claire1044's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
balthazarlawson's review against another edition
2.0
I was really enjoying this book until something didn't happen that should have happened. The story is about the illegal sex trade in Cork, Ireland and the brutal murder of members of one gang. Detective Superintendent Katie Maguire leads the investigation and when they get close to the perpetrator, she lets her go. There was no reason for doing so. She could have just shot her with full justification and thus ending the story. But the story continued and I was again mystified by events.
Katie Maguire and her female sergeant have a kiss. WTF. I have no idea as to why it happened, where it even come from, what lead to it and what purpose it served. It made no sense to me and still doesn't.
Than the end left so many answers. It all seemed rushed with story lines dropped, conclusions never explained, reasons over looked, characters forgotten. It was as the author had reached the publishing deadline and just ended the story. So disappointed with the ending.
But it was still ok and won't put me off reading the rest of the series, mainly because of the first two books in the series.
Katie Maguire and her female sergeant have a kiss. WTF. I have no idea as to why it happened, where it even come from, what lead to it and what purpose it served. It made no sense to me and still doesn't.
Than the end left so many answers. It all seemed rushed with story lines dropped, conclusions never explained, reasons over looked, characters forgotten. It was as the author had reached the publishing deadline and just ended the story. So disappointed with the ending.
But it was still ok and won't put me off reading the rest of the series, mainly because of the first two books in the series.
sooz_767's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent as always! Looking forward to more installments.
canada_matt's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Continuing this series by Graham Masterton, I had high hopes it would be just as exciting as the previous two. Masterton builds on this police procedural collection set in rural Ireland, exploring a new set of graphic murders. While some may shy away from this, series fans know full well that Masterton has a reason for his detailed descriptions and things are revealed in a timely manner. A chilling series with themes sure to entertain the reader throughout, Masterton proves his worth yet again.
Detective Sergeant Katie Macguire has been working hard in Cork to keep the area safe and ensure no one breaks the law. She’s been synthesising a recent decision about her personal life which could impact her significant and pave the way for success. All this while a new senior official at the office has targeting DS Macguire in an effort to clean up the ranks.
After a man is found murdered with his hands removed, DS Macguire and her team begin their thorough exploration of what could have happened. Background information leads to the discovering that the victim was involved in the sex trade and there are whispers that he’s imported a number of girls from outside the country, many below the age of consent. DS Macguire cannot help but wonder if there is more to the story than meets the eye.
All the while, a woman lurks in the background, luring men into compromising situations before she strikes, wishing to send a message. She’s happy to explain to her victims that they are being targeted for preying on young girls, who are promised lavish lives only to send the young girls into a world of depraved sexual acts that leave them broken. Scared and yet defiant, these men try to justify their lifestyles before being given a hard choice; lose their left hand or manhood.
When more men turn up dead with similar hand injuries, DS Macguire works with her team to sift through the many men in Cork who are known for running girls on the streets or in private homes. One known well to the political elite for trying to show that the sex trade can be a legitimate means of work is sent a message that he will not soon forget. It’s time for the authorities to strike, but DS Macguire is distracted by some issues at home, which could leave her in a shambles. Masterton does it again with his strong writing, sure to impress series fans many times over.
Graham Masterton has developed this series in such a way that the reader cannot help but want to learn more. This is the second of his series that I have been reading, both of which I would tag as ‘addictive’ without hesitation. Masterton creates numerous plots that keep the reader hooked, sometimes for their graphic nature, while using a strong protagonist to push great underlying themes. I like how things series has been progressing and am ready to reach for the next, hoping to find some of the same ingredients.
Masterton has a strong storytelling ability that makes the reader take note from the opening pages. His narrative flow provides a smooth reading experience, while offering graphic murders to shock the reader to the core. While this may turn some readers away from reading this series, the discussions are quick and to the point, but are also with reason, providing rationale for the retributions. There are strong characters throughout the novel, each developing at their own pace. DS Katie Macguire receives more character development and personal backstory, essential for the protagonist’s relationship with the reader. The plot twists were plentiful in the book, as well as themes related to sex work and the trafficking of young girls. I devoured this book and remain eager to see how Cork will progress under the watchful eye of DS Katie Macguire. Graham Masterton shows his mettle once more and readers ought to take notice!
Kudos, Mr. Masterton, for another stellar story. Bring on more!
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faircloughliv's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Suicide, Drug use, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Rape, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Trafficking, Racial slurs, Pedophilia, Murder, Racism, and Misogyny
kaisu's review against another edition
1.0
Sorry, aber das war für mich der letzte Band der Reihe. Zu viele Schwachstellen und Punkte die mich stören. Das Feeling aus dem Auftakt war hier überhaupt nicht mehr spürbar.
mariasmusings's review against another edition
3.0
This is the third in Masterton's fictional crime series set in Cork, with DCI Katie Maguire as our lead character. The series is particularly grim and Masterson does not hold on the gore - reveling his past as a horror writer.
You can follow the series from the start or alternatively jump in at the 3rd story as sufficient back stroy is provided without boring the reader or wasting any time. Well worth a read for those who enjoy a gritty crime novel.
You can follow the series from the start or alternatively jump in at the 3rd story as sufficient back stroy is provided without boring the reader or wasting any time. Well worth a read for those who enjoy a gritty crime novel.
nicolet2018's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoy thrillers especially those about police and mysteries. I have not heard of thid author before and picked this book up because the premise sounded interesting.
I like that the story covers not just Katie Mcguire's work life as detective superintendent but her private life as well. The struggles of maintaining a relationship and her family. It was sad that Katie had so much strain on her romantic relationship because her career is so consuming. That is portrayed in media like TV shows and books alot. The absentee partner causes the other half to feel disappointed and let down.
The pov of each chapter shifts often and while I usually do not like many changes in points of view this one was fine. I liked that it gave insight not just for the police but how it feels like for a young girl to be trafficked into a foreign country and tricked.
There are themes of sexism in the police force where the higher ups have old mindsets of how women should behave in this position and Katie struggles with it. I would say that she is very strong. Some of the scenes are very graphic and disturbing. Especially when the mystery women kills her target. I was not expecting the motive but found it to be sadly compelling.
There are other storylines that entwine with this installment in the series but I am happy that this feels like a standalone. Sometimes the Irish slang and ways of communicating was hard for me to understand. But I lile reading about a new culture. The tone of the story was realistic and gritty. Details are not spared and the sad truth that this feels real only heightens the experience. A good read if you are looking for an exciting crime thriller that looks into human trafficking.
I like that the story covers not just Katie Mcguire's work life as detective superintendent but her private life as well. The struggles of maintaining a relationship and her family. It was sad that Katie had so much strain on her romantic relationship because her career is so consuming. That is portrayed in media like TV shows and books alot. The absentee partner causes the other half to feel disappointed and let down.
The pov of each chapter shifts often and while I usually do not like many changes in points of view this one was fine. I liked that it gave insight not just for the police but how it feels like for a young girl to be trafficked into a foreign country and tricked.
There are themes of sexism in the police force where the higher ups have old mindsets of how women should behave in this position and Katie struggles with it. I would say that she is very strong. Some of the scenes are very graphic and disturbing. Especially when the mystery women kills her target. I was not expecting the motive but found it to be sadly compelling.
There are other storylines that entwine with this installment in the series but I am happy that this feels like a standalone. Sometimes the Irish slang and ways of communicating was hard for me to understand. But I lile reading about a new culture. The tone of the story was realistic and gritty. Details are not spared and the sad truth that this feels real only heightens the experience. A good read if you are looking for an exciting crime thriller that looks into human trafficking.
petra_reads's review against another edition
4.0
The third book in the Katie Maguire series, and the topic this time is sex trafficking and prostitution. While I found this installment to be less gory than the previous ones, it was far more emotional because of the poignant stories of the girls/women affected. It wasn't as suspenseful as the previous books as there was no real mystery to the whodunit, and the plot was fairly simple. Despite of that, Masterton managed to create another very engaging story that was difficult to pause once I've started listening to it. I adore Caroline Lennon's narration now that there are no American accents involved.
Things I didn't like: there's the now obligatory lesbian attraction again. That's becoming too repetitive now. The other recurring thing that became a bit boring was the mention of the ringtones.
On the positive side, Masterton stayed away from cringe worthy sex scenes involving Katie this time.
I was a bit conflicted about the ending. I think I would have preferred to see justice being served in a different way. I hope the plot about some of the characters will be picked up in the next book, as there were several things left unresolved.
Things I didn't like: there's the now obligatory lesbian attraction again. That's becoming too repetitive now. The other recurring thing that became a bit boring was the mention of the ringtones.
On the positive side, Masterton stayed away from cringe worthy sex scenes involving Katie this time.
I was a bit conflicted about the ending. I think I would have preferred to see justice being served in a different way. I hope the plot about some of the characters will be picked up in the next book, as there were several things left unresolved.
the_reading_cockatoo's review
4.0
Cuốn này thú vị hơn mình nghĩ. Có vẻ như tác giả đã đầu tư tốt hơn vào việc xây dựng hình tượng nhân vật cho một chuỗi series dài hơi, tín hiệu đáng mừng sau cuốn thứ 2 hơi thất vọng. Nói về phần này, bối cảnh là đường dây mại dâm và buôn bán người trái phép từ châu Phi sang Ireland mà Katie đang nỗ lực triệt phá. Điểm nổi bật không khí căng thẳng,hồi hộp được tái hiện tốt, kèm theo lối kể chuyện khá lôi cuốn, hấp dẫn người đọc đến trang cuối cùng. Thế giới mại dâm và buôn người được xây dựng khá hoàn chỉnh, từ những tay cò mồi, những cô gái bị lừa đảo, những cảnh sát và chính trị gia biến chất ..., và hơn hết là Chiến dịch Bật đèn xanh (Turn on the green light) của gã chủ mưu nhằm thay đổi những quy định pháp luật về mại dâm ở Ireland, rất ấn tượng. Điều đáng tiếc là yếu tố kinh dị ở phần này không bằng phần trước, và sự thiếu hụt của các chi tiết tâm linh làm câu chuyện ít kỳ bí đi nhiều. Đánh giá 4/5.