A case with no leads.
A victim with no enemies. A killer with no conscience… When Detective Beth Young is called to investigate a victim with multiple broken bones, nothing prepares her for what she finds. James Sinclair is fighting for his life, and Beth can’t shake the idea that the nature of his injuries suggest someone with a personal grudge against him. But James’s devastated wife Laura insists that her kind, softly-spoken husband is a man with no enemies. She was the one with the fiery temper, but James was so calm, she’d never once managed to provoke even a cross word from him in their eight year marriage. And he was the same with everyone – she can’t name one person who might want to hurt him. But she knows virtually no details about her husband’s childhood or his life before he moved to the Lake District as a young man, and Beth feels sure that the key to finding James’s attacker is hidden in the secrets of his past. Who was he really? And what is the significance of the coded messages that Beth finds hidden on his laptop? Then two more bodies are found in one of the deep, picturesque lakes that the area is so famous for, exhibiting similar injuries to the ones James Sinclair suffered. How are they connected? And how many more people are at risk? Beth knows she is in a race against time to hunt a vicious killer who is both elusive and incredibly dangerous. A killer who knows what James did in the past. Who likes to be one step ahead. But who – if they realise they’re being hunted – might come for Beth next…
I just knew as soon as I started this book that I wasn't going to be disappointed. Mr Smith certainly knows how to write a book that will drag you in at page one and spit you back out at the end, leaving you wanting more. I'm loving this series.
When DC Beth Young is given a new case to investigate it's all systems go. Found at home by his wife, James Sinclair is on the edge of life, an attack that was so vicious , so nasty that Beth know whoever has done this needs to be caught and caught soon. It seems James had no enemies and got on with everyone. But it's clear to Beth that this can’t be the case or this man wouldn't have just been found looking like he'd been hit with a speeding train. Beth and her investigating team are soon put to the test when two more bodies are found. It's time to look into things more and start examining who could be responsible for these crimes. There has to be some connection somewhere, it's time to did in to their pasts and see what answers are thrown up. I'm loving the character of Beth, and it's good to see she getting on with her private life and not all work. Beth is a great character that over the last few books I really feel we have gotten to know her. She has demons that she wants answers to and it seems in this outing she is going to find the answers she needs. This was a fast read and I seemed so engrossed I devoured it in no time at all. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have no problems recommending this book at all. As with all of this authors books once you start them it's difficult to put them down. I look forward to reading more of this series and believe it's just getting better and better. Personally I would advise that you read these books in order as you get the feel for the characters a whole lot better. It could be read as a standalone but for the best of the characters then knowing their back stories is best.
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A Body in the Lakes by Graham Smith @bookouture @GrahamSmith1972 #BooksonTour #Review #BlogTour15/3/2019 Thrilled to be taking part in the blog tour.
Hope you can follow the tour, there are some amazing bloggers taking part and I know there will be some amazing reviews on this book over the next few days.
Description:
The woman’s limbs were so thin; the skin on her arms as translucent as tracing paper. Around her neck lay a faint string of purple bruises. In one so frail, darker, angrier marks might be expected but Beth knew the bruising would have stopped the moment her heart stopped beating. When a walker finds the body of a woman by the shores of Lake Ullswater, the police are put on high alert. Felicia Evans was known to be a tough character, but who would have strangled her? Detective Beth Young quickly spots the links to three cold cases. Three women strangled and discarded in the stunning, wild hills of the Lake District. As Beth begins tracking down witnesses, the team receives an anonymous letter claiming the charming mayor of Carlisle is behind the murders. There’s pressure from the top to clear his name. But Beth is determined to find the truth no matter whose feathers she ruffles in the process. Beth knows the clock is ticking. The killer is hunting again. And it’s down to her to find who’s responsible before another woman becomes his prey… A gripping edge-of-your-seat thriller from bestselling author Graham Smith, perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and J.R. Ellis. Well... What can I say. Nothing I say will do this book the justice it so rightly deserves. Graham Smith is one hell of a writer. (Have I said that before?) Dragged into the pages right from the beginning before you are spat out right at the end, wanting more. I love the characters that Mr Smith has created. Not just here in the Detective Beth Young series, but also in other books i've read by this author. He has a knack for giving you what you want in damn good read. i'm waffling again. But I just love books by this author. I look forward to each and every new book coming out, and as soon as I receive a copy, I have to start it. It doesn't matter what else i'm reading at the time, that has to stop. Curl up, clear your diary and get set for one hell of a ride. Back with Detective Beth Young and still getting to know her, but liking her more each time I picked up the book. A tough story line to write, but I feel Mr Smith did it wonderfully. With some amazing twists this book keeps you hooked. Wanting and needing to know what is going to happen. Wanting to know the 'who dun it' Beth is working for the Major Incident Team in the Lake District. A dedicated individual, who likes to get on with things a bit of a tough cookie and has a wonderful mind for working things out. A true asset to the force. I can see this girl going places, and I'm hoping to be on the long journey with her. (now there is an idea Mr Smith. Maybe Beth needs a new team mate, a Vicki in her life. lol) Although it was lovely being back in the Lakes, its such a beautiful place, a beautiful background to a very disturbing case. Faced with the discovery of an elderly lady having been murdered its work caps on and case open. Beth really is work oriented, she lives and breathes the force, giving it everything she has. Thinking they had a lead on who the murderer could be seemed to come to soon, I was thinking what, no way... obviously it was no way, but a great way of getting you hooked. It really got my tiny brain working. Once the team realise what a sick individual they are looking for, some leads take them to looking back over cold cases, could this be a killer that has been out there for a long time. For me this book had it all, not for the faint hearted, but any crime thriller reader will love this. Treat yourself, you know you want to...
Author Bio:
Graham Smith is the bestselling author of four explosive crime thrillers in the Jake Boulder series, Watching the Bodies, The Kindred Killers, Past Echoes and Die Cold. Watching the Bodies spent over two weeks at number one in the Amazon UK chart and Amazon CA charts. Graham is also the author of the popular DI Harry Evans series and has collections of short stories and novellas. His latest novel with Bookouture is set in Cumbria and the Lake District, featuring DC Beth Young. He is the proud father of a young son. As a time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since 2000 he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland. An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer for the well-respected review site Crimesquad.com since 2010. When not working, his time is spent reading, writing and playing games with his son. He enjoys socialising and spending time with friends and family. Author Social Media Links: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/grahamnsmithauthor/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/GrahamSmith1972 WEBSITE: https://grahamsmithauthor.com/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5446655.Graham_Smith?from_search=true The Silent Dead by Graham Smith. #Review @Bookouture @GrahamSmith1971 #NewSeries #BethYoung2/12/2018
He’d found an angel for his collection. But one angel at a time was never enough...
Detective Beth Young has just joined the Cumbrian major crimes team when a body is found posed in a ritualistic manner – arms spread and graceful wings attached – at a crumbling castle in the hills of the Lake District. The entire police force are on red alert. But Beth begins to feel she’s the only one who can follow the disturbing clues left by the twisted killer. Because she doesn’t think like everyone else. To Beth, crimes are puzzles she can solve. Even if real life is a little harder. As more bodies are discovered in derelict stately homes across the Lake District, she knows she’s in a race against time. But the killer is looking for another victim to add to his collection… Will Beth be able to save her? Or will he get there first? A tenacious young detective with scars both physical and emotional, Beth Young will stop at nothing in her fight for justice for the innocent. The Silent Dead is the first book in the series. Set in the Lake District, it is perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, and Peter James. . The first in a new series from this outstanding author is, The Silent Dead, Beth Young Book 1. What a treat I think we are in for if this first book is anything to go by. Detective Beth Young has just joined the Cumbrian major crimes team, so her first case is going to be something she'll be remembered for. Able to think outside the box, Beth is going to be a great asset to this team. When a body is discovered in the grounds of a hotel, discovered by none other than the blushing bride, who is not going to let anything spoil her big day. It's down to the Major Crimes team to figure out what has happened. When more bodies start to turn up, it becomes a race against time. Not only is the clock ticking, so is your heart, in this superb, disturbing, thrilling, twisted, edge of your seat, race to find a killer. For me, Graham Smith has smashed it again with another read you will not want to put down. Don't just take my word for it, read some of the other reviews. Better still read the book and make up your own mind. I don't think anyone is going to be disappointed, certainly not fans of Graham's writing. If like me you have to play amature detective and try and figure out who the killer was, then I think you are going to be getting it wrong. I certainly did. That to me is the sign of a great book, not being able to guess who it was until the very end. As I've said, there was some great tension throughout this book and it really does help make it and edge of your seat read. It really does amaze me how, after so many books authors like Graham Smith still manage to come up with some of the idea's they do. Where does that mind go to when writing. Wherever it is, keep going there. I think Beth is going to be an amazing character over the course of this series, I know from past books I have read by this author that he has a great ability to develop characters into loveable, likeable, readable characters. Beth will have plenty of room to grow and I look forward to getting to know her a whole lot more. There is just something brilliant when you know you have just found another series to follow. Happy Reading folks.
Boulder is back.
Jake Boulder is working as a bartender, at an exclusive Vermont ski resort on New Year’s Eve, when armed terrorists hold up the lodge and take the guests hostage. Trapped with the other hostages, Boulder watches in horror as the female terrorist leader disfigures a singer to make her point. He wants to fight back, but is unarmed and being held at gunpoint. When Boulder finds a way to escape from the terrorists he searches for a way to raise the alarm. After he discovers the terrorists plan to leave no witnesses to their crime, he knows has a race against time to save as many innocent people as he can… But will Boulder be the reluctant hero and save the day?
My thoughts.
I was super lucky to receive an ARC of this book. I love the Jake Boulder series and really couldn't wait to get started with this one. I can't believe this is book 4, of what has been an epic journey. I have loved each and everyone of these books, and this on is no exception. As usual Boulder is in the centre of trouble. Not his doing I might add, he just seems to certainly be in wrong places at the wrong time. Only there is no way of him getting out of this wrong place, as he's at an exclusive Vermont ski resort on New Year’s Eve, in the middle of a snow storm, where only the rich can afford to stay. A Private getaway or so it seemed. That is until terrorist take over, and Boulder is now trapped along with the other hostages. Clearly this being Boulder you just know he's not going to sit back and let these monsters do as they please, he's got to wait for a perfect opportunity to fight back. And he certainly does fight back. What then happens is a roller coaster of a read, I found myself more than once holding my breath, trying not to breath and interrupt what was happening. My heart was pounding. This book felt so real you could almost be shivering in the storm. If this book had been a film I think I'd have been hiding behind a cushion throughout. A High octane , fast paced, edge of your seat battle. I was totally lost in this book, and I can't find a way of saying what I thought, without giving to much of the story away. I wouldn't like to spoil it for anyone, but what I can say is what a damn treat you are in for. I just love the character that is Jake Boulder, he's lost and wanted to get away, blend into the background and figure out life, that's just never going to happen for him. Graham Smith, I am again more than just a little impressed with your writing skills.
Graham Smith is a time served joiner who has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since Christmas 2000, he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland.
He is an internationally best-selling Kindle author and has six books featuring DI Harry Evans and the Cumbrian Major Crimes Team, and four novels, featuring Utah doorman, Jake Boulder. An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer and interviewer for the well-respected website Crimesquad.com since 2009 Graham is the founder of Crime and Publishment, a weekend of crime-writing classes which includes the chance for attendees to pitch their novels to agents and publishers. Since the first weekend in 2013, ten attendees have gone on to sign publishing contracts. Graham can be found at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grahamnsmithauthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrahamSmith1972 Website: www.grahamsmithauthor.com When the Waters Recede by Graham Smith. @GrahamSmith1972 @rararesources #Review #Giveaway #Blogblitz3/6/2018
When the Waters Recede
When a car is pulled from raging floodwaters with a dead man in the front and the decapitated body of an evil woman in the boot, Cumbria’s Major Crimes Team are handed the investigation. The woman is soon recognised, but the man cannot be identified and this leads the team and their former leader, Harry Evans, into areas none of them want to visit. Before they know it, they’re dealing with protection scams and looking for answers to questions they didn’t know needed to be asked. My thoughts.................5/5
Well, well, well. Mr Smith has done it again. What a damn good read that was.
I was thrilled when I was offered the chance to read and review this book and also be part of the blog blitz. It's a huge honour to get the chance to take part in something like this when it's for a book you know you'll love, and a book you've really been looking forward to reading. As I said, Mr Smith has done it again. I love love love the character of Harry Evans. I don't know exactly what it is about him, he's just, well he's just Harry. A character i've grown to love. Cumbria, in the aftermath of the floods that have hist parts of Cumbria the body of a male is found trapped in a car. What looks like it could have been a tragic accident turns into something more when it's discovered that there is a body in the boot of the car. The body of a woman that has been decapitated. Now if that's not an opening to get your blood pressure going I don't know what is. The car turns out to be stolen. But who are the two people in the car, and how are they linked. How have they both come to be in this car. Harry Evans is retired from the force, but the force is his life. It's all he's ever done. Returning as a consultant to help out occasionally when needed, this is the one thing that is going to help Harry stay as part of the force. What is hard now for Harry is the fact that he has to adjust to being a civilian and not a copper. Working alongside Lauren, he's quick to get a head up about the case and soon becomes involved in helping to trace who the driver was and the identity of the woman in the boot. I liked Lauren, I loved the connection between her and Harry, she's a good character that this outing we seemed to see a different side to her. I really don't know how I can do this book the justice it deserves. I don't know where Graham Smith is going with this series, but by god i'm glad i've found it. I really can't wait to read more, and more and more. Grahams books have fast become those type of books that you really don't need to see what the book is about, you just know if Graham Smith has written it, you want to read it. This story will certainly keep you going, keep you guessing and leave you wanting more. I certainly have no problems at all recommending this book. Infact I recommend each and every book. Personally for me I would say this series is better if read in order, but it's not completely necessary.
About Graham Smith
Graham Smith is a time served joiner who has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since Christmas 2000, he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland. He is an internationally best-selling Kindle author and has four books featuring DI Harry Evans and the Cumbrian Major Crimes Team, and three novels, featuring Utah doorman, Jake Boulder. An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer and interviewer for the well-respected website Crimesquad.com since 2009 Graham is the founder of Crime and Publishment, a weekend of crime-writing classes which includes the chance for attendees to pitch their novels to agents and publishers. Since the first weekend in 2013, eight attendees have gone on to sign publishing contracts. Graham can be found at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/grahamnsmithauthor Twitter https://twitter.com/GrahamSmith1972 Website www.grahamsmithauthor.com
Giveaway
To celebrate the release of When the Waters Recede, Graham Smith is offering one lucky reader the chance to win all six books in the Harry Evans series. To enter, simply sign up for his newsletter via the link provided before the 5th of June 2018 and you’ll be entered into not just this competition, but all competitions that he runs. Entrants from the whole world are welcome. Join up for Grahams news letter here. Thrilled to be part of this blog blitz. Let's find out what this book is all about.
When a single mother, Julie Simon, is found in her kitchen with a stab wound to her stomach, Cumbria’s Major Crimes Team are handed the case. Under the supervision of DI Campbell and witîh advice from his former DI, Harry Evans, DC Amir Bhaki fights to discover who assaulted an innocent woman and left her with life-threatening injuries.
Nothing is as it first appears and when the team looks into Julie’s life they uncover a hidden sex-life that may just hold the key to the identity of her attacker. Fancy checking out some more about this book, here are the Blog Blitz details.
I'm finding the one a toughie to review, I feel like I should start with I'm not really sure I liked this book. I bloody loved it!
So why not do what I did. Grab a cuppa, a big bag of Maltesers, a blanket and get comfy. Pick up the book and get lost in those pages. Back in Cumbria with the Major Crimes Team. The team are tasked to find out who stabbed Julie Simmons. After she is found on her Kitchen floor, with serious injuries. DC Amir Bhaki while working the case, enlists the help of former boss, Harry Evans. Evans just can't help himself, but if helping Amir takes Harry's mind off his own situation then that's good for Harry. Helping Amir soon gets them looking on the right track. Not all is as it seems, and as this is a tough case it's going to need the whole team pulling together. As this is a short story I really don't want to go into too much of the book, I would hate to spoil it to much for anyone. It seems like forever since I read one of the Major Crimes Team books, Since the last one, I have read 3 of Grahams other books from his Boulder series. Oh my days, you need to also read those. As always with his books, even this short story at just less than 100 pages, Graham Smith manages to pack everything into it. Everything you want from a damn good read, is here in this book. What more needs saying? Just treat yourself and buy it. ( you might as well buy all Grahams other books, because trust me, you'll want to read them ALL.
About Graham Smith
Graham Smith is a time served joiner who has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since Christmas 2000, he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland. He is an internationally best-selling Kindle author and has four books featuring DI Harry Evans and the Cumbrian Major Crimes Team, and three novels, featuring Utah doorman, Jake Boulder. An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer and interviewer for the well-respected website Crimesquad.com since 2009 Graham is the founder of Crime and Publishment, a weekend of crime-writing classes which includes the chance for attendees to pitch their novels to agents and publishers. Since the first weekend in 2013, eight attendees have gone on to sign publishing contracts. Graham can be found at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/grahamnsmithauthor Twitterhttps://twitter.com/GrahamSmith1972 Websitewww.grahamsmithauthor.com #BlogBlitz @GrahamSmith1972 @Bloodhoundbook #PastEchoes #Review Past Echoes by Graham Smith.How fantastic is that cover. #PastEchoes
Book Description:
Jake Boulder is back and he’s tasked with tracking down a man due to inherit a small fortune. Not only that, he must also reveal the secret which forced a young woman to flee New York some forty years ago. The evidence he needs is hidden in a safety deposit box and while Boulder has the key, the only clue he has for box’s location is a series of numbers etched onto the key and a mysterious list of names. Boulder has his work cut out since he must also locate his estranged father, Cameron MacDonald, so that Cameron can donate bone marrow to Boulder’s half-brother John. In a game of cat and mouse, he must solve the case and find the two men without alerting those who control New York’s underworld. Can Boulder survive against both the mafia and a professional hitman, in what is his toughest case yet? My thoughts on the book.
I was thrilled to be asked to be part of this blog blitz. Jake Boulder is back!
I can't believe we are at book 3 all ready, it doesn't seem long ago I was introduced to Jake Boulder in book 1, Watching the Bodies. I was so looking forward to getting back in the company of Jake, and couldn't wait to start this book. Well, what does book 3 have to offer, well that's easy. It offers everything you would want from a brilliant, unputdownable read. If you have been following Jake Boulder on his journey, then I can safely say you will absolutely love this book. It's a lock the doors, clear your diary and take the phone off the hook, kind of book. Once you get stuck into this you'll find it difficult to put down. Boulder along with Alfonse his trusted partner have their hands full in this book. Tasked with searching for a man who they know nothing about. After a local lady died she has left instruction for this man to be found to inherit her fortune. Boulder also needs to search for his father, personal reasons mean he needs to be found. Boulder comes up against more than one obstacle along the way. Luckily Boulder knows how to look after himself. He doesn't always go looking for trouble, it seems trouble has a knack of finding him. Jake Boulder I can only describe as an awesome character. The author has certainly created a memorable character, He's gutsy, ballsy but we also see his loving side. Jake has a lot to take on this time around, and his emotions take a beating as well as his body. Boulder has a huge challenge on his hands, and it's going to take some guts to get through it. There were parts in this book that felt like I was watching a hollywood thriller. Plenty of nail biting, breath holding moments in this book. First class read. I have loved each and every one of these books, I love Graham's style of writing, the knack he has to get the reader involved in the story is first class. I have added this book to my 2018 Must reads list. About the Author
Graham Smith is a time served joiner who has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since Christmas 2000, he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland.
He is an internationally best-selling Kindle author and has four books featuring DI Harry Evans and the Cumbrian Major Crimes Team, and two novels, featuring Utah doorman, Jake Boulder. 2018 will be a busy year for Graham as he has the third Jake Boulder being published and a Harry Evans novel and novella. An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer and interviewer for the well-respected website Crimesquad.com since 2009 Graham is the founder of Crime and Publishment, a weekend of crime-writing classes which includes the chance for attendees to pitch their novels to agents and publishers. Since the first weekend in 2013, eight attendees have gone on to sign publishing contracts. Graham can be found at https://www.facebook.com/grahamnsmithauthor https://twitter.com/GrahamSmith1972 Website www.grahamsmithauthor.com Blog TourThrilled as always to be part of an awesome blog tour. Graham Smith - The Kindred Killers. Available from Amazon Now. http://amzn.to/2vgFv7A Book Description: Jake Boulder’s help is requested by his best friend, Alfonse, when his cousin is crucified and burned alive along with his wife and children. As Boulder tries to track the heinous killer, a young woman is abducted. Soon her body is discovered and Boulder realises both murders have something unusual in common. With virtually no leads for Boulder to follow, he strives to find a way to get a clue as to the killer’s identity. But is he hunting for one killer or more? After a young couple are snatched in the middle of the night the case takes a brutal turn. When the FBI are invited to help with the case, Boulder finds himself warned off the investigation. When gruesome, and incendiary, footage from a mobile phone is sent to all the major US News outlets and the pressure to find those responsible for the crimes mounts. But with the authorities against him can Boulder catch the killer before it’s too late? My thoughts on this awesome book. Back with 'Hard nut' Jake Boulder. I feel like I've waited forever to share my thoughts on this book. But you know what, I'm excited because I didn't have to wait to read it. How lucky am I? Not only receiving an ARC of this book, but also being part of a blog tour. #HappyBookBlogger or more accurate #HappyReader. So we are back with Jake and this time around it's his best pal Alfonse who is requesting Jakes help. They work brilliantly together and make a great team. It's a tough case, and a little to close to home, especially for Alfonse. Certainly not many clues for them to go on, but it's amazing how things actually come together really well. I like the characters of Alfonse and Jake, Jake is just awesome. I love that he's such an hard nut, yet terrified of his mother. It really tickles me. We also see another side to Jake in this book he's actually got himself a lady, who maybe, might just last longer than a one night stand. Could Jake be softening. As the story moves on and the case becomes more complex, Jake is told to back off, but come on, like that is going to happen! He might be scared of Mummykins but the FBI are not going to stop this man on a mission. It's actually quite scary when you realise the lengths Jake will actually go to, to help solve this case. He would have made a great detective. I can't scream and shout enough how much I think EVERYONE should read Grahams books. I've become a huge fan, his story telling is first class. Each book I read I seem to enjoy more than the last. So Graham keeps making the challenge of his next book being better still, a lot harder for himself. I have no doubt he'll manage it though. This series is certainly one to watch. I am so looking forward to more Jake. Have I mentioned this book is available NOW! Book one in this series is also available now
Biography
Graham Smith is married with a young son. A time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. For the last eleven years he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland. An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer for the well respected review site Crimesquad.com for over two years. As well as reviewing for Crimesquad.com Graham has also interviewed such stellar names as David Baldacci, Jeffrey Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Matt Hilton, current CWA Chair Peter James, Mark Billingham and many others. When not working, his time is spent reading, writing and playing games with his son. He enjoys socialising and spending time with friends and family.
Book Description:
When Jake Boulder is asked by his PI friend to help investigate the vicious murder of Kira Niemeyer, he soon finds himself tracking a serial killer who selects his next victim in a most unusual manner. As the body count rises, Boulder has to work with the police to identify the heinous killer before more lives are taken. What ensues is a twisted game of cat and mouse, that only Boulder or the Watcher can survive
First off, I was thrilled to be asked to take part in this Blog Tour for Grahams new book Watching The Bodies.
I was looking forward to reading it after enjoying his previous books. And you can read my reviews on those books HERE
So wowzers Just what did I think of this book. Well I loved it! It's certainly a 5 star read for me.
I had to remind myself that WATCHING THE BODIES is the start of a new series featuring Utah doorman, Jake Boulder. And as with any new series of books I think you have to go in with an open mind, especially when you have previously enjoyed the authors other works. I certainly had nothing to worry though once I got into this bad boy. By god I enjoyed it. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it so much when I realised it was set in the US. I don't know why I think I just presumed it was going to be set in the UK somewhere. Never presume they say. Because it's safe to say I more than enjoyed it. If I'm honest now after reading it then this probably wouldn't have worked so well had it been set in the UK. Jake Boulder, well what a character and a half he is. Jake along with Alfonse make a great duo. Jake is helping Alfonse on a case he has with his PI firm. A local has been killed and her father has no confidence In the local police and hires Alfonse to help find her killer. In turn Alfonse wants Jake on board with him. They soon end up where they are helping the police with this case, and this is where I felt it really got going. With a police force as bad as this one it's lucky that Alfonse and Jake take the case on. Jake seems to be one of those people that can't help attract trouble, he's very handy with his fists, but of course only in self defence and he can certainly look after himself. This is probably why his good buddy Alfonse and Jakes mother always worry about him. I loved his mothers character, she was just first class. But I seriously loved Jake Boulder. And in the hunt in this book for The Watcher I feel we have gotten to know Jake really well, yet I also think there is a whole lot more to him that will come as the series progresses. I can see this series going on to be one awesome and big series. A series of books that once discovered with have many, many readers waiting and praying for the next one. I am certainly going to be one of those readers. I'm thrilled that I have read somewhere that Graham is now set for work on book 3, How cool is that. I just hope Graham can throw them out quick enough because I for one don't want to wait to long to read more. I'm worried about giving to much away. But what I can say is this is a great start to what I hope will be a long running series. I don't know where Graham gets all his ideas for these books, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.
Graham Smith is married with a young son. A time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. For the last eleven years he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland.
An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer for the well respected review site Crimesquad.com for over two years. As well as reviewing for Crimesquad.com Graham has also interviewed such stellar names as David Baldacci, Jeffrey Deaver, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Matt Hilton, current CWA Chair Peter James, Mark Billingham and many others. When not working, his time is spent reading, writing and playing games with his son. He enjoys socialising and spending time with friends and family. DI Harry Evans - Book 2 “What would you do if your most intimate secrets got into the wrong hands?”Set in modern day Cumbria, I Know Your Secret is a police thriller in which a priest is found crucified to the stone floor of his church. Fearing more attacks on the clergy, DI John Campbell and his team of misfits race to find the killer before he strikes again. Meanwhile, DI Harry Evans, spends his days attending the trial of his wife’s rapist and his nights interfering in the investigation. Can they catch the killer before he strikes again? I am just loving this series of books. I'm loving Harry Evans. Ad that's it basically. Just go buy all the books in this series and enjoy them as much as I have. Ok OK you want to know a bit more..... Well firstly it's another 5 star read. And i'm honoured to be part of this blog tour. I would like to thank Graham and Caffeine Nights Publishing for an ARC of this book. I'd also like to thank Noelle over at CrimebookJunkie for offering me the chance to be part of this tour. Noelle has played a big part in the organisation of this blog tour, so i'd like to say Cheers for introducing me to Graham's books. Another series of books I've gotten into and love. Well we are back in Cumbria with Harry and crew. Harry has a lot on his mind at the moment, he has a big court case to attend, which is very personal to him. And he's nearing the end of his police career, which is something he doesn't want to happen. Taking over from Harry will be DI John Campbell. I like John and I think I could get used to him, but he's not Harry. lol. And for some reason that's what I keep thinking when I'm reading about him. This story is started with a dead priest, and by that I mean a dead murdered priest, not for the faint hearted this book, but it starts with a punch and ends with punch. It had me gripped from the start and I not only wanted to keep going, I needed to keep going. There are many twist in this story, as you think the book is going off in one direction, I found it slowly winding it's way into the last part of the story to, before you know it, everything is fitting into place and all the dot's become joined. I loved the way it was all put together and made one hell of an interesting story. Personally I would recommend you read the first book, as I feel it gives you more of an idea of what is going on, and the history of characters. You would probably get away with reading just this one, but as I say you would have a better understanding. And if you are going to read book one, Snatched From Home: then you may as well read The Major Crimes Team - Vol 1: Lines of Enquiry and Matching the Evidence: The Major Crimes Team - Vol 2 Both being short reads they help you get to know more of the characters individually rather than just as the team. And a also great reads so its win win. And a note from Noelle over at #CrimeBookJunkie
Ooooooh! One more thing! Follow the whole blog tour on Graham Smith’s Author Page or CrimeBookJunkie FaceBook page. There is also going to be a KICKASS Giveaway at the end of the blog tour, so #WatchThisSpace – EEEEEK! |
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May 2023
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