Full on, gritty, Reacher-style antics from a stubborn and complex detective. Mad story, but the pace builds and doesn't let you think too deeply about what's actually happening. ( )

I have a tendency to let the books I need to review pile up a bit. So, when I sat down to write reviews today and it was this book turn did the remembrance of the books godawful ending hit me again. And, I had managed to move on. And, now it all comes back to me...

First, I want to say that this is the first book I have read in the DS Heckenburg series, and I didn't know until I had started to read it that it was book seven. That didn't bother me much, just meant I have six books more to read. I had previously read the novella Death’s Door so I was a bit familiar with Heck.

As for this story, it was interesting especially when it all started to make sense, you know why all those dangerous men could have disappeared from the face of the earth. And I loved the fact that a short conversation at the beginning of the book where Heck learns some interesting, but at the time relevant, facts would, later on, be important to the case. Now, the story is good, I felt that this is a perfectly alright crime novel. And, then BAM Paul Finch decided to end the book with a twist so big that I mentally felt my jaw drop. Now, these are all pretty new characters for me, but that ending hit me so hard. I never ever expected that ending. I did feel before that godawful ending that the story had its ups and downs, you know a good crime novel. Some slow parts and some really good parts. However, Paul Finch saved the best (or the worts?) until the last minute...

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ( )

Kiss of Death – Heck is back

Paul Finch has once again brought back his best creation, Detective Sergeant Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg. Finch once again gives Heck that stubborn northern attitude that we all love and has created an edge of the seat thriller with Kiss of Death. Heck thinks there needs to be changes and changes are coming, but not possibly how he thinks.

The Serious Crimes Unit are on borrowed time, with cutbacks and less resources, they could be next on the list for Policing cuts. When Gemma Piper decides to team up with the cold case team, also under threat of closure, so that they can bring in the top 20 most wanted criminals in Britain, in Operation Sledgehammer.

For the detective that loves to work on his own and do his own thing has been assigned a partner someone he has worked with before, Gail Honeyford. Then sent on their way to Hull to find a lead on their wanted criminal. While finding a major break in the case for their wanted felon, they uncover a whole new world of trouble. While at the same time upsetting members of the Humberside force, and some of their top brass.

What is uncovered shocks at first and may not have the full sympathy of any copper, they still have a job to do. Someone is killing their 20 most wanted before they have had time to capture them. Heck just cannot leave things alone, and like picking a scab, puts himself in danger, even though he is supposed to be off duty.

While some people are happy with the outcome, there are others that are not and may want to get even with Heck and his colleagues. But don’t all criminals?

This is a brilliant page turning thriller that will keep you turning the pages. You may want to read a chapter, but before you know it you are half a book in and hooked. Fast paced, single minded crime fighting from Heck.

How this has never been turned in to a tv series I will never know! ( )