kitchenmaid's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
katecks's review against another edition
5.0
Great realistic characters
This is my second book by Jo Spain that I read this weekend which says it all. Brilliant tale and all the characters are very realistic. Love sensible Tom and his crew
This is my second book by Jo Spain that I read this weekend which says it all. Brilliant tale and all the characters are very realistic. Love sensible Tom and his crew
noveldeelights's review against another edition
4.0
Beneath The Surface is the second instalment in the DI Tom Reynolds series and if I wasn’t a fan of Jo Spain before this one, I sure would be now.
Ryan Finnegan, a high-ranking government official, is found shot to death in Ireland’s most secure building – the seat of Parliament, Leinster House. DI Tom Reynolds and his team are called in to solve Finnegan’s murder but that won’t be easy. With a charity ball across the road and lots of people milling around, the list of potential suspects could quite quickly run into the hundreds. Most of those are involved in politics, obviously, and we all know few of them can be trusted to speak the truth.
Politics, blackmail, backstabbing, lies and deceit. Sounds like an episode of House of Cards. There are a multitude of questions that need answers before DI Reynolds can even begin to make sense of it all. Why was Finnegan in that part of the building? What is the significance of the picture that was found underneath his body? Does his murder have anything to do with a Bill that Parliament needs to vote on soon?
I love the balance Jo Spain achieves in combining the team’s job with their private lives and even manages to throw in some chuckle-worthy moments, often courtesy of Ray. Tom is adjusting to new circumstances at home and the arrival of his grandchild, which causes quite a few problems between his wife and his daughter. Meanwhile, Ray realises he may just see Laura as more than just a colleague. But she has a boyfriend now. Timing is everything.
These personal events allow you to get the characters so much better, while also sometimes bringing some much needed relief from the murder investigation. I couldn’t at all figure out what had happened to Ryan Finnegan and this incredibly clever plot kept me guessing until the end. I must admit some of the political shenanigans confused me somewhat from time to time but that didn’t ruin my reading experience at all. And let’s face it, who isn’t confused by politics these days. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series! So much so, that I have now picked up book 3. I can’t wait to see what DI Reynolds and his team will be investigating next.
Ryan Finnegan, a high-ranking government official, is found shot to death in Ireland’s most secure building – the seat of Parliament, Leinster House. DI Tom Reynolds and his team are called in to solve Finnegan’s murder but that won’t be easy. With a charity ball across the road and lots of people milling around, the list of potential suspects could quite quickly run into the hundreds. Most of those are involved in politics, obviously, and we all know few of them can be trusted to speak the truth.
Politics, blackmail, backstabbing, lies and deceit. Sounds like an episode of House of Cards. There are a multitude of questions that need answers before DI Reynolds can even begin to make sense of it all. Why was Finnegan in that part of the building? What is the significance of the picture that was found underneath his body? Does his murder have anything to do with a Bill that Parliament needs to vote on soon?
I love the balance Jo Spain achieves in combining the team’s job with their private lives and even manages to throw in some chuckle-worthy moments, often courtesy of Ray. Tom is adjusting to new circumstances at home and the arrival of his grandchild, which causes quite a few problems between his wife and his daughter. Meanwhile, Ray realises he may just see Laura as more than just a colleague. But she has a boyfriend now. Timing is everything.
These personal events allow you to get the characters so much better, while also sometimes bringing some much needed relief from the murder investigation. I couldn’t at all figure out what had happened to Ryan Finnegan and this incredibly clever plot kept me guessing until the end. I must admit some of the political shenanigans confused me somewhat from time to time but that didn’t ruin my reading experience at all. And let’s face it, who isn’t confused by politics these days. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series! So much so, that I have now picked up book 3. I can’t wait to see what DI Reynolds and his team will be investigating next.
teaaddicted's review against another edition
2.0
Didn't work for me. The first one I liked, but this time I couldn't get a grip of the characters and plot. Had to rewind several times due to not following.
bgg616's review against another edition
3.0
this was my second book I read in the Inspector Tom Reynolds series by Jo Spain. This one was, however, disappointing. It involves the murder of the PA of a top and ambitious Irish politician. The murder occurs in a secure government building which lends to the intrigue. There are possible deals brewing with a large multinational dealing with offshore natural resources.
Political intrigue and murder can be a great combination. However in this novel, the plot development dragged. There were sub-plots that could have added depth, but they were not sufficiently developed. The first in the series I read was # 4, which I liked much more than this one. I will read #1 and #3 as I believe that Jo Spain deserves her popularity.
Political intrigue and murder can be a great combination. However in this novel, the plot development dragged. There were sub-plots that could have added depth, but they were not sufficiently developed. The first in the series I read was # 4, which I liked much more than this one. I will read #1 and #3 as I believe that Jo Spain deserves her popularity.
thegel's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
randywgravitz's review against another edition
4.0
Political Thriller! Riveting!
Jo Spain writes compelling detective crime dramas. I couldn’t figure the murderer prior to the reveal. I enjoyed the exposure to Irish Politics.
Jo Spain writes compelling detective crime dramas. I couldn’t figure the murderer prior to the reveal. I enjoyed the exposure to Irish Politics.
jonathangemmell's review against another edition
4.0
Good premises and plot, although not on the same level as the first novel.
However it is very rare to have a crime book that makes you care about all of the side characters and their relationships. Beneath the surface does this and makes you crave more.
However it is very rare to have a crime book that makes you care about all of the side characters and their relationships. Beneath the surface does this and makes you crave more.
wishknots's review against another edition
2.0
This is my 5th Jo Spain book. Can anyone tell me if she has written a book without a crazy childless woman? None of her female characters are normal, balanced people. They are all feeble, crazy or victims. She’s a good writer but I’m starting to question her view of women.