Behind Dead Eyes

I like this author, don't get me wrong (even though I can't understand any of his English terminology ("nicked", "rumbled", "bollocks", "skint", "fug", "halal", "parodic", "shagged", etc., etc., etc. ad nauseam) and have to skip over a lot. In fact, I'm having to skip over too much, such that some of the plots make no sense. And that's another thing -- too many plots! It's very difficult keeping them straight, and the author throws in far too many characters, I really can't tell who goes with which plot. I need a cheat sheet to refer to as I read! The author makes it even more difficult by jumping from plot to plot PER paragraph. One paragraph, I'm reading about Tom and the convicted murderer, and then suddenly, in the next paragraph, it's all about Helen and the local politician -- and then back again to Tom in the following paragraph! And don't even get me started on who is sleeping with whom (which interests me "nowt" (I think that's the English expression he uses). I have to stop reading and try to focus on which is which, and, quite frankly, it's ruining my enjoyment of the book. I've not finished it yet, and I doubt that I will. Interesting plots though, which is why I gave my review 3 stars.

Loved the characters, they all had such depth, yet they clearly were their own person. I really liked the way the author had the characters intertwine with each other by having them help each other solve mysteries. There were several times in the story where I was surprised at what I had just read, however, on the whole the plot was fairly predictable. The reason why I gave it five stars was even though the plot was fairly predictable, there were many times in the book when I found myself sitting there with my mouth open surprised at what just happened and had to go back and read it again. This was not your edge of your seat thriller, however it was a good mystery and I'll take that too. I will say that I wish the ending was a little more defined

Loved the book. Have read all of his books now, and pre ordered the new one out in June. Wish we could get the last David Blake one..the dead, I think it's called...not in e book format..

Another "unable" to put down book from this to me anyway a very underrated author. Very good plot, believable characters and will keep you interested until the very end,

Published by: Penguin UK - Michael Joseph (28th June 2016)ISBN: 9780718180348Source: NetgalleyRating: 4*Synopsis:A MYSTERY VICTIMA corpse is found: its identity extinguished in the most shocking manner imaginable. Detective Ian Bradshaw can't catch the killer if no one can ID the victim. Out there, somewhere, a missing young woman may hold the answers.A SECRET WEBJournalist Helen Norton is about to uncover a massive criminal conspiracy. She just needs the final piece of the puzzle. Soon, she will learn the price of the truth.AN 'INNOCENT' KILLERTrue-crime writer Tom Carney receives letters from a convicted murderer who insists he is innocent. His argument is persuasive - but psychopaths are often said to be charming...WHAT IS THE DARK THREAD RUNNING THROUGH THESE CRIMES?Review:This is the second book to feature Detective Ian Bradshaw, Helen Norton and Tom Carney, the first being No Name Lane. I've really enjoyed meeting these three characters again; it felt like catching up with friends that I'd not seen for a while, which is something I absolutely love, both in books and the real world! This reads well as a stand alone, but there is a bit of background information that comes from the first book, so I'd really recommend reading No Name Lane first, to get the most out of Behind Dead Eyes.The case itself is horrifying, author Howard Linskey doesn't hold back on any of the gruesome details. As each of the main characters work from their own perspective, the individual threads begin to weave together to form a tangled, multi-layered means of attacking the case in front of them. I found this approach held my interest well. The ending of the book was impressive too; there were so many threads I was concerned the ending would be rather messy, but these were all tied nicely together.Behind Dead Eyes is intelligently written and is a good example of great British crime writing. I'll be eagerly awaiting the third and final outing for Ian, Helen and Tom. I can barely wait!Special thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC via Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.

great mystery

Quite well constructed and the ending has probably left room for a sequel. I really enjoyed the book and will check to see if there is a follow up.

An excellent read. It kept me interested from start to finish. Liked the main characters a lot.

Linskey's previous four books have been gripping page-turners, and this one is no different. Once again set in his (and my) beloved North East, this rattles along with plenty of plot twists and turns, linked to modern themes of abuse of political and social power, and spiced with a nice sprinkling of organised crime. Helen, Tom and Ian are back, and they get it done...eventually. Great stuff, Howard.

This is the first time I read any of Linskey's books, this one was recommended in an newspaper article my bf forwarded to me.I am glad I bought it as it ticked all the boxes. well written, likeable characters and 2 gripping investigations plots.Great denouement too.I will look forward to reading some of his past books. and add him to my 'getting longer' list of crime writers to follow.