Crime Review Update

In our new edition of Crime Review (www.crimereview.co.uk) this week we
have 16 reviews, together with Andy McNab in the Countdown interview hot
seat:
Crime Review can be followed on Twitter: @CrimeReviewUK
Linda Wilson can be followed on Twitter: @CrimeReviewer
Sharon Wheeler can be followed on Twitter: @lartonmedia

This week’s reviews are:
STATE OF EMERGENCY by Andy McNab, reviewed by Linda Wilson
Against the background of growing civil unrest, former SAS sergeant Tom
Buckingham has to stay close to right-wing politician Vernon Rolt and
decide where his own loyalties lie.

A SONG OF SHADOWS by John Connolly, reviewed by Sharon Wheeler
PI Charlie Parker’s recovery from life-threatening injuries in a small US
town is hijacked by horrific secrets dating back to the second world war.

STEALING PEOPLE by Robert Wilson, reviewed by Linda Wilson
A series of kidnaps strikes deep at the heart of the lives of the rich and
powerful, with a £25 million price tag on each life.

A KILLING WINTER by Tom Callaghan, reviewed by Chris Roberts
Inspector Akyl Borubaev of the Biskek Murder Squad is called to investigate
the horrific and bizarre killing of a young woman, and soon finds that this
is no random atrocity.

INTO THE FIRE by Manda Scott, reviewed by Sharon Wheeler
A man is found dead in the ruins of a hotel in the French city of Orleans.
Police captain Ines Picaut has to find out what links him to France’s most
famous heroine, Joan of Arc, who’s been dead for 500 years.

THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY by Patricia Highsmith, reviewed by Chris Roberts
The father of Dickie Greenleaf sends Tom Ripley to Italy to encourage his
son to return to New York, but Ripley has his own agenda.

THE SKELETON ROAD by Val McDermid, reviewed by Linda Wilson
When a skeleton is discovered at the top of a long-disused building, the
neat hole in the skull makes it clear that this wasn’t a case of accidental
death. Cold case specialist DCI Karen Pirie is called in to investigate.

A BOOK OF SCARS by William Shaw, reviewed by John Cleal
DS Cathal Breen is recovering at the Devon farm of his former partner Helen
Tozer, whose sister was murdered five years before. When a second killing
copies the style, Breen and Tozer investigate – and uncover secrets from
the past.

FLESH AND BLOOD by Patricia Cornwell, reviewed by Sylvia Wilson
On Kay Scarpetta’s birthday, her plans are disrupted by the shooting of a
musician outside his house – and there are similarities to two recent
unsolved murders in New Jersey.

WHISKERS OF THE LION by PL Gaus, reviewed by Chris Roberts
Sheriff Robertson is frustrated that he is unable to locate a young Amish
woman under threat from a drug gang, and feels worse when her friend is
found tortured and killed.

THE HOUSE ON THE HILL by Kevin Sampson, reviewed by John Cleal
A young runaway who contacts disillusioned DCI Billy McCartney brings back
memories of his most traumatic case – and a renewed pursuit of a ruthless
drugs gang.

TALKING TO GHOSTS by Herve Le Corre, reviewed by Arnold Taylor
Commander Vilar's son has been missing for some years. His wife has left
him because of his refusal to accept that he is probably dead. He tries to
carry out his tasks as a policeman but his missing son is always at the
front of his mind.

RUTHLESS by Cath Staincliffe, reviewed by John Cleal
DC Janet Scott and DC Rachel Bailey investigate after a man’s body, shot to
death, is found in a blazing and abandoned chapel.

HANGMAN by Stephen Talty, reviewed by John Cleal
A serial killer murders a prison officer and returns to the scene of his
crimes to kill again. Detective Abbie Kearney must somehow halt his rampage.

PERSONAL by Lee Child, reviewed by Linda Wilson
There are believed to be only four snipers in the world capable of making
the shot that nearly killed the French president. One of them is American,
and favours are called in to set Jack Reacher on his tail.

MISSING YOU by Harlan Coben, reviewed by Craig Sisterson
NYPD detective Kat Donovan decides to brave online dating, only to stumble
across the profile of her ex-fiance who broke her heart 18 years ago. He
doesn’t seem to remember her, then becomes a suspect in a potential
abduction.

Best wishes

Sharon