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Billy Rucker #1
Shut Eye
Teddy's first assignation with a male lover is also his last. The married airline pilot lies dead in his London flat - his torso scarred by the sharp shards of the shattered champagne bottle left cynically protruding from his abdomen.Yet video cameras are everywhere these days. Who was the man filmed with Teddy as he left the Heathrow concourse? And could he kill again? Ex-copper turned private investigator Billy Rucker joins the case on the exhortation of Teddy's brother, a well-known Tory MP. And for Rucker it's the start of a long, lonely trail through the city, clutching a grainy black and white photograph and a gut-gnawing suspicion lurking at the pit of his stomach. Until a phone call in the night asks for a meeting ... And suddenly the name of the game is fear ...
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 17, 2021
I generally avoid crime novels where the protagonist is a private detective, and I avoid like the plague novels written in first person, but I'd downloaded this last year and it was languishing on my kindle when I was struck with a hefty bout of insomnia. So I thought I'd give it a go.
The first part in italics did not fill me with confidence, but then I got into the real story and my word, I was engrossed.
This is stonkingly good writing. Rich in little details that add so much. Not the usual rubbish about inane stuff but the tiny things that made me think: this is an author who isn't imagining himself as Rucker - he actually IS the guy. He is there, living each moment.
.. so I told his secretary I was a policeman and gave her an imaginary warrant card number which was in fact the phone number of a woman called Sue, which someone else had written in biro on a beer mat next to the phone.
It's that sort of 'visual' writing and almost off-hand details that I love in a book. I could see the beer mat, its crumpled edges, the number in blue ink slightly smudged, and Rucker picking it up in a casual way.
There are a few really great detective novels that I have liked so much that I have had to purchase a hard copy. This is another one.
(I bought book 2 - and if anything, it's even better)
The first part in italics did not fill me with confidence, but then I got into the real story and my word, I was engrossed.
This is stonkingly good writing. Rich in little details that add so much. Not the usual rubbish about inane stuff but the tiny things that made me think: this is an author who isn't imagining himself as Rucker - he actually IS the guy. He is there, living each moment.
.. so I told his secretary I was a policeman and gave her an imaginary warrant card number which was in fact the phone number of a woman called Sue, which someone else had written in biro on a beer mat next to the phone.
It's that sort of 'visual' writing and almost off-hand details that I love in a book. I could see the beer mat, its crumpled edges, the number in blue ink slightly smudged, and Rucker picking it up in a casual way.
There are a few really great detective novels that I have liked so much that I have had to purchase a hard copy. This is another one.
(I bought book 2 - and if anything, it's even better)
February 8, 2021
Brilliant book to read. The twists in the storyline kept me wanting to read more. They’re was a lot going on and I really liked the fact that it kept me guessing right until the end and even then the twist was brilliant. Some of the chapters were a a bit long but then I prefer short ones anyway, but it didn’t detract from making this a great read. I will certainly try more from this author.
August 15, 2013
PROTAGONIST: Billy Rucker, PI
SETTING: London
SERIES: #1 of 4
RATING: 4.5
WHY: Married airline pilot Teddy Morgan is brutally murdered after bringing home a man he met at an airport bar. Teddy was not known to be gay. PI Billy Rucker is hired by Teddy's brother to investigate, a job which he does very well with no easy cop-outs. A sub-plot deals with Billy's brother, Luke, who is in a vegetative state as a result of putting himself on the line for his brother. Plotting and characterization were well done. Excellent debut.
SETTING: London
SERIES: #1 of 4
RATING: 4.5
WHY: Married airline pilot Teddy Morgan is brutally murdered after bringing home a man he met at an airport bar. Teddy was not known to be gay. PI Billy Rucker is hired by Teddy's brother to investigate, a job which he does very well with no easy cop-outs. A sub-plot deals with Billy's brother, Luke, who is in a vegetative state as a result of putting himself on the line for his brother. Plotting and characterization were well done. Excellent debut.
January 28, 2021
A book that delivers.
A new character who is a private detective, Billy is an ex policeman and uses his skills in his new career. This book is gritty and hard hitting.
A look at the underbelly of a city where unbelievable, and unthinkable crimes become reality. There were red herrings and intriguing twists which developed into a really good read.
A new character who is a private detective, Billy is an ex policeman and uses his skills in his new career. This book is gritty and hard hitting.
A look at the underbelly of a city where unbelievable, and unthinkable crimes become reality. There were red herrings and intriguing twists which developed into a really good read.
May 12, 2021
An ok read.. didn't have me on the edge of my seat for a thriller. Was slow to get going, identifying the key characters and really trying to engage with them but just not feeling it.
Once the story started coming together it made sense but didn't give that satisfaction of other thrillers when the mystery is solved.
Once the story started coming together it made sense but didn't give that satisfaction of other thrillers when the mystery is solved.
September 5, 2019
1999 British police mystery. I liked this book a lot, I often dislike stories where there is a lot of violence described. But the quite gruesome murders are reported like a forensic report, without sensationalising. For me, somewhat distancing the reader from the full horror of the events.
There is a considerable amount of swearing ( which doesn't bother me in the least) and some well written sexual content. The detective is is a complex, caring man, who is believable and likable.
There is a considerable amount of swearing ( which doesn't bother me in the least) and some well written sexual content. The detective is is a complex, caring man, who is believable and likable.
April 28, 2020
DNF. I know it's a product of its time and all that, and I'm not super sensitive, but this book contains some really offensive terms and outdated ideas. The narrator (audiobook) was smug, and I only got a couple of hours in before I had to stop.
January 12, 2021
A really scary thriller about a serial killer, with a surprise ending.
July 3, 2020
Adam Baron’s former cop turned Private I, Billy Rucker, is a deeply complex character. After book #1 in this British crime drama series, it feels that we have only scraped the surface, and there is much more to look forward to in later books. The writing is rich and engaging as the author strings us along through the intricate plot and the fascinating characters toward an unexpected conclusion.
For readers expecting edge-of-your-seat action, however, this is not what you’re going to find it. The narrative starts out rather slowly, with abundant description of Billy’s life, but only a teaser about the investigation into the death of the brother of an MP (Member of Parliament), seemingly at the hands of a serial killer who targets gay men. The serial killer chase seems like it will be the focus – especially after the opening prologue teaser, which turns out to be a bit of a blind lead – but the story unfolds very slowly in part one. The pace picks up in the middle stages, but all along the author’s descriptions and side-notes keep us aching for the thriller story to advance more quickly.
It’s a well-crafted book, and the author is an accomplished storyteller. The plot is ultimately very interesting, with several twists and a satisfying conclusion. I personally would have preferred that the focus were more on that story from the beginning, but by the end I feel like I know Billy pretty well. And now I’m interested in finding out more about what happens to him (and Sharon) in the next book. Certainly a recommended read for P.I. fans who enjoy deep characters.
For readers expecting edge-of-your-seat action, however, this is not what you’re going to find it. The narrative starts out rather slowly, with abundant description of Billy’s life, but only a teaser about the investigation into the death of the brother of an MP (Member of Parliament), seemingly at the hands of a serial killer who targets gay men. The serial killer chase seems like it will be the focus – especially after the opening prologue teaser, which turns out to be a bit of a blind lead – but the story unfolds very slowly in part one. The pace picks up in the middle stages, but all along the author’s descriptions and side-notes keep us aching for the thriller story to advance more quickly.
It’s a well-crafted book, and the author is an accomplished storyteller. The plot is ultimately very interesting, with several twists and a satisfying conclusion. I personally would have preferred that the focus were more on that story from the beginning, but by the end I feel like I know Billy pretty well. And now I’m interested in finding out more about what happens to him (and Sharon) in the next book. Certainly a recommended read for P.I. fans who enjoy deep characters.
April 13, 2021
Ignore the self-congratulatory subtitle. The story is excellent, and the writing refreshing.
I came to this book in a somewhat jaded frame of mind. The last four novels that I'd started (two sci-fi, two crime) has been abandoned before the end of the first chapter, largely because of sloppy, poorly edited, adverbially bloated writing. And then I received the latest newsletter from my alma mater, Essex University in England, and there was an article about a fellow alum, Adam Baron. It mentioned that he'd been a journalist, and I suddenly realized that this might be a cure for my ennui. I downloaded Shut Eye, winced at the subtitle, and dived in.
Yes I did put it down. Several times. The writing was excellent, and deserved up be appreciated rather than "binged". The pacing was perfect, reflecting the uncertainty inherent in the story. The twist, connecting all the threads, was startling and yet deeply satisfying.
And there were few, if any, adverbs.
I came to this book in a somewhat jaded frame of mind. The last four novels that I'd started (two sci-fi, two crime) has been abandoned before the end of the first chapter, largely because of sloppy, poorly edited, adverbially bloated writing. And then I received the latest newsletter from my alma mater, Essex University in England, and there was an article about a fellow alum, Adam Baron. It mentioned that he'd been a journalist, and I suddenly realized that this might be a cure for my ennui. I downloaded Shut Eye, winced at the subtitle, and dived in.
Yes I did put it down. Several times. The writing was excellent, and deserved up be appreciated rather than "binged". The pacing was perfect, reflecting the uncertainty inherent in the story. The twist, connecting all the threads, was startling and yet deeply satisfying.
And there were few, if any, adverbs.
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October 19, 2020I liked this book. I’d have liked even more if the author was more careful with the setting. The book places Gordon Brown as the sitting Chancellor. He served between 2007 to 2010. Yet, the author talks of typewriters, answering machines, line telephones. A PI with no cell phone? Film cameras that has to be developed in dark room. No email, a guy with no ticket can be in the departure terminals various times, picking up victims as if he could pass security without a valid I’d, etc, That detracted from my enjoyment.
Had the author placed the story in the 1970s, then it would more realistic, thus more enjoyable.
I like this author and will try his subsequent books. If he can bring technology compatible with the time the story is set, then he will be very enjoyable.
Had the author placed the story in the 1970s, then it would more realistic, thus more enjoyable.
I like this author and will try his subsequent books. If he can bring technology compatible with the time the story is set, then he will be very enjoyable.
June 21, 2020
A P.I. investigates the murder of a politician's brother. The brother, a married pilot, appeared to be slaughtered amidst a homosexual tryst. The politician, who is gay, says his brother was not and is willing to pay to find the perp.
I am mixed about this book. The b4eginning chapters are boring and slow. I almost didn't finish. However, I kept with it and became more engaged. I did not like the twist at the end. The intrigue revolving the politicians felt contrived. Additionally, there is a difference between being gay and being a paedophile. Can't say I loved it but it wasn't bad once you got through the first portion. 2.5 stars
I am mixed about this book. The b4eginning chapters are boring and slow. I almost didn't finish. However, I kept with it and became more engaged. I did not like the twist at the end. The intrigue revolving the politicians felt contrived. Additionally, there is a difference between being gay and being a paedophile. Can't say I loved it but it wasn't bad once you got through the first portion. 2.5 stars
January 24, 2021
I found this book difficult to finish. While well-written, the content horrified and disgusted me (as one would expect from a book about a violent serial killer who preys on gay men). The author included gory details and coarse language to make the reader feel like they were in detective Billy Rucker's mind, figuring out which leads to pursue next while balancing internal turmoil and personal heartbreaks with him.
February 24, 2021
Ex London detective turned PI Billy Rucker gets involved in a hunt for a serial killer. A step up from his usual beat of finding runaway teenagers. And when a Tory MP becomes involved, things get difficult.
A decent start to a new series. Rucker is an interesting, if not entirely likeable, character, and the pace is fast. But the ending was a little messy and rushed. Still, there are a few loose ends that will, presumably, lead into the next book.
A decent start to a new series. Rucker is an interesting, if not entirely likeable, character, and the pace is fast. But the ending was a little messy and rushed. Still, there are a few loose ends that will, presumably, lead into the next book.
December 29, 2020
Good read.
Kept the suspense up all the way through.
No idea how it would end. I
Liked the continuing story of Billy 's brother and his fiance. Felt like getting to know the characters. Good read.
Kept the suspense up all the way through.
No idea how it would end. I
Liked the continuing story of Billy 's brother and his fiance. Felt like getting to know the characters. Good read.
February 4, 2021
Not bad, quite a decent read but it didn't really grip me. A bit slow and found myself drifting in parts. However, a good storyline although a bit predictable with regards to who was behind the deaths. I think the sideline story about Luke kept my interest going.
April 12, 2021
New author to me. Good plot, and a twist. Ex policeman finds young people who ran away from home, in principle. This whole story has a bit of that but most,y it is a story of murder a d mayhem. Good read! The author is cynical and not Tory that is for sure. More please.
July 12, 2021
Well, I know this book was written over 20 years ago and things have changed a lot since then but I enjoyed this book (even though I had worked out who the murderer was quite early on). The actual ending was a surprise though.
July 18, 2021
Listened to this as an audio book while I did some other work. Books should have ratings like movies, I didn't like hearing some parts of this story. Not sure that I'll move into next one in the series.
January 12, 2022
Hard Truth
This was an interesting story. The English ways of descriptions made it seem a little odd to me. I don’t usually read detective type stories. If a person get them they would probably like it. I gave it three stars because it wasn’t to bad a read.
This was an interesting story. The English ways of descriptions made it seem a little odd to me. I don’t usually read detective type stories. If a person get them they would probably like it. I gave it three stars because it wasn’t to bad a read.
June 26, 2020
Good reading
For the most part I really enjoyed it. Very confusing ending for me, too many avenues to follow for me,
For the most part I really enjoyed it. Very confusing ending for me, too many avenues to follow for me,
August 20, 2020
I rarely give books a 2 star rating but this was a long and tedious book with a crappy ending.
August 23, 2020
Gruesome murders, likable investigator. I knew there was a twist coming at the end but when it came it didn’t seem believable to me.
November 24, 2020
A book I thoroughly enjoyed, and have just downloaded the second book in the series which if as good as the first, I won't be disappointed.
January 9, 2021
Good story
Good story good characters..does,get a tad tedious sometimes to much dialogue not enough action..but hey that may be just me
Good story good characters..does,get a tad tedious sometimes to much dialogue not enough action..but hey that may be just me
January 22, 2021
Very gruesome. Not really a bad mystery, but tmi for gore.
March 8, 2021
Murder
A Well written and well conceived storyline. A book that keeps the reader guessing. Believable and likeable characters that interact well together.
A Well written and well conceived storyline. A book that keeps the reader guessing. Believable and likeable characters that interact well together.
March 11, 2021
Pageturner
Could not put it down.felt I really got to know the characters. Lots of twists and turbans lots of suprised
Could not put it down.felt I really got to know the characters. Lots of twists and turbans lots of suprised
April 27, 2021
Below my standard of reading
Very disappointed with this series bad language not appropriate couldn't finish any book, I feel a refund would be more acceptable
Very disappointed with this series bad language not appropriate couldn't finish any book, I feel a refund would be more acceptable
May 6, 2021
Definitely can't put down until last page
A book that you're going to read until the very last page and that's just in one first sitting !!!!!
A book that you're going to read until the very last page and that's just in one first sitting !!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews