Matt Brolly

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is the second book of this series and despite some references to book one could be read as a standalone story. Well written Police procedural with good characterisation throughout. Not as good a mystery as the previous encounter with our heroine, hence the four stars, as we know quite early on whodunit it's just a matter of gaining the evidence to put him away.
Recommended.… (mehr)

The Railroad by Matt Brolly is a very highly recommended investigative thriller and the second book in the Lynch and Rose series. The pages will fly by when you read this excellent, fast-paced, tension-filled, complicated thriller.

A model train locomotive is found at the gruesome murder scene of a family of four and is clearly recognize as a tie to the psychopathic serial killer, The Controller. Special Agent Sandra Rose and Special Agent McBride are called in to assist the investigate. At the same time former agent Samuel Lynch receives a package addressed to his alias which also contains a model train locomotive. Lynch makes sure his ex-wife and son flee their current location and then contacts Rose. Because of his experience with the Controller and obvious connection to the current investigation, Rose asks him assist in the current investigation. And then the body count rises and the threat increases.

The characters are fully realized, determined, and intelligent. Readers will appreciate these characters, even when they are struggling or feel broken. It is sheer pleasure to follow along as they investigate and piece clues together. The crime scenes can be gruesome, but the idea that the criminal empire of the Controller may be returning is even more frightening.

The Railroad is an un-put-downable thriller that will hold your attention throughout. The tension is palpable and the short chapters keep the pages flying by as more information is uncovered and the action intensifies. It does require some suspension of disbelief, but this is done without a second thought because the plot and suspense is so compelling. Although The Railroad is the second in a series, you can read this as a stand-alone novel as enough background information is provided, however, I predict you will want to read the first book, The Controller.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Oblong Books via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/11/the-railroad.html… (mehr)

The Bridge by Matt Brolly is a very highly recommended procedural and the sixth novel in the DI Louise Blackwell series.

Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell is called in to investigate when the body of a young woman is discovered in a shipping container in Bristol. Several theories are put forth, but they are all abandoned when a camera is discovered. Apparently someone was watching her trapped and slowly dying. The case may involve claustrophilia, someone who likes to watch people in very small, cramped spaces. It may also be tied to the case of two other missing persons. Complicating Blackwell's involvement in the investigation is that she is ten weeks pregnant and experiencing bad morning sickness.

The Bridge is a well-written, excellent, engaging procedural with a detailed complex plot. The opening scene will immediately grab your attention. Right from the start the suspense and tension keep increasing as the intricate plot unfolds. There are several twists along the way to keep you guessing and some heart-stopping moments. The narrative is mainly told through Blackwell's point-of-view with other voices included.

Louise Blackwell is a wonderful, fully realized character among a cast of great characters. Although this is the sixth novel in the series, The Bridge can certainly be read as a stand-alone, although you will subsequently want to read others in the series. Those who like procedurals are going to thoroughly enjoy The Bridge.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/08/the-bridge.html… (mehr)