Vertigo Alley: Text K For Killer

DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime #3

by Ely North

People can’t simply vanish into thin air… can they?A missing hiker. A covert drugs operation. A ticking clock. And one seriously pissed off Detective Inspector!When an elderly hiker fails to return home, DCI Frank Finnegan assigns the task to his brightest officer— Detective Inspector Prisha Kumar. What initially turns out to be a missing persons case soon becomes far more baffling and suspicious.Meanwhile, DS Zac Stoker is on an undercover operation aimed at disrupting the importation of illicit drugs by sea. He's supposed to be a back-up. Another set of eyes and ears, helping an unwholesome character from Police Scotland. But he’s soon dragged into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.DCI Finnegan must manage his limited resources, cool frayed tempers, massage injured egos, and ultimately piece together two different deadly puzzles before it’s too late!With his superiors conspiring to put him out to pasture, can he catch a killer, bust a drugs ring, and end speculation about his retirement?Set in the rugged and atmospheric countryside of North Yorkshire, Vertigo Alley is Book 3 in the DCI Finnegan series.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2023

About the author

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Ely North is the bestselling author of the DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thriller series—gritty, gripping, contemporary British police procedurals set against the haunting beauty of Whitby, the North York Moors, surrounding coastal villages, and the majestic Yorkshire Dales.

Leading the charge is DCI Frank Finnegan—a sharp-witted, old-school detective with Irish-Welsh roots and a Yorkshire tongue. With his dry humour and “never back down” attitude, Finnegan is a fan favourite: “a good policeman and a great character.” He’s flanked by DS Zac Stoker, known for his blunt honesty and dogged loyalty, and DI Prisha Kumar, a smart, modern counterbalance to Finnegan’s old-fashioned methods. Their camaraderie—and the occasional clash—gives the series heart as well as edge.

Since its 2022 debut, Ely North’s series has captivated readers worldwide, earning over 33 million Kindle Unlimited page reads, with Black Nab alone topping 5 million.

North’s storytelling blends “twists and turns that keep you guessing” with authentic characters and a strong sense of place.

One reviewer called it “as addictive as anything by Ann Cleeves,” while another said, “Ely North is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.” Perfect for fans of Dervla McTiernan, Peter Robinson, and Joy Ellis.

Ely North’s novels offer crime fiction with atmosphere, dark secrets, and the occasional laugh in the face of murder.

The DCI Finnegan series is set to continue for many more books to come.

Reviews

[Kevin M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vertigo Alley takes Ely North’s coastal mystery series into darker territory, with a new case that quickly draws readers into a web of suspicion, betrayal, and half-buried secrets. The atmosphere is rich and compelling — the locations feel tangible, from the windswept backstreets to the claustrophobic corners where danger lurks. North writes with a sharp eye for setting, giving the novel a strong sense of place that grounds the action.

The plot itself starts with a solid hook and builds steadily, dropping hints and clues at regular intervals. While this makes the story easy to follow, it also makes the mystery less challenging — many of the key revelations can be guessed before they’re fully revealed. For seasoned mystery readers, this predictability might dull the suspense a little.

However, the book redeems itself with its final act. The twist at the end is clever, satisfying, and ties together the threads in a way that feels purposeful rather than forced. More importantly, it opens a door directly into the next installment, giving the series momentum and leaving you curious about what’s to come.

Overall, Vertigo Alley is a mixed experience: not as tightly plotted or surprising as it could be, but still a gripping read thanks to its atmosphere, pacing, and strong closing twist. For fans invested in the series, it’s worth reading — especially for the way it links forward into the next chapter of the story.

[Glyn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

No3 is vertigo alley in the yorkshire crime series ( finnegan and fumar) have their hands full again. This is a follow on from book 2 partly and its a theme of these books. In this one we encounter missing persons ,undercover police and some clever work is needed by franks team to solve it (no spoilers). So get out and buy the book and ENJOY.

[A D MYERTHALL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vertigo Alley,the quest for a killer.

alan@thepipeshop.co.uk
Wow, what an end to a great book,had me pumped up the whole way, can't wait to read the next book and find out your real authors name.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of food coppers cases

As always good copper stuff in the fine English and Scottish tradition. Always good who done it that keeps you hanging until the end. Great cast and storyline

[Helen Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Two investigations unknowingly linked. Very believable characters. Rolls along at the right pace. Couldn't put it down. Will definitely read some of the others in the series.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Excellent Story

Another excellent story in the Yorkshire Crime Thriller series with all the usual characters. A great storyline that moved at a fast pace and an unexpected ending.Looking forward to reading more.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A freebie on Kindle Unlimited.

Frank and the team are investigating two missing persons. They are elderly and went hiking together.

These are enjoyable enough especially as I'm getting to know the characters more.

As with the first two I've read, it needs a good edit.

[M R B Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two crimes

Tinnitus hands the reins to Prisha who turns a slovenly DS into a respected detective only for a mishap to occur. Zac gets converted and brings in a drug ring in the same area as the murders. Coincidence?

[Michael Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. All of them have been a very good read.
Happy to recommend these books to anyone who enjoys detective stories.

[Douglas Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are best to read this series of books in order. This is a great murder mystery with great locations & characters, so very difficult to put down.

[Linda Woodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope Cartright makes if after doing good with fhis latest case.
Beale was a pain poor Zak
I suspected Lewis as fhd top man
As Always a cracking story

[Roxanne Rampage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one and Zac going undercover was brilliant, very funny in places.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favourite out of this series so far.
Almost unbelievable storyline and the character of the undercover cop was far too stereotyped.
Was waiting for a bombshell at the end.

[barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read where two crimes intertwine ,good police procedures and story line .Love Frank and Zak is a steady person to the team .

[Karen Wrobel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The best of the first three books. Good story line, all of the characters are in play, which makes the book much more engaging.