yvo_about_books's review
4.0
Finished reading: September 17th 2016
“He didn't look like a hot-blooded killer, but then who did?”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
Spoiler
Those who know me are probably already aware of the fact that it's really hard for me to say no to a proper crime thriller. When I saw The Hope That Kills mentioned I ended up giving in and requesting it at Netgalley, and now I've read it I'm glad I did. This first book of a new detective series is without doubt an action-packed thriller that reads like a train. The case they are investigating is interesting enough even though some of the plot twists and developments did seem to be a bit farfetched. The main character Fenchurch is a bit of a detective cliche with his messed up private life and all, and I think the story in general lacks a bit of originality. Also, there is quite some colorful language and slang included in the story, which might or might not slow you down a little. That said, The Hope That Kills is without doubt still a fast-paced and entertaining read any crime thriller lover will enjoy reading.
The body of a young woman is found on the streets of East London without any ID on her. DI Simon Fenchurch is in charge of the investigation, and he is struggling to both identify her and find out who brutally murdered her. They are faced with cruel indifference during their investigation, since nobody seems to care about yet another dead prostitute. Fenchurch is still haunted by the memory of his missing daughter even after ten years, and is determined to find justice for the murdered young woman. Then a second body is discovered, and things are getting more and more complicated. There seems to be something a whole lot more complex and bigger going on than just another random murder...
I'm a sucker for crime thrillers and even though The Hope That Kills lacks originality, it is without doubt still an highly entertaining and fast-paced read. The case is interesting enough although the sex trade theme (as well as the colorful language and slang) might turn some people off. If you're not bothered by those and don't mind meeting another cliche detective main character, make sure to add this new series to your wishlist.
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
abbiecait's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
caraghwhitehead's review
2.0
This book was a bit of a mix for me. I enjoyed the story line and thought it was an interesting idea however I did not like how it was written. I couldn't keep up with all the characters and I didn't like that it felt like a boys club with it being all about who you know rather than how you did your job. A lot of the story also seems very unrealistic. I doubt I would read any more of the series.
beccamapp's review
5.0
Brilliant book
Kept me guessing and never felt slow or dull, the second book in the series is an instant purchase from me!
Kept me guessing and never felt slow or dull, the second book in the series is an instant purchase from me!
_tilly_'s review
3.0
This book was a slow starter. But it was a good story, there is potential for the rest of the series.
vickleanne's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
labalkana's review
3.0
Nobody seems to care about another dead prostitute found dead in an abandoned building. DI Fenchurch does, the young woman reminds him of his daughter. He never got over Chloe disappearing, that happened 10 years ago.
When there's more murders linked to the case, Fenchurch fears for Abby, his wife, who left him because she needed closure and can't live with him not being to move on.
But what's behind it all is much bigger than just hotels offering their guests prostitutes delivered to their room...
This was such an english mystery. Not full of suspense, thrill or tension but a slowly evolving, horrible case, causing shivers and detailed descriptions of police work.
Fenchurch's personal life is a big part of the story and as it evolves he becomes more understandable and someone I liked to follow around.
The case is complex and interesting and what it turns out to be is special. That really made it for me. I mean organized criminal rings importing girls, taking them off the streets plus practically breeding them? That's different.
All in all I'd say, this is a solid read but somewhat slow for my liking. But the characters have potential, the plot really turned out to surprise me and - it might be strange but - I love a mystery based in the town I live. So I plan to read at least one more of these.
When there's more murders linked to the case, Fenchurch fears for Abby, his wife, who left him because she needed closure and can't live with him not being to move on.
But what's behind it all is much bigger than just hotels offering their guests prostitutes delivered to their room...
This was such an english mystery. Not full of suspense, thrill or tension but a slowly evolving, horrible case, causing shivers and detailed descriptions of police work.
Fenchurch's personal life is a big part of the story and as it evolves he becomes more understandable and someone I liked to follow around.
The case is complex and interesting and what it turns out to be is special. That really made it for me. I mean organized criminal rings importing girls, taking them off the streets plus practically breeding them? That's different.
All in all I'd say, this is a solid read but somewhat slow for my liking. But the characters have potential, the plot really turned out to surprise me and - it might be strange but - I love a mystery based in the town I live. So I plan to read at least one more of these.
emmasmart82's review
5.0
This was my first book by Ed James and I can say i did enjoy it once I got into it I did find it slow to begin with but it grabs you after the first chapter. Di Simon Fenchurch is called to a body found in a used warehouse and with no identification and her no even being registered of being born they are stuck to find out who the killer was till another body is found and cctv shows the killer. But when he turns up dead as well they now that there is going to be more to that than meets the eye.
For Di Fenchurch this is his worse nightmare as it brings back all the things he doesn’t want to handle as this just reminds him of his daughter getting taken when she was eight years old. His father is around the station dealing with other stuff Which he thinks is related to one of Simon’s cases.
Simon realises he needs to deal with his grief and maybe he might just get through another case like he has this time and maybe have a chance to get his wife back
For Di Fenchurch this is his worse nightmare as it brings back all the things he doesn’t want to handle as this just reminds him of his daughter getting taken when she was eight years old. His father is around the station dealing with other stuff Which he thinks is related to one of Simon’s cases.
Simon realises he needs to deal with his grief and maybe he might just get through another case like he has this time and maybe have a chance to get his wife back
barnsey's review
4.0
The Hope That Kills is a solid British crime novel from author Ed James. The writing is excellent and the plot proceeds at a good pace. Set around the seedy London sex industry where life is brutal and young girls are forced to grow up fast. Damaged cop DI Fenchurch investigates the violent murders of two teenage prostitutes whilst continuing his personal struggle to come to terms with his own young daughter's disappearance ten years previously.
A first-rate book which is certain to be lapped up by crime aficionados.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley and the publishers in return for an honest review.
A first-rate book which is certain to be lapped up by crime aficionados.
I received an advance reader copy from NetGalley and the publishers in return for an honest review.
mystereity_reviews's review
5.0
See my full review at Mystereity Reviews
Fast-paced and heart-stopping, The Hope That Kills is a chilling look into the dark side of human trafficking and a thriving sex trade industry.
When two young prostitutes are found dead, with no ID and seemingly no official identities, DI Simon Fenchurch, driven by the disappearance of his daughter 8 years ago, relentlessly pursues every lead through London's seedy underground sex trade, looking not only for a killer but also clues to his daughter's whereabouts. What Fenchurch uncovers is a horrifying morass of corruption, crime and exploitation.
I've been a long time fan of Ed James's books and I've been looking forward to reading this one. So, when I started this book, I expected an exciting and compelling story, and I wasn't disappointed. The thrilling plot draws you in quickly, and the non-stop action keeps the pace moving swiftly right up to the exciting conclusion.
Simon makes a great main character, dedicated and intuitive. While the use of a flawed hero as a main character may not be a new idea, Simon's pain is very real and humanizes him; who can't relate to a grieving father, living with the pain of losing his only child? The use of drums was, I thought, a metaphor for the rhythm of life, but were Simon's drums the unconscious recognition of his daughter's heartbeat, or just the remembrance of each moment without his daughter? Either that or he has dangerously high blood pressure. You decide.
Overall, an exceptional start to a new series from an already great author, and recommended fans of Brit crime or gritty police procedurals.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review
Fast-paced and heart-stopping, The Hope That Kills is a chilling look into the dark side of human trafficking and a thriving sex trade industry.
When two young prostitutes are found dead, with no ID and seemingly no official identities, DI Simon Fenchurch, driven by the disappearance of his daughter 8 years ago, relentlessly pursues every lead through London's seedy underground sex trade, looking not only for a killer but also clues to his daughter's whereabouts. What Fenchurch uncovers is a horrifying morass of corruption, crime and exploitation.
I've been a long time fan of Ed James's books and I've been looking forward to reading this one. So, when I started this book, I expected an exciting and compelling story, and I wasn't disappointed. The thrilling plot draws you in quickly, and the non-stop action keeps the pace moving swiftly right up to the exciting conclusion.
Simon makes a great main character, dedicated and intuitive. While the use of a flawed hero as a main character may not be a new idea, Simon's pain is very real and humanizes him; who can't relate to a grieving father, living with the pain of losing his only child? The use of drums was, I thought, a metaphor for the rhythm of life, but were Simon's drums the unconscious recognition of his daughter's heartbeat, or just the remembrance of each moment without his daughter? Either that or he has dangerously high blood pressure. You decide.
Overall, an exceptional start to a new series from an already great author, and recommended fans of Brit crime or gritty police procedurals.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review