booklady72's review
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
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
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
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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