between the separate threads of their inquiries.
The tension in this book builds with exquisite slow burn, ending in a delicious trade-off between Munro and Balcombe/BlackJack that is immensely satisfying. There is a lovely flash of dark humour in the way Munro deals with the unscrupulous character who tries to oust him from his job too - with a little help from his conflicted help-mate Balcombe, and Balcombe's ever resourceful assistant Albert, who it was great to see back in the thick of it.
As ever, Bailey has produced another a top-class crime thriller that is steeped in evocative vibes of his setting - in this case, bringing 1950s Hong Kong alive. He also looks back to how the wartime occupation of Hong Kong by the Japanese affected the lives of many of the characters here, with perfectly pitched poignancy. I always find myself learning something new about the historical period in which Bailey sets his stories, and this was no exception.
This is the most exciting book I have read of Murray Bailey's yet, which is saying a lot. I consumed this latest one in a single, breath-taking session, and did not want it to end. I cannot wait for BlackJack book three!
April 21, 2023
Second to Sin is the second book in Murray Bailey's Blackjack series but the character is first introduced in the excellent Ash Carter novel, Singapore Killer; it's not necessary to have read that book here but the ongoing development of both plot and characters means I would recommend reading Once A Killer first if you can. I loved Once a Killer, it was among my top books of 2022 but in my opinion, Second to Sin is even better.
Throughout the novel there's a fascinating exploration of the dichotomy between good and evil, best personified by Charles Balcombe but seen elsewhere too. Balcombe is the epitome of an antihero; he's a truly monstrous killer and disturbingly, is losing control over Blackjack and his impulse to commit horrifically sadistic murders but he is also undoubtedly principled and even a kind man. When he releases the Blackjack side of his persona he is utterly merciless but while his day-to-day self still seeks illicit or dangerous pleasures, Balcombe doggedly searches for the truth following the sudden death of a young woman and indeed takes the time to offer unexpected help to another young woman who he can see has become trapped by her life. He's chilling to know and yet impossible to dislike.
Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Munro is ostensibly the more straightforward character but his desire for justice when it comes to the worst, most difficult to convict criminals leads to his moral quandary and a pact with Balcombe which simultaneously suits and restrains them both. Blackjack needs his appetite for killing fed regularly and while their agreement ensures the permanent removal of heinous criminals from the streets of Hong Kong, Munro is painfully aware it may eventually result in his downfall. To this end, the introduction of Inspector Garrett very cleverly elevates the considerable tension still further; he is ruthlessly ambitious and manipulative but is also clearly observant and notices the similarities between recent murders. Munro has to balance solving his own cases to keep his increasingly demanding boss satisfied with protecting Blackjack's identity, without making it obvious to the obsessively determined Garrett.
As well as the gripping interplay between the lead characters, the storyline follows two compelling investigations undertaken by the pair. Balcombe is asked to look into the recent, sudden death of Margaret Sotherland, which was attributed to a drug overdose but could have been suicide, The title of the novel becomes especially pertinent here as Balcombe uncovers other, similar deaths involving young Catholic girls. Murray Bailey's examination of religious beliefs and hypocrisy is damningly accurate and adds another layer to this cleverly compulsive novel. At the same time, Munro is drawn into investigating a cold case which eventually led to his predecessor being forced out of the job. Munro realises he risks the further wrath of his boss but in spite of the numerous threats to his career, he is utterly determined to solve the mysterious disappearance of schoolgirl Karen Vaughan. Several witnesses came forward reporting sightings of the girl but discrepancies to the timeline of events don't make sense. It's an irresistible mystery and even though he's certain that Karen was murdered and there will be no happy ending, he becomes almost consumed by his search for the truth.
Second to Sin is a cleverly constructed, complex read throughout and as I've come to expect from Murray Bailey, the research which clearly went into the book plays dividends with both the sense of time and place in post-war Hong Kong vividly brought to life. A thought-provoking exploration of belief and shame, regret and revenge, desire and manipulation, Second to Sin is a dark, suspenseful and memorable thriller which forces its readers to question where evil really lies. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Throughout the novel there's a fascinating exploration of the dichotomy between good and evil, best personified by Charles Balcombe but seen elsewhere too. Balcombe is the epitome of an antihero; he's a truly monstrous killer and disturbingly, is losing control over Blackjack and his impulse to commit horrifically sadistic murders but he is also undoubtedly principled and even a kind man. When he releases the Blackjack side of his persona he is utterly merciless but while his day-to-day self still seeks illicit or dangerous pleasures, Balcombe doggedly searches for the truth following the sudden death of a young woman and indeed takes the time to offer unexpected help to another young woman who he can see has become trapped by her life. He's chilling to know and yet impossible to dislike.
Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Munro is ostensibly the more straightforward character but his desire for justice when it comes to the worst, most difficult to convict criminals leads to his moral quandary and a pact with Balcombe which simultaneously suits and restrains them both. Blackjack needs his appetite for killing fed regularly and while their agreement ensures the permanent removal of heinous criminals from the streets of Hong Kong, Munro is painfully aware it may eventually result in his downfall. To this end, the introduction of Inspector Garrett very cleverly elevates the considerable tension still further; he is ruthlessly ambitious and manipulative but is also clearly observant and notices the similarities between recent murders. Munro has to balance solving his own cases to keep his increasingly demanding boss satisfied with protecting Blackjack's identity, without making it obvious to the obsessively determined Garrett.
As well as the gripping interplay between the lead characters, the storyline follows two compelling investigations undertaken by the pair. Balcombe is asked to look into the recent, sudden death of Margaret Sotherland, which was attributed to a drug overdose but could have been suicide, The title of the novel becomes especially pertinent here as Balcombe uncovers other, similar deaths involving young Catholic girls. Murray Bailey's examination of religious beliefs and hypocrisy is damningly accurate and adds another layer to this cleverly compulsive novel. At the same time, Munro is drawn into investigating a cold case which eventually led to his predecessor being forced out of the job. Munro realises he risks the further wrath of his boss but in spite of the numerous threats to his career, he is utterly determined to solve the mysterious disappearance of schoolgirl Karen Vaughan. Several witnesses came forward reporting sightings of the girl but discrepancies to the timeline of events don't make sense. It's an irresistible mystery and even though he's certain that Karen was murdered and there will be no happy ending, he becomes almost consumed by his search for the truth.
Second to Sin is a cleverly constructed, complex read throughout and as I've come to expect from Murray Bailey, the research which clearly went into the book plays dividends with both the sense of time and place in post-war Hong Kong vividly brought to life. A thought-provoking exploration of belief and shame, regret and revenge, desire and manipulation, Second to Sin is a dark, suspenseful and memorable thriller which forces its readers to question where evil really lies. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
March 27, 2023
‘Balcombe had control over BlackJack. However Munro had control of him.’
I really love these books, a spin off from the Ash Carter Near East series, we follow Blackjack and his alter ego Charles Balcombe in Hong Kong.
BlackJack is a killer, he kills for the thrill of it, the urge of it and has a distinctive MO. Balcombe, his alter ego controls his killer instinct and is in turn under the control of Detective Inspector Monro, taking his orders to kill the worst of Hong Kong Villains; or is he? It’s a great premise as I find myself rooting for both characters even though they are both bad!
"It only takes a second to sin," Father Thomas said. He believes in saving souls, but Charles Balcombe is beyond saving. His control over his killer instinct appears to be weakening. BlackJack has killed again and more questions are being asked of Detective Inspector Munro. He is under increasing pressure to solve the murders, especially when he picks up more cases from Kowloon rather than solving his own. As Balcombe battles with his demon, he’s asked to look into the death a young woman, Margaret Sotherland. An assumed suicide by opium overdose. Using it as a distraction from his killing urges he investigates and finds other similar deaths. Is the church saving souls by insisting deaths aren't suicide? At first Balcombe thinks it's straightforward, but as he digs, other cases reveal an evil in Hong Kong. One that could consume them all. Set in 1954, the second book on the series, you could read alone but I would recommend you read book 1 first; Once A Killer - you won’t regret it!
I always feel conflicted about Balcombe/Blackjack, he’s a great character, he is a villain and does unspeakable things but he also helps people. Balcombe’s control seems to be unravelling over Blackjack and makes for a tense and suspenseful read.
‘No, you will not. You step over that line… you start killing innocent people and I’ll come after you.’
The plot tanks along nicely with two strands running alongside each other and I love the cat and mouse aspect to Munro and Balcombes relationship, plus the addition of Inspector Garrett.
Garrett is after Munro’s job and is after Balcombe/Blackjack too, I liked the introduction of this character it brings more jeopardy to the storyline for Balcombe.
‘Garrett has spotted the similarity to the butcher’s murder. If he gets any closer, I won’t be able to protect you.’
A really excellent thriller, with plenty of undercurrents and full of tension to keep you hooked. I can’t wait for book 3; A Third Is Darkness.
I really love these books, a spin off from the Ash Carter Near East series, we follow Blackjack and his alter ego Charles Balcombe in Hong Kong.
BlackJack is a killer, he kills for the thrill of it, the urge of it and has a distinctive MO. Balcombe, his alter ego controls his killer instinct and is in turn under the control of Detective Inspector Monro, taking his orders to kill the worst of Hong Kong Villains; or is he? It’s a great premise as I find myself rooting for both characters even though they are both bad!
"It only takes a second to sin," Father Thomas said. He believes in saving souls, but Charles Balcombe is beyond saving. His control over his killer instinct appears to be weakening. BlackJack has killed again and more questions are being asked of Detective Inspector Munro. He is under increasing pressure to solve the murders, especially when he picks up more cases from Kowloon rather than solving his own. As Balcombe battles with his demon, he’s asked to look into the death a young woman, Margaret Sotherland. An assumed suicide by opium overdose. Using it as a distraction from his killing urges he investigates and finds other similar deaths. Is the church saving souls by insisting deaths aren't suicide? At first Balcombe thinks it's straightforward, but as he digs, other cases reveal an evil in Hong Kong. One that could consume them all. Set in 1954, the second book on the series, you could read alone but I would recommend you read book 1 first; Once A Killer - you won’t regret it!
I always feel conflicted about Balcombe/Blackjack, he’s a great character, he is a villain and does unspeakable things but he also helps people. Balcombe’s control seems to be unravelling over Blackjack and makes for a tense and suspenseful read.
‘No, you will not. You step over that line… you start killing innocent people and I’ll come after you.’
The plot tanks along nicely with two strands running alongside each other and I love the cat and mouse aspect to Munro and Balcombes relationship, plus the addition of Inspector Garrett.
Garrett is after Munro’s job and is after Balcombe/Blackjack too, I liked the introduction of this character it brings more jeopardy to the storyline for Balcombe.
‘Garrett has spotted the similarity to the butcher’s murder. If he gets any closer, I won’t be able to protect you.’
A really excellent thriller, with plenty of undercurrents and full of tension to keep you hooked. I can’t wait for book 3; A Third Is Darkness.
April 15, 2023
Second To Sin is book two in Murray Bailey’s Blackjack series of thrillers which is a spin-off of his earlier Ash Carter series and follows hot on the heels of Once A Killer where we met Blackjack aka Charles Balcombe. If you haven’t read the Ash Carter books then they come highly recommended but you don’t need to have read them to appreciate the Blackjack series
A former military policeman, Charles left his previous life behind when his need to kill became a problem and he fled to Hong Kong to hide in plain sight.
Returning in book 2 are several other characters which compliment Balcombe’s dark character.
Detective Munro brings a lighter note in his dealings with the local coroner whilst Balcombe’s rickshaw driving sidekick Albert helps us to see a more human side to the man struggling to keep a lid on his murderous alter ego.
Whilst it is perfectly possible to read Second to Sin as a stand-alone I’d heartily suggest that you read Once A Killer first to fully appreciate the growing relationship between the anti-hero and the detective.
For me Book 1 was easily one of my favourite books of last year but Second To Sin is even better.
Watching Charles’ struggle with his Mr Hyde like persona whilst immersing yourself in Munro’s more mundane investigations into a missing girl is a delight.
Mr Bailey has a knack for writing believable situations with characters that are both likable and real. Blackjack is part Jekyll/Hyde and part Dexter whilst Charles Balcombe is sophisticated and perfectly at home among the society elite living on the island.
In Second to Sin, Charles is asked by a friend to look into a potential suicide that was classified as an accidental death and this opens up an investigation into a possible serial killer.
Meanwhile Munro is under pressure to start getting results and is drawn to a missing persons case involving a young girl that drove his predecessor into early retirement due to a mental breakdown.
A plot that grabs you from the outset, keeps you hooked, and spits you out fulfilled at the end.
Blackjack is one of those characters that you’ll find difficult to forget.
This is a series that just gets better and better
It’s going to have to be something special to knock this from my number one position for 2023. At least until Book 3 is available.
A former military policeman, Charles left his previous life behind when his need to kill became a problem and he fled to Hong Kong to hide in plain sight.
Returning in book 2 are several other characters which compliment Balcombe’s dark character.
Detective Munro brings a lighter note in his dealings with the local coroner whilst Balcombe’s rickshaw driving sidekick Albert helps us to see a more human side to the man struggling to keep a lid on his murderous alter ego.
Whilst it is perfectly possible to read Second to Sin as a stand-alone I’d heartily suggest that you read Once A Killer first to fully appreciate the growing relationship between the anti-hero and the detective.
For me Book 1 was easily one of my favourite books of last year but Second To Sin is even better.
Watching Charles’ struggle with his Mr Hyde like persona whilst immersing yourself in Munro’s more mundane investigations into a missing girl is a delight.
Mr Bailey has a knack for writing believable situations with characters that are both likable and real. Blackjack is part Jekyll/Hyde and part Dexter whilst Charles Balcombe is sophisticated and perfectly at home among the society elite living on the island.
In Second to Sin, Charles is asked by a friend to look into a potential suicide that was classified as an accidental death and this opens up an investigation into a possible serial killer.
Meanwhile Munro is under pressure to start getting results and is drawn to a missing persons case involving a young girl that drove his predecessor into early retirement due to a mental breakdown.
A plot that grabs you from the outset, keeps you hooked, and spits you out fulfilled at the end.
Blackjack is one of those characters that you’ll find difficult to forget.
This is a series that just gets better and better
It’s going to have to be something special to knock this from my number one position for 2023. At least until Book 3 is available.
April 9, 2023
The second book in The Blackjack Thriller series and just as good and bloody as the first book. It read well as a stand-alone but I definitely recommend reading book 1 first for context. It’s 1954 and Charles Balcombe / BlackJack is still living in Hong Kong. There are two threads to the book and these are seamlessly and cleverly intertwined. Well written and planned this was a thrilling read.
Briefly, Balcombe continues to have blackouts after which he finds that he has carried out a gruesome killing. Each time the victim is no innocent but somebody who deserves to die. However his control over his weakness is growing and murders are occurring ever more frequently. DI “Babyface “Munro is under increasing pressure to solve the growing number of murders but is sidelined by his boss who thinks he is not solving cases quickly enough.
A great mix of thriller and police procedural with one of the most unusual protagonists you’ll ever meet. Hong Kong is a great setting for this series, I’ve visited there a number of times and even now there are places where you can envisage this taking place. Another very enjoyable read in this excellent series. I’m looking forward to book 3.
4.5⭐️
Briefly, Balcombe continues to have blackouts after which he finds that he has carried out a gruesome killing. Each time the victim is no innocent but somebody who deserves to die. However his control over his weakness is growing and murders are occurring ever more frequently. DI “Babyface “Munro is under increasing pressure to solve the growing number of murders but is sidelined by his boss who thinks he is not solving cases quickly enough.
A great mix of thriller and police procedural with one of the most unusual protagonists you’ll ever meet. Hong Kong is a great setting for this series, I’ve visited there a number of times and even now there are places where you can envisage this taking place. Another very enjoyable read in this excellent series. I’m looking forward to book 3.
4.5⭐️
April 27, 2023
The Second ‘Blackjack’ book in the series and the next book in a wider universe, and another excellent thriller from the brilliant Murray Bailey.
This story, probably best read in series order so you get the full background covers the character of ‘Blackjack’ or Charles Balcombe, a part time investigator and part time playboy with a dark secret. A dark addiction.
I’ve read everything Murray Bailey has written and this is probably up there with the best to date, interestingly it feels a bit darker than usual as Balcombe is starting to struggle with his demon. This in turn allows Bailey to write more sinister tales.
With religion, children going missing, and the 2 main characters sharing an uneasy alliance, Murray Bailey as ever writes a fast paced thriller that doesn’t let up, with short punchy chapters, cliffhangers, violence, darkness and a quite superb twist in its tail.
I look forward to more and to see where Murray Bailey takes Balcombe and the aforementioned uneasy alliance.
Excellent
This story, probably best read in series order so you get the full background covers the character of ‘Blackjack’ or Charles Balcombe, a part time investigator and part time playboy with a dark secret. A dark addiction.
I’ve read everything Murray Bailey has written and this is probably up there with the best to date, interestingly it feels a bit darker than usual as Balcombe is starting to struggle with his demon. This in turn allows Bailey to write more sinister tales.
With religion, children going missing, and the 2 main characters sharing an uneasy alliance, Murray Bailey as ever writes a fast paced thriller that doesn’t let up, with short punchy chapters, cliffhangers, violence, darkness and a quite superb twist in its tail.
I look forward to more and to see where Murray Bailey takes Balcombe and the aforementioned uneasy alliance.
Excellent
April 22, 2023
This is the second in the Blackjack Thriller Series & is just as good as the first. It can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading book 1 prior to this one, as it’ll be easier to contextualise the characters & place.
1954 Hong Kong & Balcombe is still fighting his internal demon, Blackjack. The latter’s handiwork is becoming more prevalent & DI Munro is conflicted in solving the murders whilst keeping Balcombe on side. Meanwhile, Balcombe is investigating an alternative series of deaths.
A very enjoyable read. Is it wrong to side with this very charismatic killer? Roll on book 3.
1954 Hong Kong & Balcombe is still fighting his internal demon, Blackjack. The latter’s handiwork is becoming more prevalent & DI Munro is conflicted in solving the murders whilst keeping Balcombe on side. Meanwhile, Balcombe is investigating an alternative series of deaths.
A very enjoyable read. Is it wrong to side with this very charismatic killer? Roll on book 3.
November 11, 2023
I have now read over half a dozen books by this Author, spread across different series or standalone books. All are well written and researched with superb characterisation throughout. Plenty of surprises and twists along the way, which normally result in my not solving whodunit. Atmospheric cerebral clever and compelling always gripping and riveting from first to last page. This is no exception the second in this series featuring Blackjack a real anti hero of ever there was one, but can be read as a standalone story.
Completely recommended.
Completely recommended.
May 12, 2023
Really enjoyed the 1st BlackJack book so bought this straight away. I enjoyed this one even more and can't wait for number 3. The characters have developed nicely and the complicated storylines are told in such a way as to make it easy to follow and very compelling. A very good thriller indeed.
May 30, 2023
Wow! From the first page I was engrossed in this, Blackjack is back! Murray Bailey has a knack for making the reader feel like they are there in the room with Charles and his alter ego.
Really can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!
Really can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!
November 11, 2023
My Thoughts: it’s no secret that I absolutely adore Murray’s writing, that being said I was a little dubious to start the BlackJack books because I was worried that they wouldn’t live up to the Ash Carter standards, I can happily report that I was wrong.
BlackJack is the alter ego of Charles Balcombe, Balcombe is a private investigator of sorts, whereas BlackJack likes to kill the bad guys that the police either can’t or won’t touch for various reasons.
We learn in this one that Charles doesn’t always have control of BlackJack and doesn’t always remember the crimes he commits, could be problematic for him moving forward when he’s working with the police to solve the possible murder of a young woman, can he cover his tracks at the same time?
This book was incredible, the pacing was perfect, the suspense was palpable, I devoured this in one sitting and can’t wait to see what he gets up to next time.
BlackJack is the alter ego of Charles Balcombe, Balcombe is a private investigator of sorts, whereas BlackJack likes to kill the bad guys that the police either can’t or won’t touch for various reasons.
We learn in this one that Charles doesn’t always have control of BlackJack and doesn’t always remember the crimes he commits, could be problematic for him moving forward when he’s working with the police to solve the possible murder of a young woman, can he cover his tracks at the same time?
This book was incredible, the pacing was perfect, the suspense was palpable, I devoured this in one sitting and can’t wait to see what he gets up to next time.
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