I can’t believe I’ve been reading these books for 25 years. They always keep to the same high standard immensely readable and thoroughly entertaining
adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

I used to be an avid reader of the Tom Thorne novels, but I admit that it’s been a while since I last picked one up.  

However, I was super excited when I saw this new release on NetGalley to review, especially since the synopsis sounded so intriguing. And I can assure you, it does not disappoint!  

As the story begins with four uniformed officers participating in a raid when they discover a thoughtful gesture: someone has left them doughnuts and a card thanking them for all they do. Yet, just a few hours later, three of the four officers are dead, and the fourth is left fighting for their life.  

And it’s up to Thorne, Holland, and Hendricks to track down those responsible.  

Yet, recent events have revealed a police force plagued by corrupt officers, including rapists and domestic abusers. And as a result, the public is hesitant to cooperate, and Thorne can't really blame them.  

But as the body count rises, Thorne, Holland, and Hendricks find themselves embroiled in even more corruption. With each horrifying revelation, they are left questioning if there is anyone within the force they can truly trust.  

And with intricate subplots, realistic and relatable characters, gallows humor, great pacing, and a jaw-dropping ending. This is the Tom Thorne I remember, and it’s the reason I love police procedurals so much.  

I would happily recommend this book, even to first-time readers!

My thanks to NetGalley.  All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
challenging dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Wow! Mark Billingham is one of my very favorite writers. He has brought Detective Inspector Tom Thorne back in a difficult plot line for me.  Tapes are always difficult to read about.  This novel has two big shocking twists but I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t finished the book.  This is Billingham’s 25th book, and I’ve been reading him for 25 years.  He never fails to impress with his writing.  I hope he long continues to write.
challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No