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sean67's review
3.0
Maybe I was in the wrong headspace for this, or it just wasn't where I was at at the moment - anyway I found it just average, and difficult to sustain my interest.
steph1rothwell's review
5.0
The series featuring Marnie Rome and Noah Jake is now one of my favourite. One of those where you soak up every word and look for hints for what might happen in the future.
This latest offering focuses on a missing child, revenge attacks on perpetrators of crime, gang culture and more insight into the personal lives of Marnie and Noah. Whilst we have got to know them both quite well in the past this time it is slightly different. There seems to be a connection between their personal and professional lives.
As always it is very believable. Low income, poor housing and limited opportunity areas that recruit their gang members early. Some of the gang members here are devastatingly young, showing vulnerability and fear but also a hard side where if these emotions are not controlled there would only be one way out.
Steven, who is now serving his sentence in an adult prison has a hold over Marnie, his grip gets tighter with every novel. The scenes where he features make me cringe with the distress that she can’t escape from. But this time it is Noah who I feel more sympathy for. The situation he is in becomes increasingly difficult and he has only one option. I can see both storylines continuing into the next novel.
It’s a brilliant series that I have followed from the first novel. I have enjoyed getting to know all the characters that Sarah Hilary has created.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
This latest offering focuses on a missing child, revenge attacks on perpetrators of crime, gang culture and more insight into the personal lives of Marnie and Noah. Whilst we have got to know them both quite well in the past this time it is slightly different. There seems to be a connection between their personal and professional lives.
As always it is very believable. Low income, poor housing and limited opportunity areas that recruit their gang members early. Some of the gang members here are devastatingly young, showing vulnerability and fear but also a hard side where if these emotions are not controlled there would only be one way out.
Steven, who is now serving his sentence in an adult prison has a hold over Marnie, his grip gets tighter with every novel. The scenes where he features make me cringe with the distress that she can’t escape from. But this time it is Noah who I feel more sympathy for. The situation he is in becomes increasingly difficult and he has only one option. I can see both storylines continuing into the next novel.
It’s a brilliant series that I have followed from the first novel. I have enjoyed getting to know all the characters that Sarah Hilary has created.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
rhodamack09's review
5.0
This review was originally posted on StrupagFor the past few years, my most-anticipated release list has included Sarah Hilary's latest works. We're now onto the fourth book of the DI Marnie Rome series and Hilary never fails to impress me. Her storytelling sweeps me up, diving into her books is like meeting up with old friends - and I love it!
The case in this book is compelling. There has been a series of attacks and Marnie and Noah are tasked with finding the culprits. Are the attacks connected? One again Hilary has woven her narrative, teasing and tripping me up along the way.
For me though, what I really enjoyed most about this book was spending more time with Marnie and Noah. I feel that by now, book four, we have a good handle on their characters, we know their histories and Hilary ensures we become even more invested in our protagonists.
I feel that I say this after every Hilary book, but Sarah handles the issues involved in Quieter Than Killing with great respect. It's one of the things I love about her writing; she takes care and consideration with any issues she addresses, yet doesn't detract from the story or lose any of the impact. If anything, it adds more impact!
I could sit here and gush about Sarah Hilary's novels all day long. Her stories are realistic and believable, her characters relatable. Hilary references real-life news events to anchor her stories into our lives. I love her ongoing development of Marnie and Noah's lives, and feel we are being drawn in closer with each passing page.
All in all, Quieter Than Killing is a fantastic addition to the series. It will raise many questions, but not all of them having answers!
The case in this book is compelling. There has been a series of attacks and Marnie and Noah are tasked with finding the culprits. Are the attacks connected? One again Hilary has woven her narrative, teasing and tripping me up along the way.
For me though, what I really enjoyed most about this book was spending more time with Marnie and Noah. I feel that by now, book four, we have a good handle on their characters, we know their histories and Hilary ensures we become even more invested in our protagonists.
I feel that I say this after every Hilary book, but Sarah handles the issues involved in Quieter Than Killing with great respect. It's one of the things I love about her writing; she takes care and consideration with any issues she addresses, yet doesn't detract from the story or lose any of the impact. If anything, it adds more impact!
I could sit here and gush about Sarah Hilary's novels all day long. Her stories are realistic and believable, her characters relatable. Hilary references real-life news events to anchor her stories into our lives. I love her ongoing development of Marnie and Noah's lives, and feel we are being drawn in closer with each passing page.
All in all, Quieter Than Killing is a fantastic addition to the series. It will raise many questions, but not all of them having answers!
trusselltales's review
4.0
Another strikingly good crime fiction novel in the Marnie Rose/Noah Jake series. In the dark and cold London winter, a seemingly random series of assaults is investigated by Rose & Jake. As you might except, there's actually nothing random about these attacks. Interspersed with this storyline, more and more of Marnie's history starts to come to life, as a burglary at her family home brings the past raging into the present.
Hilary's writing is poised, sharp and well crafted, her social observations are keen and her characters are developing in strength with each book. An engrossing and involving read.
Hilary's writing is poised, sharp and well crafted, her social observations are keen and her characters are developing in strength with each book. An engrossing and involving read.
belcherbird's review
4.0
Another great read. A bit slow in places but not enough to make me switch off! Looking forward to the next instalment in DI Rome’s story!
booklady72's review against another edition
4.0
I was lucky enough to win a proof copy of this book. This was my first book by Sarah Hilary, now I'm wondering why I haven't read any of her other books before!!
Although this is book four, I had no trouble following the storyline and reading it as a standalone.
The storyline was fantastic, twisting and turning along the way, just when I thought I'd worked something out it all shifted again. Superb writing!!
I can't wait to read more by this author.
Although this is book four, I had no trouble following the storyline and reading it as a standalone.
The storyline was fantastic, twisting and turning along the way, just when I thought I'd worked something out it all shifted again. Superb writing!!
I can't wait to read more by this author.
jillheather's review against another edition
3.0
Feels more like half a book -- we're circling more details about her parents, but a whole book about it is too much.
bethkemp's review against another edition
5.0
This series is a must for crime fans: socially-conscious, cracking characterisation and brilliant control of tension. I can't quite believe we're up to book 4 already, but I'm glad there's no sign of Marnie and Noah slowing down. This is another strongly contemporary UK-based procedural which takes on issues. There's more about Marnie's background with Stephen Keele, as we learn more about his murder of her parents (as does she) and there's also more pressure on Noah and his family. So, plenty to be stressed about, as our heroes battle with villains new and old. The main story revolves around vigilantism and themes of justice and morality so, as always with this series, there's more than just a whodunnit to keep you turning pages. Characterisation is a definite strength of the series and I can't wait to read more.
jackielaw's review against another edition
5.0
Quieter Than Killing, by Sarah Hilary, is the fourth in the Marnie Rome series of crime fiction novels. Each new release has gradually upped the author’s game and this offering proved no exception. Its taut prose and dark imagery encapsulates the chill of the action and setting. The personalities of key characters are vividly portrayed whilst never detracting from the plot.
DI Marnie Rome’s crime unit are dealing with a series of vicious assaults which she believes may be connected. Each of the victims has a criminal record and Rome suspects the perpetrator may be some sort of vigilante. Not all of her team buy this theory but it gives them something to work with given that none of those attacked have provided a description of their attacker and no witnesses have yet been found. When one of the victims dies from his injuries the investigation escalates to one of murder.
A separate team dealing with gang related crime reports that Rome’s old family home has been broken into and turned over, the innocent tenants hospitalised. Young kids, probably carrying out orders, are suspected yet no valuables appear to have been taken as would be more typical of such a crime. When a box of trinkets is recovered Rome intuits the involvement of her foster brother despite the fact he is in prison. When confronted he offers his usual smattering of accusatory riddles and hard to believe allegations.
A potential suspect goes missing as does his mother, a kindly neighbour raising the alarm. The team recovers fresh evidence and witness statements but their new boss, Ferguson, instructs them to focus on the murder. With conjecture rather than proof linking the various cases Ferguson will not prioritise Rome’s hunch that all these crimes may somehow be linked to her.
The battle for survival fought by those living in the run down estates of ignored and dirty London are brilliantly evoked. There is a brooding violence lurking within the twists and turns. Each new scene oozes menace. Those investigating get caught up in this dangerous world, not least because some of what is going on touches close to home.
I love the author’s writing. Her use of language is masterful – I hope she takes pride in the sentences she crafts. Put together they create a roller coaster ride of a story, heart stopping in places yet every aspect enjoyed. This is crime fiction to satisfy even the most discerning aficionado.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Headline.
DI Marnie Rome’s crime unit are dealing with a series of vicious assaults which she believes may be connected. Each of the victims has a criminal record and Rome suspects the perpetrator may be some sort of vigilante. Not all of her team buy this theory but it gives them something to work with given that none of those attacked have provided a description of their attacker and no witnesses have yet been found. When one of the victims dies from his injuries the investigation escalates to one of murder.
A separate team dealing with gang related crime reports that Rome’s old family home has been broken into and turned over, the innocent tenants hospitalised. Young kids, probably carrying out orders, are suspected yet no valuables appear to have been taken as would be more typical of such a crime. When a box of trinkets is recovered Rome intuits the involvement of her foster brother despite the fact he is in prison. When confronted he offers his usual smattering of accusatory riddles and hard to believe allegations.
A potential suspect goes missing as does his mother, a kindly neighbour raising the alarm. The team recovers fresh evidence and witness statements but their new boss, Ferguson, instructs them to focus on the murder. With conjecture rather than proof linking the various cases Ferguson will not prioritise Rome’s hunch that all these crimes may somehow be linked to her.
The battle for survival fought by those living in the run down estates of ignored and dirty London are brilliantly evoked. There is a brooding violence lurking within the twists and turns. Each new scene oozes menace. Those investigating get caught up in this dangerous world, not least because some of what is going on touches close to home.
I love the author’s writing. Her use of language is masterful – I hope she takes pride in the sentences she crafts. Put together they create a roller coaster ride of a story, heart stopping in places yet every aspect enjoyed. This is crime fiction to satisfy even the most discerning aficionado.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Headline.
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