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Maddie Ives #6
The Deadly Houses
THEY LOST THEIR FAMILIES, NOW THEY’RE COMING FOR YOURS
Four brutal men destroyed their own families. And they will do anything to get them back.
Detective Maddie Ives won’t let that happen.
She works with the people who will keep them safe. But then the team protecting them begin to be hunted down.
The social worker leading the case is found beaten and suffocated. A man turns himself in claiming to be the killer, but Maddie knows he’s lying.
FEAR WILL MAKE YOU DO THE UNIMAGINABLE
Three more victims are under pressure. If they fail, their families will die.
Detective Maddie Ives faces a heart-pounding race against time to connect the crimes. And she calls in Harry Blaker, still grieving the loss of his own daughter, to help.
YOU’RE NOT EVEN SAFE IN YOUR OWN HOUSE
Four brutal men destroyed their own families. And they will do anything to get them back.
Detective Maddie Ives won’t let that happen.
She works with the people who will keep them safe. But then the team protecting them begin to be hunted down.
The social worker leading the case is found beaten and suffocated. A man turns himself in claiming to be the killer, but Maddie knows he’s lying.
FEAR WILL MAKE YOU DO THE UNIMAGINABLE
Three more victims are under pressure. If they fail, their families will die.
Detective Maddie Ives faces a heart-pounding race against time to connect the crimes. And she calls in Harry Blaker, still grieving the loss of his own daughter, to help.
YOU’RE NOT EVEN SAFE IN YOUR OWN HOUSE
345 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2020
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
25 books549 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
July 9, 2020
That was heart stoppingly tense! DS Maddie Ives has a new boss to break in after DI Harry Blakey endured a personal tragedy (in the previous book I assume) that saw him finally return to work training new recruits rather than being at the pointy end in Major Crime.. the new DI is inexperienced in detecting and is also a total nob. So when Maddie is told to close a case as solved that she feels is far from solved who does she turn to for advice? None other than Harry. He initially sends her packing but has a sudden change of heart when he realises he is bored senseless with the training work and is soon back in the saddle as Maddie’s boss.
The case is a tricky one! A man named Adrian Hughes walks into the station one night, announces that he killed ‘her’ and demands to be arrested. He won’t say much, just enough for the police to find the body and the evidence implicating him. He makes very sure of that. Maddie is convinced there were others involved. There is no doubt Adrian was at the scene but there is no evidence that he actually killed woman. The body had been there a week before Adrian went to the place to leave his ‘evidence’ behind.
At this point, we the readers, know what is going on - not everything of course, but we know a lot more than the police do. And that spoiled it a little bit for me. The book also dragged at the start. But it soon picked up the pace and as the police catch up with us in the knowledge stakes the story becomes much more interesting. I won’t say any more as I don’t want to spoil it for you but, as the story progressed the pace and tension became relentless and it was a race to a nail biting finish with many lives in the balance. I’ve read some of the earlier books in the series and they were all very good. I recommend this one to all thriller fans. It can easily be read as a stand-alone. Many thanks to Netgalley, Joffe Books and Charlie Gallagher for providing the book for me to review.
The case is a tricky one! A man named Adrian Hughes walks into the station one night, announces that he killed ‘her’ and demands to be arrested. He won’t say much, just enough for the police to find the body and the evidence implicating him. He makes very sure of that. Maddie is convinced there were others involved. There is no doubt Adrian was at the scene but there is no evidence that he actually killed woman. The body had been there a week before Adrian went to the place to leave his ‘evidence’ behind.
At this point, we the readers, know what is going on - not everything of course, but we know a lot more than the police do. And that spoiled it a little bit for me. The book also dragged at the start. But it soon picked up the pace and as the police catch up with us in the knowledge stakes the story becomes much more interesting. I won’t say any more as I don’t want to spoil it for you but, as the story progressed the pace and tension became relentless and it was a race to a nail biting finish with many lives in the balance. I’ve read some of the earlier books in the series and they were all very good. I recommend this one to all thriller fans. It can easily be read as a stand-alone. Many thanks to Netgalley, Joffe Books and Charlie Gallagher for providing the book for me to review.
January 31, 2022
Author Charlie Gallagher's "day job" is in law enforcement and it shows.
Charlie Gallagher's insights and police procedurals are consistently on-point and over-the-top.
"Deadly Houses"(Maggie Ives #6) and "He Will Kill You"(Maggie Ives #2) are both fast-paced and gripping thrillers that showcase domestic violence cases and the horrific impact that domestic violence has on abused women, their families, and society.
Many of the author's chapters are not very pretty but they are pertinent.
Both books are part of the Detective Maggie Ives series that could easily be read as standalones.
Gallagher's Detective Maggie Ives is one of my favorite female sleuths. Her acumen and her brilliant "chatter" never cease to impress me.
I am "time-traveling" Gallagher's Maggie Ives series in no particular order and I hope to complete the entire series in 2022.
I listened to the audiobook that was read by Antonia Beamish, one of my favorite narrators.
As long as author Charlie Gallagher keeps writing Maddie Ives books, I will keep listening!
Charlie Gallagher's insights and police procedurals are consistently on-point and over-the-top.
"Deadly Houses"(Maggie Ives #6) and "He Will Kill You"(Maggie Ives #2) are both fast-paced and gripping thrillers that showcase domestic violence cases and the horrific impact that domestic violence has on abused women, their families, and society.
Many of the author's chapters are not very pretty but they are pertinent.
Both books are part of the Detective Maggie Ives series that could easily be read as standalones.
Gallagher's Detective Maggie Ives is one of my favorite female sleuths. Her acumen and her brilliant "chatter" never cease to impress me.
I am "time-traveling" Gallagher's Maggie Ives series in no particular order and I hope to complete the entire series in 2022.
I listened to the audiobook that was read by Antonia Beamish, one of my favorite narrators.
As long as author Charlie Gallagher keeps writing Maddie Ives books, I will keep listening!
July 11, 2020
The Deadly Houses is the sixth instalment in the Detective Maddie Ives series set in Canterbury and written by a serving Detective investigating serious crimes. The fact that he is a member of law enforcement makes this book, and series, all the more compelling and credible and you get a real taste of the circumstances behind the crimes. It isn't necessary to have read any of the preceding instalments to enjoy this one. Adrian Hughes saunters into Canterbury police station and confessed to murdering a social worker; he even provides photographic evidence. DC Rhiannon Davis of Major Crimes is stunned into silence before taking him in for an interview. Later her superior DS Ives conducts her own interview and both come to the conclusion that it is doubtful that he committed the crime. His behaviour and mannerisms suggest he could be covering for someone so the team begin to investigate who the woman is and why she was slaughtered. The map he provided to aid the police in finding the body was accurate and they find the body wrapped in a tarp inside a dilapidated building.
This is a genuinely terrifying read so if you are easily creeped out this may not be for you but for the rest of the crime connoisseurs, this is a must-read. Charlie Gallagher is undoubtedly one of the best writers of police procedurals out there and his books continue to get better and better; this instalment is by far his most compulsive and gripping yet. Inspiration for these books likely comes from his police experiences and this added authenticity makes the story as realistic and believable as it can get. It is a complex read that jumps between two timelines at the start and there is so much going on that I was captivated and riveted throughout. Police procedurals don't get any more addictive and well-executed than this. The plot is full of exciting twists, turns and reveals and the tension and uneasy atmosphere can be felt at all times. From the moment I picked this up I raced through it and simply couldn't put it down as I was desperate to know what happened in the end. With many lives at stake, the team must race against the clock to save those in danger and this leads to a nail-biting conclusion. Many thanks to Joffe for an ARC.
This is a genuinely terrifying read so if you are easily creeped out this may not be for you but for the rest of the crime connoisseurs, this is a must-read. Charlie Gallagher is undoubtedly one of the best writers of police procedurals out there and his books continue to get better and better; this instalment is by far his most compulsive and gripping yet. Inspiration for these books likely comes from his police experiences and this added authenticity makes the story as realistic and believable as it can get. It is a complex read that jumps between two timelines at the start and there is so much going on that I was captivated and riveted throughout. Police procedurals don't get any more addictive and well-executed than this. The plot is full of exciting twists, turns and reveals and the tension and uneasy atmosphere can be felt at all times. From the moment I picked this up I raced through it and simply couldn't put it down as I was desperate to know what happened in the end. With many lives at stake, the team must race against the clock to save those in danger and this leads to a nail-biting conclusion. Many thanks to Joffe for an ARC.
July 10, 2020
Detective Maddie Ives #6
Adrian Hughes walks into a Canterbury police station saying that he's murdered a stranger. He shows them a picture of the body and a detailed route map of where the body can be found. But Maddie knows he's lying. Three more victims are under pressure. If they fail, their families will die.
You have to do what these people tell you otherwise your own family will be at risk. Maddie turns to DI Harry Blaker for help in solving this case. Harry is still grieving for his daughter and hasn't returned to Major Crime investigations. You can tell Charlie has been in the police force, there's always more attention to detail. The plotline is gripping, tense, well written and a steady paced read. This is a really good series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Adrian Hughes walks into a Canterbury police station saying that he's murdered a stranger. He shows them a picture of the body and a detailed route map of where the body can be found. But Maddie knows he's lying. Three more victims are under pressure. If they fail, their families will die.
You have to do what these people tell you otherwise your own family will be at risk. Maddie turns to DI Harry Blaker for help in solving this case. Harry is still grieving for his daughter and hasn't returned to Major Crime investigations. You can tell Charlie has been in the police force, there's always more attention to detail. The plotline is gripping, tense, well written and a steady paced read. This is a really good series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Charlie Gallagher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2020
Men who have physically and mentally abused their partners or children , and lost their families because of it, have banded together in this intricately woven plot to take revenge on the people they hold responsible.
They are working as a single entity against the police and against their families who dared to leave them and hide their identities and location.... and there's someone on the inside who is helping them.
Detective Maddie Ives and her team are working feverishly as this devilish plot comes to light. Bodies are piling up and no one seems to know anything. Until a man walks into the police department and confesses that killed a woman. He tells them how he did it and where he left the body. After verifying his story, she doesn't believe his story .... and her supervisor is ready to close the case.
Knowing that Charlie Gallagher was a serving police officer for many years as a front-line response line officer, then as a member of a specialist tactical team and as a serious offense detective investigator, I expected a lot of credibility ... I was not disappointed.
It's an action-packed page-turner amid a plot filled with twists and turns. The characters are deftly drawn. Although 6th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do recommend starting from the beginning in order to see how these characters have grown over time and what they've had to deal with in order to be the investigator they are.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books 'n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
They are working as a single entity against the police and against their families who dared to leave them and hide their identities and location.... and there's someone on the inside who is helping them.
Detective Maddie Ives and her team are working feverishly as this devilish plot comes to light. Bodies are piling up and no one seems to know anything. Until a man walks into the police department and confesses that killed a woman. He tells them how he did it and where he left the body. After verifying his story, she doesn't believe his story .... and her supervisor is ready to close the case.
Knowing that Charlie Gallagher was a serving police officer for many years as a front-line response line officer, then as a member of a specialist tactical team and as a serious offense detective investigator, I expected a lot of credibility ... I was not disappointed.
It's an action-packed page-turner amid a plot filled with twists and turns. The characters are deftly drawn. Although 6th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do recommend starting from the beginning in order to see how these characters have grown over time and what they've had to deal with in order to be the investigator they are.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books 'n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 22, 2020
Another brilliant addition to the Maddie Ives series.
Harry is still reeling from the shock of the previous case and has transferred to training leaving Maddie trying to get used to the space left behind. Although she does seem to have finally succumbed to the attentions of Vince (at last).
This is a very intriguing story and it did take me a little while to get into it but once a few more pieces of the jigsaw were revealed it all started to take shape and from there on it was all adrenaline pumping suspense. I read a lot of crime fiction but I have never read anything like this one and I mean that in a very good way it made for a totally gripping page-turner
Maddie and Harry continue to gain depth as we learn more about their characters and I absolutely love the way they work together and also the humour Vince brings to the series.
A serious heart-breaking case but again hats off to the brilliant Police and all they do to keep us safe.
Oh note for Charlie Gallagher - you haven't been forgiven for retiring George so don't get any ideas about Harry.
Absolutely brilliant read well worth the 5 stars
Harry is still reeling from the shock of the previous case and has transferred to training leaving Maddie trying to get used to the space left behind. Although she does seem to have finally succumbed to the attentions of Vince (at last).
This is a very intriguing story and it did take me a little while to get into it but once a few more pieces of the jigsaw were revealed it all started to take shape and from there on it was all adrenaline pumping suspense. I read a lot of crime fiction but I have never read anything like this one and I mean that in a very good way it made for a totally gripping page-turner
Maddie and Harry continue to gain depth as we learn more about their characters and I absolutely love the way they work together and also the humour Vince brings to the series.
A serious heart-breaking case but again hats off to the brilliant Police and all they do to keep us safe.
Oh note for Charlie Gallagher - you haven't been forgiven for retiring George so don't get any ideas about Harry.
Absolutely brilliant read well worth the 5 stars
July 31, 2023
So, at first I though this was same old same old. Yes, the initial scene was a little different, but it didn't really stand out to me.
However, by 25% of the way through, I was in!
The book was nicely twisty and did a good job of making you wonder what you would do in this situation.
The reason behind everything made sense and was timely.
I ended up enjoying this one!
However, by 25% of the way through, I was in!
The book was nicely twisty and did a good job of making you wonder what you would do in this situation.
The reason behind everything made sense and was timely.
I ended up enjoying this one!
July 16, 2020
This is the sixth book in the series featuring DS Maddie Ives and DI Harry Blaker based in Canterbury, and it is the best yet! At the very start of the series DS Maddie Ives had been working undercover in Manchester for years until disobeying orders meant that she had to move right across the country to a Major Crimes posting in Langhorne in the south east, leaving behind a lover she wasn't even supposed to have due to his connections to a criminal gang. Then a nasty shoot out injured her boss DI Harry Blaker and put him out of action for months and her back into CID, and once reunited they have since worked some nasty cases. The last story ended in tragedy and left everything on a bit of a cliff hanger, and as soon as this book began I was already missing Harry and PC Vince Arnold with no news of their whereabouts. This story begins rather strangely. A man arrives at a disused building and films his discovery of a murder victim. It's no surprise for him though, as he has been told what he will find and what to do. The man then walks into Canterbury police station where Major Crimes are based and confesses to the murder. DC Rhiannon Davis is on night duty and takes his statement to hand on to Maddie in the morning when enquiries have to be made as to whether the man is telling the truth or winding them up. When the body of a woman, a local social worker, is indeed found where he claims it is, an arrest follows. Maddie's gut tells her something is off about the whole confession. Major Crimes has been landed with a new DI, a dreadful bitter man by the name of Tristan Stepney. He has recently been demoted, amidst much speculation, and is only interested in taking any glory that happens to be going. He is eager to sign off the case and with no help or support from her DI, Maddie turns to the only person she can rely on - Harry Blaker. After a wonderful moment where Stepney gets what he deserves, the status quo is restored, and Maddie and Harry can get on with doing what they do best. With hostages held in chains and all manner of threats being made, it looks like those people really responsible are deadly serious about achieving whatever plan they have made, and are ruthless enough to carry it out. After five previous books, the main characters have been very well described, and they get ever more likeable as the series moves on. Harry still growls a bit, Maddie is her usual tenacious self and a certain other officer is back on form. Once again the plot is clever and exciting with a nail biting ending that even then isn't truly over. I loved the last chapter! It is another excellent and enthralling read from a very knowledgeable author. Highly recommended and I can't wait to see what comes next for Maddie. 5*
June 30, 2020
Adrian Hughes hands himself in at a police station and says he’s murdered a young woman. He tells them where to find her, how he killed her - everything they need to get a guilty plea. DS Maddie Ives isn’t convinced though - Adrian has never been in trouble with the police and she’s determined to get the full story even though her new DI has said it’s done and dusted. She turns to the only person she thinks can help her - DI Harry Blaker. Harry hasn’t returned to Major Crimes following the death of his daughter during his last case. Meanwhile Linda Morris, head of the CPS has been abducted and is now facing a stark choice - help her captors get what they want, even if that means endangering someone else, or face losing her daughter. Harry, Maddie and their team face a race against time to find what Adrian is hiding and save lives.
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish. A serious page turner and the best of the Maddie Ives series so far in my opinion.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Charlie Gallagher for the ARC of this book i return for an honest review.
Absolutely loved this book from start to finish. A serious page turner and the best of the Maddie Ives series so far in my opinion.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Charlie Gallagher for the ARC of this book i return for an honest review.
October 27, 2020
WOW WOW WOW 😯 I’ve not read a book that’s been this gripping from start to finish in a long time !! Excellent original storyline, well thought out and very clever! Love the characters and can’t wait to see how they develop in future books. Can not rate this book highly enough
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Merged review:
WOW WOW WOW 😯 I’ve not read a book that’s been this gripping from start to finish in a long time !! Excellent original storyline, well thought out and very clever! Love the characters and can’t wait to see how they develop in future books. Can not rate this book high enough
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Merged review:
WOW WOW WOW 😯 I’ve not read a book that’s been this gripping from start to finish in a long time !! Excellent original storyline, well thought out and very clever! Love the characters and can’t wait to see how they develop in future books. Can not rate this book high enough
October 9, 2021
OMG!!! This can't be the END!
To be honest, I had a bit of a hard time getting into the beginning of this book. Not that it wasn't well written, but I couldn't imagine DS Maddie with any other DI than Harry. Especially not that arrogant half arsed jerk they called a DI. But once he was out of the picture, this story took off like crazy.Ans d I have to say, I sure hope that this was all a product of the authors imagination, because while I know very well there are men and women that are abusive out there, coming up with such a devious way to deal with it would be just to much, even for some of those sick minds. At least one would hope. Charlie Gallagher has now moved his way up to be my favorite author, and for good reason! I truly hope he decides to revisit the Maddie Lives series someday!
To be honest, I had a bit of a hard time getting into the beginning of this book. Not that it wasn't well written, but I couldn't imagine DS Maddie with any other DI than Harry. Especially not that arrogant half arsed jerk they called a DI. But once he was out of the picture, this story took off like crazy.Ans d I have to say, I sure hope that this was all a product of the authors imagination, because while I know very well there are men and women that are abusive out there, coming up with such a devious way to deal with it would be just to much, even for some of those sick minds. At least one would hope. Charlie Gallagher has now moved his way up to be my favorite author, and for good reason! I truly hope he decides to revisit the Maddie Lives series someday!
March 24, 2021
Sixth book in the series featuring DS Maddie Ives and DI Harry Blaker. Wow what a page turner it was, amazingly written. Just love reading Charlie Gallagher books, no one writes thrillers like he does. He the best writer of thrillers. 5 stars not enough. Can't wait untill his next book comes out. Brilliant
July 7, 2020
If you only read one book this year - make sure it’s this one! Five stars is nowhere near enough!
This is book 6 in the D.S. Maddie Ives series and I think it’s the best yet! Definitely the most thrilling read
The book starts explosively and movingly with a flashback to 18 months previously when the Police raided a house where a traumatised little boy beats on his drum to drown out the noise of his father beating his mother.
Then, eighteen months later a man walks into the Police Station at night and confesses murdering a young social worker, he gives them a detailed account of where and what he did but DC Rhiannon Davis and DS Maddie Ives think he’s lying!
Four ruthless, brutal men destroyed their own families and now more families are at risk and the clock is ticking to save them. Maddie soon calls in Harry Blaker, her old boss, who’s still mourning the loss of his own daughter. I love the dynamic between these two.
This book is without a shadow of a doubt the best book I’ve read this year and I’ve read 40 books so far this year! In fact, no book has held me so enthralled since I read Kiss the Girls by James Patterson twenty years ago. I have cried, I have held my breath, and twice in the final chase I had to put the book down and just breathe.............!!!!
Charlie Gallagher has an amazing writing style and because he actually is a Police Officer, we can presume it’s pretty authentic! His story lines are gripping, the tale is all consuming and (I’ve said this before about his other books) if someone doesn’t snap these stories up for either a film series or a TV series - well, they are missing a great opportunity.
Does the book stand alone? Yes it does, but in my humble opinion, if you haven’t read any of Charlie’s DS Maddie Ives series, you will enjoy them more if you start at the first one and work your way through. I’m actually envious of those of you who still have this treat to come because I promise you, you will not buy just one Charlie Gallagher book! You will devour them all one by deliciously exciting one!
Well done Charlie Gallagher, you have excelled yourself here!
I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review and that’s what this is - a straight from the heart honest review.
This is book 6 in the D.S. Maddie Ives series and I think it’s the best yet! Definitely the most thrilling read
The book starts explosively and movingly with a flashback to 18 months previously when the Police raided a house where a traumatised little boy beats on his drum to drown out the noise of his father beating his mother.
Then, eighteen months later a man walks into the Police Station at night and confesses murdering a young social worker, he gives them a detailed account of where and what he did but DC Rhiannon Davis and DS Maddie Ives think he’s lying!
Four ruthless, brutal men destroyed their own families and now more families are at risk and the clock is ticking to save them. Maddie soon calls in Harry Blaker, her old boss, who’s still mourning the loss of his own daughter. I love the dynamic between these two.
This book is without a shadow of a doubt the best book I’ve read this year and I’ve read 40 books so far this year! In fact, no book has held me so enthralled since I read Kiss the Girls by James Patterson twenty years ago. I have cried, I have held my breath, and twice in the final chase I had to put the book down and just breathe.............!!!!
Charlie Gallagher has an amazing writing style and because he actually is a Police Officer, we can presume it’s pretty authentic! His story lines are gripping, the tale is all consuming and (I’ve said this before about his other books) if someone doesn’t snap these stories up for either a film series or a TV series - well, they are missing a great opportunity.
Does the book stand alone? Yes it does, but in my humble opinion, if you haven’t read any of Charlie’s DS Maddie Ives series, you will enjoy them more if you start at the first one and work your way through. I’m actually envious of those of you who still have this treat to come because I promise you, you will not buy just one Charlie Gallagher book! You will devour them all one by deliciously exciting one!
Well done Charlie Gallagher, you have excelled yourself here!
I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review and that’s what this is - a straight from the heart honest review.
July 14, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Deadly Houses, the sixth novel to feature DS Maddie Ives of them Canterbury Police.
Maddie is feeling a bit lost without her friend and mentor, DI Harry Blaker, who has transferred out of the Major Crimes Unit, when Adrian Hughes walks into the Canterbury station and confesses to murder. They find the body and confirm the details of what he has said but Maddie can’t shake the feeling that there is more to his story than he is disclosing, despite what her new boss says. She teams up again with Harry Blaker to investigate.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Deadly Houses which, as ever, is an exciting read with multiple twists and plenty of action. The narrative is essentially split between Maddie and Linda Morris, a kidnap victim. Personally I feel that the synopsis issues too many spoilers by mentioning the revenge motive as the set up of Adrian’s confession and Linda’s ordeal are enough to get any reader hooked and asking the who, what and why questions. Having said that, all it does is destroy a little of the early mystique and give the reader more information than Maddie has. It is still a densely plotted novel with Mr Gallagher’s trademark fast pace and action pieces. The tension is palpable throughout as Maddie rushes to save lives and solve the case.
It should be noted that as the unnamed perpetrators are domestic abusers they are cruel men. I think the novel is excellent in its portrayal of their mindset and the effort and calculation they are prepared to expend for their revenge. It’s sickening but not unexpected.
I am a big fan of Mr Gallagher’s writing as I think he inserts enough realism into his novels to make them interesting and believable and still offer an enthralling read. The Deadly Houses is no different so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
Maddie is feeling a bit lost without her friend and mentor, DI Harry Blaker, who has transferred out of the Major Crimes Unit, when Adrian Hughes walks into the Canterbury station and confesses to murder. They find the body and confirm the details of what he has said but Maddie can’t shake the feeling that there is more to his story than he is disclosing, despite what her new boss says. She teams up again with Harry Blaker to investigate.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Deadly Houses which, as ever, is an exciting read with multiple twists and plenty of action. The narrative is essentially split between Maddie and Linda Morris, a kidnap victim. Personally I feel that the synopsis issues too many spoilers by mentioning the revenge motive as the set up of Adrian’s confession and Linda’s ordeal are enough to get any reader hooked and asking the who, what and why questions. Having said that, all it does is destroy a little of the early mystique and give the reader more information than Maddie has. It is still a densely plotted novel with Mr Gallagher’s trademark fast pace and action pieces. The tension is palpable throughout as Maddie rushes to save lives and solve the case.
It should be noted that as the unnamed perpetrators are domestic abusers they are cruel men. I think the novel is excellent in its portrayal of their mindset and the effort and calculation they are prepared to expend for their revenge. It’s sickening but not unexpected.
I am a big fan of Mr Gallagher’s writing as I think he inserts enough realism into his novels to make them interesting and believable and still offer an enthralling read. The Deadly Houses is no different so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
July 3, 2020
This book is terrifying. Imagine being watched 24/7 and being asked to do the impossible, give them what they want or lose your own family. It’s a no brainer, but you know that other families will suffer because of your actions.
There really are some depraved human beings in this world, and I’m sure Charlie must see a lot of them being a serving police officer.
This book is very well written, you feel tense just reading it. I just hope that information can’t be accessed that easily on the system, it was quite frightening as to the lengths these criminals will go to.
It was a race against time for Maddie and her team, I was glad Harry came back to help out, I do love his character. It is a fast paced thriller, even though it kept me up wanting more, I loved it. I think this is the best yet for Charlie, but then I always think he can’t do better with every book I read.
My thanks to Charlie and Joffe publishers for the ARC.
There really are some depraved human beings in this world, and I’m sure Charlie must see a lot of them being a serving police officer.
This book is very well written, you feel tense just reading it. I just hope that information can’t be accessed that easily on the system, it was quite frightening as to the lengths these criminals will go to.
It was a race against time for Maddie and her team, I was glad Harry came back to help out, I do love his character. It is a fast paced thriller, even though it kept me up wanting more, I loved it. I think this is the best yet for Charlie, but then I always think he can’t do better with every book I read.
My thanks to Charlie and Joffe publishers for the ARC.
August 10, 2020
Another Intriguing crime thriller from Charlie in Maddy Ives Series. This book was okay for someone who has read prior books in the series. After reading previous novel of this series, "He Will Get You", which features as the best thriller I've read in 2020, this novel doesn't exactly satisfied my taste.
Maddy Ives and her team's investigation was as always excellent and the best part of this novel. Plot of the story, although strong, but is still predictable. Also, in terms of new characters, I couldn't relate to Linda Morris or Ian Hessey. Overall, an okay novel but a disappointment for Maddy Ives Series fans.
Maddy Ives and her team's investigation was as always excellent and the best part of this novel. Plot of the story, although strong, but is still predictable. Also, in terms of new characters, I couldn't relate to Linda Morris or Ian Hessey. Overall, an okay novel but a disappointment for Maddy Ives Series fans.
July 28, 2021
Intense Crime Thriller
From start to finish this instalment had me hooked. This was a fight to catch the culprits and save lives. Tragic, dark and intense, DS Maddie Ives has good instincts and due to a tragedy in DI Blaker’s life he decides to step back. His replacement does not come up to scratch, what will Maddie do about it? Will she convince Harry to come back? This is the last book in the series at the moment. I have to say it kept me riveted and I will absolutely miss the team. I suggest you pick up this book and be prepared to do nothing else. I loved it, suspects, victims, murders and a heart stopping ending, just Wow!!!
From start to finish this instalment had me hooked. This was a fight to catch the culprits and save lives. Tragic, dark and intense, DS Maddie Ives has good instincts and due to a tragedy in DI Blaker’s life he decides to step back. His replacement does not come up to scratch, what will Maddie do about it? Will she convince Harry to come back? This is the last book in the series at the moment. I have to say it kept me riveted and I will absolutely miss the team. I suggest you pick up this book and be prepared to do nothing else. I loved it, suspects, victims, murders and a heart stopping ending, just Wow!!!
August 4, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book.
4 stars an amazingly written thriller with many twists and turns it had be hooked and it was a page turner and loved it so much my first from Charlie Gallagher and wont be my last so impressed it was well written and great storyline.
4 stars an amazingly written thriller with many twists and turns it had be hooked and it was a page turner and loved it so much my first from Charlie Gallagher and wont be my last so impressed it was well written and great storyline.
October 2, 2023
“you want a coffee you slut” - no question this is my favourite in the series so far!!!
July 28, 2020
Abusive men do not like it when they are kept from the families they think they own and control. Some of them are so angry about it, they decide to take matters into their own hands.
Detective Sergeant Maddie Ives and her former partner, Harry Blaker, of Canterbury Major Crimes, have their hands full with a suspect who claims to have murdered a social worker found suffocated in an isolated warehouse. They don't believe his confession and soon find an even larger problem -- it seems that a protection program devised by the police and CPS has been breached. Families that have been hidden away from brutal partners may have been exposed by people who've been kidnapped and blackmailed into revealing their locations. Can they unravel this heinous plan and save those they've vowed to protect? NO SPOILERS.
Although this is the 6th in a series, I've only read one previous book -- the first -- but I didn't feel that I'd missed much coming in at this point. The plot of this reminded me a bit of THE CHAIN by Adrian McKinty. It was fast-paced and full of action with the characters being similar to all of those in the detective/police procedural genre. The author is a police detective so has first hand experience with the methods and tactics in how Maddie and Harry approach this investigation. I enjoyed it and may be looking for the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
Detective Sergeant Maddie Ives and her former partner, Harry Blaker, of Canterbury Major Crimes, have their hands full with a suspect who claims to have murdered a social worker found suffocated in an isolated warehouse. They don't believe his confession and soon find an even larger problem -- it seems that a protection program devised by the police and CPS has been breached. Families that have been hidden away from brutal partners may have been exposed by people who've been kidnapped and blackmailed into revealing their locations. Can they unravel this heinous plan and save those they've vowed to protect? NO SPOILERS.
Although this is the 6th in a series, I've only read one previous book -- the first -- but I didn't feel that I'd missed much coming in at this point. The plot of this reminded me a bit of THE CHAIN by Adrian McKinty. It was fast-paced and full of action with the characters being similar to all of those in the detective/police procedural genre. The author is a police detective so has first hand experience with the methods and tactics in how Maddie and Harry approach this investigation. I enjoyed it and may be looking for the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.
July 20, 2020
The best Maddie yet, full on from the first page.
I have never before read a book that has kept the adrenaline flowing like this one did. I had to put it down at times just to give me a break from it. It was full on from the very first page and I was literally dreading was was coming next. It's definitely the most gripping of all the Maddie series. I don't know how you are going to beat this one Charlie, but i know you will do. If you haven't read any in this series, you don't know what you are missing and I can't recommend them highly enough. Don't miss it. Thank you Charlie and I can't wait to see what comes next. If I could give it ten stars I would.
I have never before read a book that has kept the adrenaline flowing like this one did. I had to put it down at times just to give me a break from it. It was full on from the very first page and I was literally dreading was was coming next. It's definitely the most gripping of all the Maddie series. I don't know how you are going to beat this one Charlie, but i know you will do. If you haven't read any in this series, you don't know what you are missing and I can't recommend them highly enough. Don't miss it. Thank you Charlie and I can't wait to see what comes next. If I could give it ten stars I would.
December 3, 2023
Horrifyingly good.
Not for the faint-hearted and definitely some serious DV warnings needed in this horrendous stalking, gaslighting and abusive crime. Gallagher writes one of the best police procedural novels out there.
Detective Maddie Ives takes some warming up to but once I get back into her style I’m fully invested in her character. In Book Six, Harry Blaker returns after the tragic loss of his daughter in Book 5 and he is really needed in this series.
The plot is complex, clever and difficult to digest. The fact that partners like this exist is devastating.
A fantastic series that does deserve to be read from Book One. Now to catch up on the next few I’ve missed!
Not for the faint-hearted and definitely some serious DV warnings needed in this horrendous stalking, gaslighting and abusive crime. Gallagher writes one of the best police procedural novels out there.
Detective Maddie Ives takes some warming up to but once I get back into her style I’m fully invested in her character. In Book Six, Harry Blaker returns after the tragic loss of his daughter in Book 5 and he is really needed in this series.
The plot is complex, clever and difficult to digest. The fact that partners like this exist is devastating.
A fantastic series that does deserve to be read from Book One. Now to catch up on the next few I’ve missed!
July 26, 2020
Awesome
Charlie Gallagher is the best writer of mystery this century?
This book is riveting from the first page.
OMG the emotional roller coaster I have been on since I opened this book. I could not put it down and I cannot think of enough accolades to give... Read it you will beg for more. I have read all of his books
Each one more shocking than the last.
Charlie Gallagher is the best writer of mystery this century?
This book is riveting from the first page.
OMG the emotional roller coaster I have been on since I opened this book. I could not put it down and I cannot think of enough accolades to give... Read it you will beg for more. I have read all of his books
Each one more shocking than the last.
Read
February 6, 2022Loved the Maddie Ives series
I read them all in the order they were written. My problem was I didn't get much accomplished because I couldn't put any of the books down once I had started. Gallagher is an excellent author. His plots are excellent, and I look forward to reading more books by him. His characters are real people.
I read them all in the order they were written. My problem was I didn't get much accomplished because I couldn't put any of the books down once I had started. Gallagher is an excellent author. His plots are excellent, and I look forward to reading more books by him. His characters are real people.
October 26, 2020
Brilliant
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books with a female lead Detective. Non disappointed. Each as gripping, exciting and scary as the next. If you like suspense with twists and turns then you are in for a treat. BBC take note, these books would make a great TV series.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books with a female lead Detective. Non disappointed. Each as gripping, exciting and scary as the next. If you like suspense with twists and turns then you are in for a treat. BBC take note, these books would make a great TV series.
February 23, 2022
Another fantastic Maddie Ives
A fantastic rollercoaster of emotions whilst reading this great book. Brilliant characters, amazing story line, another Charlie Gallagher book impossible to put down.
A fantastic rollercoaster of emotions whilst reading this great book. Brilliant characters, amazing story line, another Charlie Gallagher book impossible to put down.
July 24, 2020
Enthralling thriller
I enjoyed this story which developed from a relatively small incident into a vicious conspiracy. Maddie interviews a man who confesses to an unusual murder, but will not explain why or details of it, just gives her a photo of the dead woman. Her DCI wants the case closed since they had the confession. Maddie feels that there is more to it, and sets off to find the truth. Loved the twists that kept the excitement full on.
I enjoyed this story which developed from a relatively small incident into a vicious conspiracy. Maddie interviews a man who confesses to an unusual murder, but will not explain why or details of it, just gives her a photo of the dead woman. Her DCI wants the case closed since they had the confession. Maddie feels that there is more to it, and sets off to find the truth. Loved the twists that kept the excitement full on.
July 24, 2020
Absolutely first class
Yet again you have done it kept me up at night could not put the book down. The plot from start to finish is spot on . I live in the area so I can relate even more to the storyline.
Just a thought to bring illegal immigration into your books as it is of great concern to use who live in this area.keep up the fantastic work.
Yet again you have done it kept me up at night could not put the book down. The plot from start to finish is spot on . I live in the area so I can relate even more to the storyline.
Just a thought to bring illegal immigration into your books as it is of great concern to use who live in this area.keep up the fantastic work.
July 25, 2020
Another great book from Charlie as always. Really well written and totally enthralling as always his novels just seem to get better and better. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series! I also think that the books would make an awesome TV series.
August 16, 2020
This book absolutely gripped me from page 1 and what an emotional ride to the very last page. I was spellbound! It evokes so many emotions and I actually cried at times. I read a huge amount of this genre but this was the book that will always stand out for me. The storyline is different in that it starts with a confession of murder, but it soon becomes apparent that there's a whole lot more going on. I love the characters and was delighted to see Harry Blaker return. Please don't let this be his last case! Maddie is an incredible character and to read her struggles at times in this book made it all the more powerful. I love Rhiannon and Vince too. The ending left me completely overwhelmed and I didn't think it would pan out quite the way it did. It was completely heartbreaking. The scenes that took place in the pool just made me hold my breath. Charlie Gallagher has really given us a mighty powerful novel, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book.
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