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A review by kirkw1972
The Tattoo Thief by Alison Belsham
4.0
I really enjoyed this but had a couple of issues with it but I don't mind that as it gives me something more to write a review about. I like the idea of a detective solving crimes with a tattoo artist. I think that might be a new one in the genre. Reading the blurb for the next two books it also looks like they keep getting caught up in some very macabre crimes starting with this one where a killer is taking the tattoo's of their victims as a trophy. It's not for everyone being so dark and graphic but I enjoyed it.
There are a couple of things I didn't like. The DCI for one. I know we need a variety of characters to make a rounded book but God he's a prat. Hiring a new DI, firing him twice in one week, very outdated views. HIs overall character just felt messy so I'm intrigued as to how he will, if at all, develop. It does also look like this is a debut and there's many a successful author that started off with some dodgy bits in a debut.
I was also a bit confused by Francis's career. A newly qualified DI the book makes lots of mentions to being inexperienced. I know he got the role passing exams but it felt like he'd passed an exam after walking in off the streets. He must have some policing experience and he's certainly not stupid (unlike the DCI ahem...). I would have liked a bit more about his background but again, it's book 1 of 3 so let's see if I'm still complaining when I've read the rest.
I will be reading the rest. As said, it's dark, authentic, gripping. It's an interesting mix of characters bringing in the tattoo community. Having tattoos and coming from a family with heavy tattoos it appeals to me and is also probably why some of the police views grated. I'm intrigued by Marni's past and can't wait to read a bit more on that. She's lived an interesting life. Francis is quite religious and again something I'd like to see explored more as I read the next books. They are an unlikely due so I really do want to know what happens next. The story itself is gripping and the first time I've sat up all night to finish a book this year. Definitely a book I'd recommend
There are a couple of things I didn't like. The DCI for one. I know we need a variety of characters to make a rounded book but God he's a prat. Hiring a new DI, firing him twice in one week, very outdated views. HIs overall character just felt messy so I'm intrigued as to how he will, if at all, develop. It does also look like this is a debut and there's many a successful author that started off with some dodgy bits in a debut.
I was also a bit confused by Francis's career. A newly qualified DI the book makes lots of mentions to being inexperienced. I know he got the role passing exams but it felt like he'd passed an exam after walking in off the streets. He must have some policing experience and he's certainly not stupid (unlike the DCI ahem...). I would have liked a bit more about his background but again, it's book 1 of 3 so let's see if I'm still complaining when I've read the rest.
I will be reading the rest. As said, it's dark, authentic, gripping. It's an interesting mix of characters bringing in the tattoo community. Having tattoos and coming from a family with heavy tattoos it appeals to me and is also probably why some of the police views grated. I'm intrigued by Marni's past and can't wait to read a bit more on that. She's lived an interesting life. Francis is quite religious and again something I'd like to see explored more as I read the next books. They are an unlikely due so I really do want to know what happens next. The story itself is gripping and the first time I've sat up all night to finish a book this year. Definitely a book I'd recommend