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DCI Michael Lambert #3
Dead Embers:
An explosive fire. A double murder. And that’s just the start…
When DCI Michael Lambert is called out to an apparent house fire, he knows it can’t be routine. Instead he finds the remains of a burnt house, a traumatised child and two corpses - one of whom is a senior police officer.
Lambert’s got other problems. Anti-corruption are onto his boss. His relationships is on the rocks. He can’t get over his ex-wife and he keeps blacking out.
But when a detective has been murdered the stakes are too high to get distracted. All is not as it seems. As the investigation continues Lambert realises he is getting drawn into something altogether bigger and more terrifying than he could ever have imagined…
Trust no one.
When DCI Michael Lambert is called out to an apparent house fire, he knows it can’t be routine. Instead he finds the remains of a burnt house, a traumatised child and two corpses - one of whom is a senior police officer.
Lambert’s got other problems. Anti-corruption are onto his boss. His relationships is on the rocks. He can’t get over his ex-wife and he keeps blacking out.
But when a detective has been murdered the stakes are too high to get distracted. All is not as it seems. As the investigation continues Lambert realises he is getting drawn into something altogether bigger and more terrifying than he could ever have imagined…
Trust no one.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2017
665 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Matt Brolly
31 books581 followersMatt Brolly is the Amazon number one bestselling author of the DI Blackwell novels set in Weston-supper-Mare, as well as the DCI Lambert crime novels, the acclaimed near future crime novel, Zero, and the US thriller, The Controller.
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 14, 2023
*4.5 STARS*
DCI Michael Lambert is called to attend the scene of a suspicious house fire where a three year old girl was the only survivor. Her parents charred remains were discovered huddled together. Lambert wouldn't normally be assigned to a case of arson, but this one is different - one of the bodies is that of a senior police officer.
Lambert has numerous problems in his personal life, he still has feelings for his ex- wife, his current relationship is taking a nosedive, and he isn't in the best of health ( he keeps having blackouts ) and to add further to his woes, his boss is under investigation by Anti-Corruption - can he even trust him any more?
However, all these problems have to be put on a back burner to enable him to solve the mother of all cases, resulting from the house fire. This case is extremely complex, and, not only will it challenge him, but it will take him into a dark and deviant world that will haunt Lambert and his team like no other case.
Gosh this was such a twisty, gripping, claustrophobic storyline, and I have huge admiration for the author, and the way he managed to come up with the concept for this book, it was particularly good. The characters were great too, really interesting, and very believable.
As I finished this book I found myself thinking " How did we get from a house fire to what has transpired by the conclusion"? My reason for this thinking is that SO much happened to get us from A to B, and my mind is still processing all the events and twists and turns!
I hadn't read any of Matt Brolly's previous books but it read perfectly well as a standalone, and would I read more by Matt Brolly? Of course I would!
* Thank you to Netgalley, Canelo and Matt Brolly for my ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review*
DCI Michael Lambert is called to attend the scene of a suspicious house fire where a three year old girl was the only survivor. Her parents charred remains were discovered huddled together. Lambert wouldn't normally be assigned to a case of arson, but this one is different - one of the bodies is that of a senior police officer.
Lambert has numerous problems in his personal life, he still has feelings for his ex- wife, his current relationship is taking a nosedive, and he isn't in the best of health ( he keeps having blackouts ) and to add further to his woes, his boss is under investigation by Anti-Corruption - can he even trust him any more?
However, all these problems have to be put on a back burner to enable him to solve the mother of all cases, resulting from the house fire. This case is extremely complex, and, not only will it challenge him, but it will take him into a dark and deviant world that will haunt Lambert and his team like no other case.
Gosh this was such a twisty, gripping, claustrophobic storyline, and I have huge admiration for the author, and the way he managed to come up with the concept for this book, it was particularly good. The characters were great too, really interesting, and very believable.
As I finished this book I found myself thinking " How did we get from a house fire to what has transpired by the conclusion"? My reason for this thinking is that SO much happened to get us from A to B, and my mind is still processing all the events and twists and turns!
I hadn't read any of Matt Brolly's previous books but it read perfectly well as a standalone, and would I read more by Matt Brolly? Of course I would!
* Thank you to Netgalley, Canelo and Matt Brolly for my ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review*
March 8, 2017
Matt Brolly, you keep digging away towards my circle of go-to authors, and I have to admit you have crossed the finish line. From book one of the DCI Michael Lambert series (Dead Eyed) to book two (Dead Lucky), now to book three (Dead Embers), Matt Brolly’s stories get better and better. I have now officially hit the star ceiling with 5 big ones for this installment and fear how I am going to adequately reward the next book.
Michael Lambert is a troubled guy since falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing his car, killing his 4-year-old daughter in the process (not a spoiler). His marriage couldn’t survive the carnage and now he is lost. He does however have a tenuous relationship with DCI Sarah May that is again visited in this book, and he has his work, which is keeping him afloat. I really love this guy and always root hard for him. Other characters that grabbed me included the charismatic DS Matilda Kennedy and the enigmatic Chief Superintendent Glenn Tillman, both making reappearances from previous books. I would like for Mr. Brolly to continue to delve more into these two characters in future novels.
Lambert has a history of going off the grid in terms of how he goes about solving cases. This time around he and his team become involved in a complex series of events involving the death of a fellow cop, a suicide pact, and a series of near death experiences involving explosives. All of this turns out to be just the tippy tip top of a huge web of deceit, corruption and evil. From the first two sentences of the book I was ensnared, and watching this all play out made for compelling and fascinating reading. Even at 95%, there are pieces of the puzzle still to be worked out. The last sentence gave me goosies all over. This was definitely one that was enormously hard to put down.
I have to admit that there are a few deductions Lambert makes that made me wonder if he is a mind reader or just incredibly intuitive. Personally, I was so carried away by the story, I was happy to suspend my believability suspicions and go with it. I had a big smile of satisfaction on my face at the end, and can’t wait for Mr. Brolly to churn out another Lambert book.
Do you like Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza or Michael Wood? If so, you will definitely enjoy Matt Brolly’s Michael Lambert series. Though the central plots of the three novels are all self-contained, you will get a much better feel for the characters if you start with book one, Dead Eyed. Happy reading!
Many thanks to Matt Brolly, Canelo Publishing, and Net Galley for inviting me to read an ARC of Dead Embers. All opinions are my own and are not biased in any way.
Michael Lambert is a troubled guy since falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing his car, killing his 4-year-old daughter in the process (not a spoiler). His marriage couldn’t survive the carnage and now he is lost. He does however have a tenuous relationship with DCI Sarah May that is again visited in this book, and he has his work, which is keeping him afloat. I really love this guy and always root hard for him. Other characters that grabbed me included the charismatic DS Matilda Kennedy and the enigmatic Chief Superintendent Glenn Tillman, both making reappearances from previous books. I would like for Mr. Brolly to continue to delve more into these two characters in future novels.
Lambert has a history of going off the grid in terms of how he goes about solving cases. This time around he and his team become involved in a complex series of events involving the death of a fellow cop, a suicide pact, and a series of near death experiences involving explosives. All of this turns out to be just the tippy tip top of a huge web of deceit, corruption and evil. From the first two sentences of the book I was ensnared, and watching this all play out made for compelling and fascinating reading. Even at 95%, there are pieces of the puzzle still to be worked out. The last sentence gave me goosies all over. This was definitely one that was enormously hard to put down.
I have to admit that there are a few deductions Lambert makes that made me wonder if he is a mind reader or just incredibly intuitive. Personally, I was so carried away by the story, I was happy to suspend my believability suspicions and go with it. I had a big smile of satisfaction on my face at the end, and can’t wait for Mr. Brolly to churn out another Lambert book.
Do you like Angela Marsons, Robert Bryndza or Michael Wood? If so, you will definitely enjoy Matt Brolly’s Michael Lambert series. Though the central plots of the three novels are all self-contained, you will get a much better feel for the characters if you start with book one, Dead Eyed. Happy reading!
Many thanks to Matt Brolly, Canelo Publishing, and Net Galley for inviting me to read an ARC of Dead Embers. All opinions are my own and are not biased in any way.
September 2, 2017
What more can I say about Matt Brolly's DCI Michael Lambert series it just keeps getting better by the minute. I love everything about this series, the characters are written impeccably & the premise is highly believable You learn more about the man himself in this crime thriller, which makes this series top notch.
DCI Michael Lambert is suffering narcolepsy he is keeping it to himself as he doesn't want to lose his job, until he finally seeks medical help for the condition.
DCI Michael Lambert is called to a suspicious house fire where only a three year old girl is found alive, her parents bodies charred remains were found together. Michael is horrified at the sight & is determined to find the killer.
When Michael delves further into the case it is found one of the bodies is one of their own, this puts the case as top priority His new Partner DS Gemma Croft helps with the case as DS Matilda Kennedy is still recuperating after the last case.
As we know Lambert is still struggling with his own demons, the loss of his daughter & his love life, which is distracting him from the case but, but is determined to find the culprit.
As he digs deeper Tillman his boss finds that this case goes right to the top where a certain politician has a lot to gain.
WHAT IS WAVERLY MANOR & WHAT CONNECTION DOES IT HAVE TO THE CASE!!!!
All I can say is that is a certain piece of evidence that shocks Lambert & is so anxious to get to the truth, he finds out that there is a snitch in his team leaking information this is something that Lambert doesn't tolerate, I wont go any further as I don't want to give anything away.
If you haven't read this series yet you are missing out oh & one more note this has to be read in order as there is several references to other cases in previous books.
DCI Michael Lambert is suffering narcolepsy he is keeping it to himself as he doesn't want to lose his job, until he finally seeks medical help for the condition.
DCI Michael Lambert is called to a suspicious house fire where only a three year old girl is found alive, her parents bodies charred remains were found together. Michael is horrified at the sight & is determined to find the killer.
When Michael delves further into the case it is found one of the bodies is one of their own, this puts the case as top priority His new Partner DS Gemma Croft helps with the case as DS Matilda Kennedy is still recuperating after the last case.
As we know Lambert is still struggling with his own demons, the loss of his daughter & his love life, which is distracting him from the case but, but is determined to find the culprit.
As he digs deeper Tillman his boss finds that this case goes right to the top where a certain politician has a lot to gain.
WHAT IS WAVERLY MANOR & WHAT CONNECTION DOES IT HAVE TO THE CASE!!!!
All I can say is that is a certain piece of evidence that shocks Lambert & is so anxious to get to the truth, he finds out that there is a snitch in his team leaking information this is something that Lambert doesn't tolerate, I wont go any further as I don't want to give anything away.
If you haven't read this series yet you are missing out oh & one more note this has to be read in order as there is several references to other cases in previous books.
April 7, 2017
This is the third book in Matt Brolly's DCI Michael Lambert series and my main problem is that I've run out of stars. Dead Eyed was a solid 4-star introduction to the series. Dead Lucky I devoured in one sitting and awarded 5 stars. Dead Embers has been the best one yet, but I'm stuck with 5 stars.
The first chapter grabbed me straight away and I wanted to get back to this as soon as possible when I was forced to put it down. The plot is complex, well crafted and clever. It involves arson, kidnapping, murder, explosions, corruption, and a whole lot of other stuff. I'm being intentionally vague here because there are several surprises along the way and it would be easy to include spoilers. I could not have guessed how the story developed. Very imaginative and intriguing.
You could get away with reading this as a standalone, but reading the series in order is preferable as there is a cast of recurring characters and their history and relationships are so well developed, it would be a shame to miss out on that.
We're into book 3 and I'm still not sure what to make of Lambert's superior, Chief Superintendent Glenn Tillman. The man is an enigma. I truly love DCI Michael Lambert although I couldn't actually say quite what it is that makes him so likable. He's certainly not the chattiest person ever and some of his actions are questionable, but he is so dedicated and struggling with his past, you can't help but feel for him.
Matt Brolly keeps the balance just right between delving into Lambert's private life and his investigative work and the crime thriller aspects. There were a couple of times when I felt Lambert's intuition or maybe his deduction skills were just a tad too convenient to be truly believable. However, the story was so fast-paced and gripping, I was far too involved to let it bother me too much. The ending left me with a huge grin on my face although that may not have been 100% appropriate.
More, please!
I received an ARC via NetGalley
The first chapter grabbed me straight away and I wanted to get back to this as soon as possible when I was forced to put it down. The plot is complex, well crafted and clever. It involves arson, kidnapping, murder, explosions, corruption, and a whole lot of other stuff. I'm being intentionally vague here because there are several surprises along the way and it would be easy to include spoilers. I could not have guessed how the story developed. Very imaginative and intriguing.
You could get away with reading this as a standalone, but reading the series in order is preferable as there is a cast of recurring characters and their history and relationships are so well developed, it would be a shame to miss out on that.
We're into book 3 and I'm still not sure what to make of Lambert's superior, Chief Superintendent Glenn Tillman. The man is an enigma. I truly love DCI Michael Lambert although I couldn't actually say quite what it is that makes him so likable. He's certainly not the chattiest person ever and some of his actions are questionable, but he is so dedicated and struggling with his past, you can't help but feel for him.
Matt Brolly keeps the balance just right between delving into Lambert's private life and his investigative work and the crime thriller aspects. There were a couple of times when I felt Lambert's intuition or maybe his deduction skills were just a tad too convenient to be truly believable. However, the story was so fast-paced and gripping, I was far too involved to let it bother me too much. The ending left me with a huge grin on my face although that may not have been 100% appropriate.
More, please!
I received an ARC via NetGalley
August 24, 2021
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
If I had known this book would be about kidnapping, sexual abuse, torture and killing of children and teenagers, I wouldn't have read it. However, the writing is very good, with a lot of action, and a certain depth and complexity of the main characters. Besides, the story has some plot twists, although I found out halfway through the book who the "villains" were. Scribd.com's English text, and translation for Portuguese + audio in English from Google Translate. Continuing the Project Learning English by myself.
If I had known this book would be about kidnapping, sexual abuse, torture and killing of children and teenagers, I wouldn't have read it. However, the writing is very good, with a lot of action, and a certain depth and complexity of the main characters. Besides, the story has some plot twists, although I found out halfway through the book who the "villains" were. Scribd.com's English text, and translation for Portuguese + audio in English from Google Translate. Continuing the Project Learning English by myself.
July 28, 2017
It starts with a house fire. A young child is found upstairs .. still alive. There are two bodies downstairs presumably the parents, one of whom is a police officer.
DCI Michael Lambert is called in to investigate as the fire was not an accident. With very little to go on, he digs in for the long haul. The longer he investigates, the more he's feeling something off ...
And things really get turned around when the corpses are not who they think they are .....
His boss is under investigation for corruption. His new partner is his boss' girlfriend. His relationship with his latest fling is going nowhere and as he still has feelings for his ex-wife, maybe this isn't such a bad thing. He's still blacking out when he gets too stressed, and only his boss knows. If it gets around, he knows he will be put on desk duty.
So who is he to trust?
Although this is third in the series, it does well as a stand alone. Dead Embers is well written and the plot is very detailed. His well drawn characters tie it up in a credible bow. I look forward to the next adventure of Michael Lambert and his team.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DCI Michael Lambert is called in to investigate as the fire was not an accident. With very little to go on, he digs in for the long haul. The longer he investigates, the more he's feeling something off ...
And things really get turned around when the corpses are not who they think they are .....
His boss is under investigation for corruption. His new partner is his boss' girlfriend. His relationship with his latest fling is going nowhere and as he still has feelings for his ex-wife, maybe this isn't such a bad thing. He's still blacking out when he gets too stressed, and only his boss knows. If it gets around, he knows he will be put on desk duty.
So who is he to trust?
Although this is third in the series, it does well as a stand alone. Dead Embers is well written and the plot is very detailed. His well drawn characters tie it up in a credible bow. I look forward to the next adventure of Michael Lambert and his team.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 5, 2017
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Dead Embers is an interesting, pacey crime-thriller that I hugely enjoyed. I didn’t know exactly what to expect from this book having not ready any others in the DCI Michael Lambert series, but having read this novel I now want to read the others and see if they live up to this one!
I often feel that what makes a great crime-thriller (in my opinion) is great characters and a well-crafted, clever plot. This has both of these – the people within the pages, both good and bad, are interesting and fun to read about. One thing I did notice is that, having not read previous novels, there were a lot of names to remember who’s who, but I can confidently say that you really don’t need to have read the previous two novels in the series. This can be read as a stand-alone novel, as enough is explained, but I guess starting from the beginning is always good if you have that option, eh!
Lambert is an intriguing Detective, with his rebellious, daring streak… as is the case with many Detectives in series like this, but I felt Lambert was particularly likeable, and not too perfect. It’s interesting to learn about his private life and marriage, and I liked that he makes mistakes but he still gets the job done! You feel confident that he knows what he’s doing, so there’s never really an element of worry for his safety, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. In addition to Lambert, Matilda is another great character who was really likable and I enjoyed reading about Tillman, too, with his often slightly mad moments!
Dead Embers jumps right into the storyline without much preamble, and continues moving quickly at a great pace that isn’t too fast but is never, ever slow. I really enjoy police procedurals anyway, and this obviously had elements of that but with added action and suspense – hence the ‘crime-thriller’ category!
There were some themes and parts which were quite eerie, with often disturbing imagery which upped the tension, and twists and turns which keep the plot interesting. I don’t want to ruin any of them, so I’ll just say that this is a really enjoyable, fast-paced read with plenty of tension and intrigue – definitely recommended and a series I plan to read more of!
MANY THANKS TO THE PUBLISHER, CANELO, AND FAYE ROGERS FOR PROVIDING A COPY OF THIS NOVEL ON WHICH I CHOSE TO WRITE AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW.
Dead Embers is an interesting, pacey crime-thriller that I hugely enjoyed. I didn’t know exactly what to expect from this book having not ready any others in the DCI Michael Lambert series, but having read this novel I now want to read the others and see if they live up to this one!
I often feel that what makes a great crime-thriller (in my opinion) is great characters and a well-crafted, clever plot. This has both of these – the people within the pages, both good and bad, are interesting and fun to read about. One thing I did notice is that, having not read previous novels, there were a lot of names to remember who’s who, but I can confidently say that you really don’t need to have read the previous two novels in the series. This can be read as a stand-alone novel, as enough is explained, but I guess starting from the beginning is always good if you have that option, eh!
Lambert is an intriguing Detective, with his rebellious, daring streak… as is the case with many Detectives in series like this, but I felt Lambert was particularly likeable, and not too perfect. It’s interesting to learn about his private life and marriage, and I liked that he makes mistakes but he still gets the job done! You feel confident that he knows what he’s doing, so there’s never really an element of worry for his safety, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. In addition to Lambert, Matilda is another great character who was really likable and I enjoyed reading about Tillman, too, with his often slightly mad moments!
Dead Embers jumps right into the storyline without much preamble, and continues moving quickly at a great pace that isn’t too fast but is never, ever slow. I really enjoy police procedurals anyway, and this obviously had elements of that but with added action and suspense – hence the ‘crime-thriller’ category!
There were some themes and parts which were quite eerie, with often disturbing imagery which upped the tension, and twists and turns which keep the plot interesting. I don’t want to ruin any of them, so I’ll just say that this is a really enjoyable, fast-paced read with plenty of tension and intrigue – definitely recommended and a series I plan to read more of!
MANY THANKS TO THE PUBLISHER, CANELO, AND FAYE ROGERS FOR PROVIDING A COPY OF THIS NOVEL ON WHICH I CHOSE TO WRITE AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW.
March 16, 2017
Adored this fast-moving, well-plotted police procedural which is a cut above most of it's ilk - I'll cut and paste the review, but for now it's at https://crimeworm.wordpress.com/
Don't miss this book if you're a police procedural fan!
Don't miss this book if you're a police procedural fan!
March 10, 2017
'Dead Embers' is Matt Brolly's third book in his DCI Lambert series. I read and enjoyed the first two and thought they were excellent reads, so was really looking forward to reading this one too. Now that I've read it, I dare say this is absolutely the author's best to date.
A house is engulfed by flames. Fire officers manage to save a young child from the inferno, but sadly it's too late for the girl's parents. The mother was a senior policewoman. When Lambert and fire experts are sent to the scene, it is quickly established that the fire was no accident, but arson. Someone murdered these people. Someone wanted to wipe out the entire Jardine family, but who? And why? Is this connected to the mother's work? Or to the father's banking business?
This is one of those books which you can't say too much about for fear of spoiling the plot, as early on in the book, we have a major unexpected twist that ensnares the reader and throws the whole story in a completely different direction. All of a sudden, the case becomes far more complex than solving a double homicide, to such an extent that Lambert begins to doubt his capability of solving it. It seems someone is always one step ahead of him and his team, disrupting their every move. Soon the number of victims rises and a huge tangled web of corruption, deceit and depravity is uncovered. Will Lambert be able to track down the dark mind behind it all?
I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself devouring large chunks of it per sitting. 'Dead Embers' can be read as a standalone, but I would still recommend readers to read the series in order to fully appreciate it. I was rather surprised at how the author has brilliantly weaved this book's plot and was curious to see how it will all end. Certainly I could never have imagined the way the story developed.
All characters are very realistic and vividly brought to life. I like Lambert. He's an excellent police officer, a troubled soul ravished by guilt. Suffering from occasional blackouts, he's not feeling too comfortable in his current on-off relationship with DCI Sarah May. Lambert can't leave his past and the past won't leave him. I liked the interaction between Lambert and his heavyset superior Tillman, who very frequently pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable in his line of work. Lambert is joined in the investigation by DS Matilda Kennedy - another source of guilt for him. Matilda is another likeable character and a bold police officer and I just hope the author will leave the pair together in future books as they form a great team.
'Dead Embers' is a very intriguing suspenseful read full to the brim with non-stop fast-paced action, explosions, tension, claustrophobic scenes that made me gasp for breath, and finally, a shocking ending. Highly recommended!
With thanks to the author for an ARC of this book which I voluntarily accepted to read and review.
A house is engulfed by flames. Fire officers manage to save a young child from the inferno, but sadly it's too late for the girl's parents. The mother was a senior policewoman. When Lambert and fire experts are sent to the scene, it is quickly established that the fire was no accident, but arson. Someone murdered these people. Someone wanted to wipe out the entire Jardine family, but who? And why? Is this connected to the mother's work? Or to the father's banking business?
This is one of those books which you can't say too much about for fear of spoiling the plot, as early on in the book, we have a major unexpected twist that ensnares the reader and throws the whole story in a completely different direction. All of a sudden, the case becomes far more complex than solving a double homicide, to such an extent that Lambert begins to doubt his capability of solving it. It seems someone is always one step ahead of him and his team, disrupting their every move. Soon the number of victims rises and a huge tangled web of corruption, deceit and depravity is uncovered. Will Lambert be able to track down the dark mind behind it all?
I really enjoyed reading this book and found myself devouring large chunks of it per sitting. 'Dead Embers' can be read as a standalone, but I would still recommend readers to read the series in order to fully appreciate it. I was rather surprised at how the author has brilliantly weaved this book's plot and was curious to see how it will all end. Certainly I could never have imagined the way the story developed.
All characters are very realistic and vividly brought to life. I like Lambert. He's an excellent police officer, a troubled soul ravished by guilt. Suffering from occasional blackouts, he's not feeling too comfortable in his current on-off relationship with DCI Sarah May. Lambert can't leave his past and the past won't leave him. I liked the interaction between Lambert and his heavyset superior Tillman, who very frequently pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable in his line of work. Lambert is joined in the investigation by DS Matilda Kennedy - another source of guilt for him. Matilda is another likeable character and a bold police officer and I just hope the author will leave the pair together in future books as they form a great team.
'Dead Embers' is a very intriguing suspenseful read full to the brim with non-stop fast-paced action, explosions, tension, claustrophobic scenes that made me gasp for breath, and finally, a shocking ending. Highly recommended!
With thanks to the author for an ARC of this book which I voluntarily accepted to read and review.
March 14, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for a review copy of Dead Embers, the third novel to feature London based DCI Michael Lambert.
Tillman, Lambert's boss, takes him direct from a secret MRI to try and discover the cause of his blackouts, to the scene of an arson and tells the locals Lambert is in charge. This is news to both but when Lambert finds out the house belongs to DI Caroline Jardine and her husband and that 2 badly burned dead bodies have been found he knows why he has been parachuted in and the pressure is on to find the killer of one of their own. What he uncovers is deeper and darker than anyone could have imagined.
I always enjoy Lambert's investigations and Dead Embers is no exception. Mr Brolly has a very readable style of writing which draws you in and doesn't let go. I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down until I knew everything there was to know. The plot has plenty of twists and turns, not least that early identification of the arsonist is only the start. It is fast, exciting and only slightly implausible (what more could you want?) I was gobsmacked by how Mr Brolly takes the plot further - he is fast becoming one of my must read authors.
The characterisation is good. DCI Lambert is the perennial outsider as he doesn't trust his boss and doesn't have the people skills to make allies. What he does have is an appetite for justice and the nous to get it, by fair means or foul. He is a troubled man but essentially moral and dedicated. I love him.
Dark Embers is an excellent read with its twisty plot, exciting readable style and great protagonist so I have no hesitation in recommending it.
Tillman, Lambert's boss, takes him direct from a secret MRI to try and discover the cause of his blackouts, to the scene of an arson and tells the locals Lambert is in charge. This is news to both but when Lambert finds out the house belongs to DI Caroline Jardine and her husband and that 2 badly burned dead bodies have been found he knows why he has been parachuted in and the pressure is on to find the killer of one of their own. What he uncovers is deeper and darker than anyone could have imagined.
I always enjoy Lambert's investigations and Dead Embers is no exception. Mr Brolly has a very readable style of writing which draws you in and doesn't let go. I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down until I knew everything there was to know. The plot has plenty of twists and turns, not least that early identification of the arsonist is only the start. It is fast, exciting and only slightly implausible (what more could you want?) I was gobsmacked by how Mr Brolly takes the plot further - he is fast becoming one of my must read authors.
The characterisation is good. DCI Lambert is the perennial outsider as he doesn't trust his boss and doesn't have the people skills to make allies. What he does have is an appetite for justice and the nous to get it, by fair means or foul. He is a troubled man but essentially moral and dedicated. I love him.
Dark Embers is an excellent read with its twisty plot, exciting readable style and great protagonist so I have no hesitation in recommending it.
April 6, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and Canelo Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
I have read and enjoyed the previous books in the DCI Michael Lambert series and this one did not disappoint me.
Although this is book 3 in the series it can be read as a stand alone thriller.
DCI Lambert is a troubled man. A car crash while he was driving resulted in the death of his daughter and his wife subsequently left him. He is in an on/off relationship but still has strong feelings for his ex-wife.
"Dead Embers" is a fast paced novel that grabs you from page 1. It is full of suspense and tension with plenty of twists and turns.
Fans of crime thrillers will love this and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
I have read and enjoyed the previous books in the DCI Michael Lambert series and this one did not disappoint me.
Although this is book 3 in the series it can be read as a stand alone thriller.
DCI Lambert is a troubled man. A car crash while he was driving resulted in the death of his daughter and his wife subsequently left him. He is in an on/off relationship but still has strong feelings for his ex-wife.
"Dead Embers" is a fast paced novel that grabs you from page 1. It is full of suspense and tension with plenty of twists and turns.
Fans of crime thrillers will love this and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
May 21, 2025
Questa storia è caratterizzata da un ritmo più lento, assistiamo a momenti più personali della vita di Lambert, ma comunque poco approfonditi e che lasciano un senso di vuoto e di incompletezza.
Il caso è sempre appassionante e per quanto sembri banale all'inizio con l'approfondire delle ricerche diventa sempre più intrigante e curioso; un caso di vere e proprie fecce dell'umanità per tutto quello che hanno fatto.
Per quanto avessi adorato il secondo che mi aveva tenuto super incollata al libro, questo torna ai ritmi del primo libro rendendolo così un buon libro ma privo di ritmo che tiene incollati ad esso, non facendomi impazzire.
Il finale lascia sempre l'amaro in bocca e sto imparando essere una caratteristica di questo autore.
Il caso è sempre appassionante e per quanto sembri banale all'inizio con l'approfondire delle ricerche diventa sempre più intrigante e curioso; un caso di vere e proprie fecce dell'umanità per tutto quello che hanno fatto.
Per quanto avessi adorato il secondo che mi aveva tenuto super incollata al libro, questo torna ai ritmi del primo libro rendendolo così un buon libro ma privo di ritmo che tiene incollati ad esso, non facendomi impazzire.
Il finale lascia sempre l'amaro in bocca e sto imparando essere una caratteristica di questo autore.
January 14, 2023
There were so many twists and turns in this book and the best part is it was so easy to follow along and become attached to the characters and their stories. I was sick with nerves as the suspense grew throughout the investigation and felt content with one of the most satisfying endings of a book I’ve ever had!
April 25, 2023
2 stars
So far my least favourite book in the series. Far too convoluted and over the top with unrealistic scenarios and a complicated and tragic ending.
Also, his way of going all rogue and off the book, not sharing vital information and playing the Rambo card is getting a bit old.
So far my least favourite book in the series. Far too convoluted and over the top with unrealistic scenarios and a complicated and tragic ending.
Also, his way of going all rogue and off the book, not sharing vital information and playing the Rambo card is getting a bit old.
August 23, 2024
Turns out, 3 books for £1 from the village library can still be poor value for money.
So much exposition!
So much exposition!
February 22, 2025
Was caught between 4 and 5 stars, probably the best DCI Lambert story yet.
Would highly recommend.
Would highly recommend.
February 23, 2022
Slow to start, didn't enjoy the first part as much as The Gorge,.the previous book of his that I'd read. However, the pace picked up, until you didn't know who to trust. A gruesome end, but can't wait to read the next one now.
March 7, 2017
Dead Embers by Matthew Brolly is the third in his DCI Lambert series. I have not read the previous books, but the book works fine as a stand-alone.
DCI Lambert is summoned to the scene of a house fire; a three-year-old has been rescued, but the parents did not survive. Arson is not part of DCI Lambert's usual purview, but one of the victims is a fellow officer. At the same time, an anti-corruption investigation is in process concerning Lambert's boss, complicating certain aspects of the investigation.
DCI Lambert has plenty of other problems as well, but his determination to solve this case is evident. (Have to admit that I was not all that taken with DCI Lambert, but perhaps if I'd read the earlier books, I would have a better opinion.) The first two books in the series received excellent ratings.
NetGalley/Canelo
Mystery/Suspense. March 6, 2017. Print length: 287 pages.
DCI Lambert is summoned to the scene of a house fire; a three-year-old has been rescued, but the parents did not survive. Arson is not part of DCI Lambert's usual purview, but one of the victims is a fellow officer. At the same time, an anti-corruption investigation is in process concerning Lambert's boss, complicating certain aspects of the investigation.
DCI Lambert has plenty of other problems as well, but his determination to solve this case is evident. (Have to admit that I was not all that taken with DCI Lambert, but perhaps if I'd read the earlier books, I would have a better opinion.) The first two books in the series received excellent ratings.
NetGalley/Canelo
Mystery/Suspense. March 6, 2017. Print length: 287 pages.
February 18, 2023
I thought at the beginning that I'd like this book. The original premise was intriguing. However, as another reviewer commented, it eventually evolved into a near-science-fiction scenario of a huge conspiracy among apparently a lot of cops to do unspeakable things to lots and LOTS of vulnerable women and children for....what reasons exactly? Because they felt like it, apparently. A truly bizarre conspiracy (and one likely to make the reader never trust the police again), especially when one of the instigators, when caught, started on the "you don't understand, you're not as high-level intelligent and evolved as we are" soapbox.
There were also some editing errors, such as referring to someone as dead when it had not yet been proven that he was in fact dead. As another reader pointed out, there was also an annoying amount of junior-high-level testosterone-based needling and teasing, which is irritating even when it appears in better books than this. And far too much "smirking" and "sneering." And the MC's actions regarding his ex were pretty much inexcusable. The author has written a whole series about this character, but I for one don't want to read any more about this guy.
There were also some editing errors, such as referring to someone as dead when it had not yet been proven that he was in fact dead. As another reader pointed out, there was also an annoying amount of junior-high-level testosterone-based needling and teasing, which is irritating even when it appears in better books than this. And far too much "smirking" and "sneering." And the MC's actions regarding his ex were pretty much inexcusable. The author has written a whole series about this character, but I for one don't want to read any more about this guy.
July 11, 2022
Unlikely!
This novel is thinly disguised Science Fiction/Fantasy pretending to be a Police Procedural. It purports to describe the investigation into a shadowy ring of pedophiles that has successfully infiltrated multiple levels of the police and government in the United Kingdom.
The home of a female police detective has been set afire using incendiary devices, but her three-year-old daughter has survived the fire. Two bodies have been found in the burnt-out ruins of the home, and they are presumed to be those of the officer and her husband.
Are they actually the officer? Maybe not.
The entire thesis of this story is far fetched and not at all believable. I did not like the novel and will not recommend it.
This novel is thinly disguised Science Fiction/Fantasy pretending to be a Police Procedural. It purports to describe the investigation into a shadowy ring of pedophiles that has successfully infiltrated multiple levels of the police and government in the United Kingdom.
The home of a female police detective has been set afire using incendiary devices, but her three-year-old daughter has survived the fire. Two bodies have been found in the burnt-out ruins of the home, and they are presumed to be those of the officer and her husband.
Are they actually the officer? Maybe not.
The entire thesis of this story is far fetched and not at all believable. I did not like the novel and will not recommend it.
May 6, 2017
Confusing
This was a 3rd book in a series but the first one I had read and I'm afraid I just didn't know what was going on. There were several references to things that had happened previously but they were not explained. For example Lambert's young daughter had died, but the circumstances were never explained. He uncovers a corrupt crime ring, but what exactly was the purpose of it, was it paedophilia or something else? At the end Lambert goes back to see his ex or estranged wife who now has another daughter, where is the father of this child? Too many things unexplained made the book unsatisfactory.
This was a 3rd book in a series but the first one I had read and I'm afraid I just didn't know what was going on. There were several references to things that had happened previously but they were not explained. For example Lambert's young daughter had died, but the circumstances were never explained. He uncovers a corrupt crime ring, but what exactly was the purpose of it, was it paedophilia or something else? At the end Lambert goes back to see his ex or estranged wife who now has another daughter, where is the father of this child? Too many things unexplained made the book unsatisfactory.
August 16, 2017
Gripping Thriller which fans of "Line of Duty" are sure to enjoy:
Following an arson attack on the home of a Detective Sergeant, the hunt is on to find the culprit of this crime against one of the Police's own officers. The investigation starts with the hunt for an arsonist skilled enough to have triggered advanced incendiary devices planted in a Gated Community and avoided security. It is not long before the investigation is broadened as politicians and senior police officers take an unusual interest in the case. The involvement of Anti Corruption leads the reader to suspect that their interest may have more to it than meets the eye.
Matt Brolly has a solid plot but it is the characters which made the book for me. DCI Lambert never gives a toss where seniority is concerned and his disdain for Anti Corruption is a delight to behold. Meanwhile the target of Anti Corruption, Chief Superintendent Tillman never bats an eyelid as A C home in on him. He seems content that he has friends in higher places which turns out to be true.
This is the third novel in the Lambert Series and can easily be read as a standalone thriller. Never short on action, full of twists and turns , all those who enjoy police thrillers are bound to enjoy this book.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me by the publisher. My review is totally independent.)
Following an arson attack on the home of a Detective Sergeant, the hunt is on to find the culprit of this crime against one of the Police's own officers. The investigation starts with the hunt for an arsonist skilled enough to have triggered advanced incendiary devices planted in a Gated Community and avoided security. It is not long before the investigation is broadened as politicians and senior police officers take an unusual interest in the case. The involvement of Anti Corruption leads the reader to suspect that their interest may have more to it than meets the eye.
Matt Brolly has a solid plot but it is the characters which made the book for me. DCI Lambert never gives a toss where seniority is concerned and his disdain for Anti Corruption is a delight to behold. Meanwhile the target of Anti Corruption, Chief Superintendent Tillman never bats an eyelid as A C home in on him. He seems content that he has friends in higher places which turns out to be true.
This is the third novel in the Lambert Series and can easily be read as a standalone thriller. Never short on action, full of twists and turns , all those who enjoy police thrillers are bound to enjoy this book.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me by the publisher. My review is totally independent.)
September 19, 2023
Endurance & Determination.
Michael Lambert is a maverick with a conscience. His dogged determination to solve a case, sets him apart from other officers.
This latest case is unlike anything he has dealt with previously. A police officer and her husband are found dead in their burnt out house, or are they?
There are no clues, apart from five incendaries, in the style of John Orr.
Orr was a respected senior fire fighter in the U.S., attended and gave lectures on fire fitting methods at a number of conferences across the States. He was a secret arsonist, using a simple method , finally caught and arrested after a secret investigation, his fingerprint being found at one of his two estimated two thousand fires.
The story leads Lambert and some of his team, on the pursuit of a firestarter, who utilises explosives in his repertoire.
There are many threads to this tale of corruption and murder. They don't lead to dead ends.
Matt Brolly is a superb writer, his novels aren't cosy reading, but they grab you and won't let you go until the last page - reluctantly!
Michael Lambert is a maverick with a conscience. His dogged determination to solve a case, sets him apart from other officers.
This latest case is unlike anything he has dealt with previously. A police officer and her husband are found dead in their burnt out house, or are they?
There are no clues, apart from five incendaries, in the style of John Orr.
Orr was a respected senior fire fighter in the U.S., attended and gave lectures on fire fitting methods at a number of conferences across the States. He was a secret arsonist, using a simple method , finally caught and arrested after a secret investigation, his fingerprint being found at one of his two estimated two thousand fires.
The story leads Lambert and some of his team, on the pursuit of a firestarter, who utilises explosives in his repertoire.
There are many threads to this tale of corruption and murder. They don't lead to dead ends.
Matt Brolly is a superb writer, his novels aren't cosy reading, but they grab you and won't let you go until the last page - reluctantly!
April 28, 2021
Michael Lambert is tasked with the investigation into the murder of a high ranking policewoman and her husband, who, it was first thought, had perished in a fire set by an arsonist in their home. Their little three-year-old daughter was rescued by fireman just minutes before several explosions finished off the wreckage of their house. The postmortem the next day revealed a shocker: Detective Jardine and her husband were not the two bodies found badly burned and fused in an embrace in the living room. Now Lambert is tasked with finding the abductors of the pair, which leads to a bizarre and frightening “Mansion” in the dark forest. The book keeps you riveted to Lambert’s investigation and obsession until you arrive at the end, which I found underwhelming, considering what has happened from the beginning of the investigation. I was a tad disappointed at the ending.
August 23, 2018
DCI Lambert mines Success
Really enjoyed the third DCI Lambert book. Ongoing police from earlier novels cross Lamberts path and his suspicions are raised. What with his own boss Tillman being under investigation by the Anti Corruption team and his trait of not sharing everything with his boss or subordinates Lambert walks a very lonely path. His relationship with Sarah beginning to crumble and him still dealing with the loss of his daughter Chloe the cases he is involved in brings painful memories to the fore. His tenacity and memory eventually bring the case to a resolution with a reconciliation with his wife potentially. Great read, very believable characters and a thrilling end
Really enjoyed the third DCI Lambert book. Ongoing police from earlier novels cross Lamberts path and his suspicions are raised. What with his own boss Tillman being under investigation by the Anti Corruption team and his trait of not sharing everything with his boss or subordinates Lambert walks a very lonely path. His relationship with Sarah beginning to crumble and him still dealing with the loss of his daughter Chloe the cases he is involved in brings painful memories to the fore. His tenacity and memory eventually bring the case to a resolution with a reconciliation with his wife potentially. Great read, very believable characters and a thrilling end
July 23, 2022
As usual the crime was very difficult to work out and several great twists sent the story off on another path. The police characters have interesting back stories and Michael's is very unique in that he is estranged from his wife after a family tragedy years before. I enjoy following both Michael's home life and career and there is always a good build up of tension to a satisfying end. They can be quite gory though, so if that bothers you, it might not be a good choice. I found the very ending quite uncomfortable though and was disappointed in Michael's character because of it. But that's the kind of guy he is I suppose, but I didn't like it.
August 2, 2020
The third installment in the Lambert series, i read this one a couple years after the second. While the plot and mystery sufficiently layered and complex, i did not enjoy this one as much.
In this story Lambert comes across as a complete assh*** to work with but completely passive and self destructive in his personal life. It sets the POV character as someone that is very hard to like.
While the story does come to a conclusion, the reasoning behind the apparent crimes is never stated. And certain plotlines (Duggan) are never wrapped up. It felt like the book needed one more editing pass.
In this story Lambert comes across as a complete assh*** to work with but completely passive and self destructive in his personal life. It sets the POV character as someone that is very hard to like.
While the story does come to a conclusion, the reasoning behind the apparent crimes is never stated. And certain plotlines (Duggan) are never wrapped up. It felt like the book needed one more editing pass.
January 10, 2022
This is the first book i have read of this author - a totally amazing read, I started reading it at lunchtime and finished it by midnight, I could not put it down. The book starts with a housefire and a little girl rescued unharmed a couple were found downstairs who were assumed to be the babies parents only this was not the case. The book is well written and fast paced if you love police procedurals then this is a must read.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - One of the best books I have read in a long long time.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - One of the best books I have read in a long long time.
March 12, 2023
I obviously just don’t get this writer. I quite liked the visceral, fast pace but it was just beyond belief for me. Arsonists, exploding bungalows, pedophile rings, dead bodies in the wrong place, hidden underground vice centres , murders aplenty, broken marriages , top police corruption, guilt, lost senior officers, sadness , relationship issues, stalking … and narcolepsy. Seriously it was like reading every crime show you’ve ever seen in 340 pages with a strangely unsatisfying ending involving poisoned teeth amongst other things.
A marmite choice .
A marmite choice .
September 19, 2017
Must read for all crime lovers
You have got to read all three books of matt brolly's dead series. I could not put my kindle down on each book,started the second no sooner then I read the first and same again with the third book. Each book as thrilling as the last. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing right til the very last page in the series. Massive praise to Matt Bolly for such an amazing series. Totally recommend his books,you will not be disappointed .
You have got to read all three books of matt brolly's dead series. I could not put my kindle down on each book,started the second no sooner then I read the first and same again with the third book. Each book as thrilling as the last. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing right til the very last page in the series. Massive praise to Matt Bolly for such an amazing series. Totally recommend his books,you will not be disappointed .
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