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keith_nixon's review
5.0
The body of a known teenage troublemaker, Dean Hughes, is found dead on the steps of a church in a run down part of Liverpool. But this is no ordinary death, his corpse is covered with signs of torture, some of them months old. As DI David Murphy and DS Laura Rossi dig further into the crime they discover Hughes has been missing for months. And he’s not the only absentee. It seems other teens, all delinquents and all local, have disappeared without trace. Murphy and Rossi believe someone is clearing the streets of problem teenagers.
Goldie is one of these problems. He’s being held at a remote location called The Farm. His jailers are anonymous, they wear balaclavas and go by pseudonyms, all letters of the Greek alphabet. The most vicious of them all is the leader, called Alpha.
Teaching at The Farm is engineered to turn the teens from reprobates who leech off their neighbours and the state into viable citizens who instead contribute to society. When the inmates stray from the course they are punished with beatings and, worst of all, The Rack. But when one of the beatings goes too far and an inmate dies the others realise their time is probably short. Goldie in particular is convinced there’s only one way off The Farm, and that’s in a coffin. He’s determined it’s not going to happen to him and begins to plan his escape. But there’s Alpha in the way, a man who’s slowly going off the rails. Can Murphy and Rossi find the boys before another is murdered?
Luca Veste, once a reviewer here at Crime Fiction Lover, made his debut with Dead Gone, a smash hit praised by the likes of Mark Billingham, no less. As the first book, Murphy is still suffering the after effects of a huge personal loss, rebuilding a shattered marriage which teeters on a knife edge. Rossi lives a solitary life. All she has besides the job are her close knit Italian family. Unlike Murphy she has commitment issues. Once a relationship moves beyond the initial stages and looks like it may get serious, she’s off.
The Dying Place is divided into two arcs – a past and a present – which eventually collide. Murphy and Rossi exist in the present. Initially there’s barely enough to do at the station, and the narrative pacing reflects this. Goldie’s story is in the past, when he’s taken from the streets. Here the pacing is quite different, and as the young man learns what he’s got himself into the tension increases. Murphy and Rossi’s work situation alters as soon as Hughes is discovered dead. As they begin to investigate and comprehend what’s going on in the youthful underbelly of society, Goldie continues to experience life at The Farm, and in this part of the story Hughes is still alive. It’s smartly done.
Additional well constructed elements are the location; the author is Liverpudlian and clearly knows his home ground. This provides a powerful backdrop, particularly later on when events spill out onto the streets. And then there’s the psychological element. Again the author draws on his knowledge – this time his study of criminology – to add layers. It’s easy to see why Veste has recently signed a multi-book deal with a major publishing house. The only issue is that some of the editing could have been better, particularly with reference to repetitive language.
Originally reviewed for Crime Fiction Lover.
Goldie is one of these problems. He’s being held at a remote location called The Farm. His jailers are anonymous, they wear balaclavas and go by pseudonyms, all letters of the Greek alphabet. The most vicious of them all is the leader, called Alpha.
Teaching at The Farm is engineered to turn the teens from reprobates who leech off their neighbours and the state into viable citizens who instead contribute to society. When the inmates stray from the course they are punished with beatings and, worst of all, The Rack. But when one of the beatings goes too far and an inmate dies the others realise their time is probably short. Goldie in particular is convinced there’s only one way off The Farm, and that’s in a coffin. He’s determined it’s not going to happen to him and begins to plan his escape. But there’s Alpha in the way, a man who’s slowly going off the rails. Can Murphy and Rossi find the boys before another is murdered?
Luca Veste, once a reviewer here at Crime Fiction Lover, made his debut with Dead Gone, a smash hit praised by the likes of Mark Billingham, no less. As the first book, Murphy is still suffering the after effects of a huge personal loss, rebuilding a shattered marriage which teeters on a knife edge. Rossi lives a solitary life. All she has besides the job are her close knit Italian family. Unlike Murphy she has commitment issues. Once a relationship moves beyond the initial stages and looks like it may get serious, she’s off.
The Dying Place is divided into two arcs – a past and a present – which eventually collide. Murphy and Rossi exist in the present. Initially there’s barely enough to do at the station, and the narrative pacing reflects this. Goldie’s story is in the past, when he’s taken from the streets. Here the pacing is quite different, and as the young man learns what he’s got himself into the tension increases. Murphy and Rossi’s work situation alters as soon as Hughes is discovered dead. As they begin to investigate and comprehend what’s going on in the youthful underbelly of society, Goldie continues to experience life at The Farm, and in this part of the story Hughes is still alive. It’s smartly done.
Additional well constructed elements are the location; the author is Liverpudlian and clearly knows his home ground. This provides a powerful backdrop, particularly later on when events spill out onto the streets. And then there’s the psychological element. Again the author draws on his knowledge – this time his study of criminology – to add layers. It’s easy to see why Veste has recently signed a multi-book deal with a major publishing house. The only issue is that some of the editing could have been better, particularly with reference to repetitive language.
Originally reviewed for Crime Fiction Lover.
laurarash's review
3.0
This one kind of reminded me of a sick twist on the Clint Eastwood movie, Gran Torino. Where the old man sees how these kids are all losing sense or what’s right and wrong in the world. But these guys in this book tried to change their ways. I liked the plot but it seemed like it took a lot of extra filler to get to the point is why only 3 stars. I do like this series tho and am onto the next.
lex_2025's review
2.0
I honestly dont have too much to say about this book. It was, well it was fine. A few interesting moments that peaked my interest but they were gone as quickly as they came.
The 2 main characters, the detectives in charge of the case, were utterly hopeless. If they'd followed basic protocol and actually listened to others advice without thinking they're better than everyone the book would be half as long.
It wasn't an overall bad book but it certainly isn't anything special. If basic run of the mill crime writing and lacklustre characters with little development is something you enjoy (no judgements here we all need a way to relax!) then this is a book you will enjoy.
The 2 main characters, the detectives in charge of the case, were utterly hopeless. If they'd followed basic protocol and actually listened to others advice without thinking they're better than everyone the book would be half as long.
It wasn't an overall bad book but it certainly isn't anything special. If basic run of the mill crime writing and lacklustre characters with little development is something you enjoy (no judgements here we all need a way to relax!) then this is a book you will enjoy.
raven88's review
5.0
I think it was Karin Slaughter who said that to really tap into the sociological fears and concerns of any community that the perfect conduit for this is crime fiction. In The Dying Place- the follow up to his debut novel Dead Gone- Veste proves the point admirably. Focusing on a band of older vigilantes, swiping errant youths off the streets of Liverpool, and incarcerating them to undergo a form of behavioural re-programming, Veste uses the plot to provide a thoughtful and balanced examination of how these youths, that are such a thorn in the side of their local community, should be dealt with, and if meeting violence with violence is really the right way to address the problem. Do these youths all really fit a template because of the way they dress? Are some conditioned to be ‘bad’ by the very unstable nature of their upbringings, and detrimental familial influences? As the vigilante’s leader becomes more unhinged, scarred by the actions of youths such as these in his personal life, Veste ramps up the tension and the police themselves come into the firing line too.
Cleverly, our empathy is roundly manipulated, as we see how the actions of this vigilante band spirals out of control, and the implications for not only their detainees, but also bringing into play their family backgrounds, and the effects of the investigation on the police protagonists- most notably DI David Murphy, and his feisty DS Scouse/Italian sidekick Laura Rossi. I was most impressed with this detective duo in the debut, Dead Gone, and love the balance between the stoical and world weary Murphy, set against the hot temper and really quite enjoyable colourful swearing of his police partner Rossi. What I also enjoy about Veste’s characterisation is the way that he roundly avoids the typical stereotypes of many crime fiction novels, giving a realistic feel to the personal lives of both, and how the very nature of their jobs, and this investigation in particular, impinge on their personal relationships- or lack of. They form a solid partnership that is providing a real backbone to the continuation of the series, and with the shocking denouement affecting Murphy on an incredibly personal level, I will be interested to see the repercussions of this in the next book. Within the framework of this crime novel, Veste balances perfectly the larger sociological issues, with a pacey plot, and a solid cast of characters that proves itself an eminently enjoyable read. More please…
Cleverly, our empathy is roundly manipulated, as we see how the actions of this vigilante band spirals out of control, and the implications for not only their detainees, but also bringing into play their family backgrounds, and the effects of the investigation on the police protagonists- most notably DI David Murphy, and his feisty DS Scouse/Italian sidekick Laura Rossi. I was most impressed with this detective duo in the debut, Dead Gone, and love the balance between the stoical and world weary Murphy, set against the hot temper and really quite enjoyable colourful swearing of his police partner Rossi. What I also enjoy about Veste’s characterisation is the way that he roundly avoids the typical stereotypes of many crime fiction novels, giving a realistic feel to the personal lives of both, and how the very nature of their jobs, and this investigation in particular, impinge on their personal relationships- or lack of. They form a solid partnership that is providing a real backbone to the continuation of the series, and with the shocking denouement affecting Murphy on an incredibly personal level, I will be interested to see the repercussions of this in the next book. Within the framework of this crime novel, Veste balances perfectly the larger sociological issues, with a pacey plot, and a solid cast of characters that proves itself an eminently enjoyable read. More please…
ludivinev's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence
andrew61's review against another edition
4.0
Luca Veste demonstrates what good crime fiction does really well, taking issues relevant in modern society and bringing into a work of fiction.
The story centres on what happens when individuals become vigilantes against youths out of control in inner city Liverpool. It would be tempting to say that it stretches belief at times particularly at its climax but as I was reading the book it mirrored so many incidents referenced nowadays in the news on a regular basis.
This is certainly a series I am enjoying and the detectives are growing on me. An interesting and enjoyable addition to the crime genre.
The story centres on what happens when individuals become vigilantes against youths out of control in inner city Liverpool. It would be tempting to say that it stretches belief at times particularly at its climax but as I was reading the book it mirrored so many incidents referenced nowadays in the news on a regular basis.
This is certainly a series I am enjoying and the detectives are growing on me. An interesting and enjoyable addition to the crime genre.
5elementknitr's review against another edition
4.0
Had to get this one interlibrary loan, got to page 222, had to return it. Asked for it back through interlibrary loan, and they said they no longer had it! GAH!
I ended up having to buy this as a used paperback via EvilCorp.
Anyway, it was an entertaining suspense novel with some tidy twists toward the end.
I ended up having to buy this as a used paperback via EvilCorp.
Anyway, it was an entertaining suspense novel with some tidy twists toward the end.
thosedarkpages's review against another edition
2.0
The premise was interesting; different and something so awfully plausible in today's society. But the book itself didn't live up to the blurb. I wasn't eagerly turning the pages and skimmed large chunks. Whoops. Murphy was particularly inept; regularly missing clues that were blatantly obvious. I also guessed part of the ending pretty early on, which ruined it quite a lot. Sighhhhh. Maybe my first Luca Veste book will be my last. Sorry.
lex_2025's review against another edition
2.0
I honestly dont have too much to say about this book. It was, well it was fine. A few interesting moments that peaked my interest but they were gone as quickly as they came.
The 2 main characters, the detectives in charge of the case, were utterly hopeless. If they'd followed basic protocol and actually listened to others advice without thinking they're better than everyone the book would be half as long.
It wasn't an overall bad book but it certainly isn't anything special. If basic run of the mill crime writing and lacklustre characters with little development is something you enjoy (no judgements here we all need a way to relax!) then this is a book you will enjoy.
The 2 main characters, the detectives in charge of the case, were utterly hopeless. If they'd followed basic protocol and actually listened to others advice without thinking they're better than everyone the book would be half as long.
It wasn't an overall bad book but it certainly isn't anything special. If basic run of the mill crime writing and lacklustre characters with little development is something you enjoy (no judgements here we all need a way to relax!) then this is a book you will enjoy.
raven88's review against another edition
5.0
I think it was Karin Slaughter who said that to really tap into the sociological fears and concerns of any community that the perfect conduit for this is crime fiction. In The Dying Place- the follow up to his debut novel Dead Gone- Veste proves the point admirably. Focusing on a band of older vigilantes, swiping errant youths off the streets of Liverpool, and incarcerating them to undergo a form of behavioural re-programming, Veste uses the plot to provide a thoughtful and balanced examination of how these youths, that are such a thorn in the side of their local community, should be dealt with, and if meeting violence with violence is really the right way to address the problem. Do these youths all really fit a template because of the way they dress? Are some conditioned to be ‘bad’ by the very unstable nature of their upbringings, and detrimental familial influences? As the vigilante’s leader becomes more unhinged, scarred by the actions of youths such as these in his personal life, Veste ramps up the tension and the police themselves come into the firing line too.
Cleverly, our empathy is roundly manipulated, as we see how the actions of this vigilante band spirals out of control, and the implications for not only their detainees, but also bringing into play their family backgrounds, and the effects of the investigation on the police protagonists- most notably DI David Murphy, and his feisty DS Scouse/Italian sidekick Laura Rossi. I was most impressed with this detective duo in the debut, Dead Gone, and love the balance between the stoical and world weary Murphy, set against the hot temper and really quite enjoyable colourful swearing of his police partner Rossi. What I also enjoy about Veste’s characterisation is the way that he roundly avoids the typical stereotypes of many crime fiction novels, giving a realistic feel to the personal lives of both, and how the very nature of their jobs, and this investigation in particular, impinge on their personal relationships- or lack of. They form a solid partnership that is providing a real backbone to the continuation of the series, and with the shocking denouement affecting Murphy on an incredibly personal level, I will be interested to see the repercussions of this in the next book. Within the framework of this crime novel, Veste balances perfectly the larger sociological issues, with a pacey plot, and a solid cast of characters that proves itself an eminently enjoyable read. More please…
Cleverly, our empathy is roundly manipulated, as we see how the actions of this vigilante band spirals out of control, and the implications for not only their detainees, but also bringing into play their family backgrounds, and the effects of the investigation on the police protagonists- most notably DI David Murphy, and his feisty DS Scouse/Italian sidekick Laura Rossi. I was most impressed with this detective duo in the debut, Dead Gone, and love the balance between the stoical and world weary Murphy, set against the hot temper and really quite enjoyable colourful swearing of his police partner Rossi. What I also enjoy about Veste’s characterisation is the way that he roundly avoids the typical stereotypes of many crime fiction novels, giving a realistic feel to the personal lives of both, and how the very nature of their jobs, and this investigation in particular, impinge on their personal relationships- or lack of. They form a solid partnership that is providing a real backbone to the continuation of the series, and with the shocking denouement affecting Murphy on an incredibly personal level, I will be interested to see the repercussions of this in the next book. Within the framework of this crime novel, Veste balances perfectly the larger sociological issues, with a pacey plot, and a solid cast of characters that proves itself an eminently enjoyable read. More please…