47 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A serial detective to add to the list of greats, 10 Jan 2012
This review is from: Never Apologise, Never Explain (Inspector Carlyle 2) (Kindle Edition)
This is the second outing for Craig's London Met detective, John Carlyle, a down-to-earth copper who seems to be constantly juggling more cases than the average plod should be able to deal with. Carlyle's first outing was in London Calling, a launch I somehow missed but intend to put right, if the enjoyment in this second story is anything to go by.
The central plot involves the death of an elderly woman, apparently at the hands of her husband who insists he's innocent. Vague references to a Chilean connection with the case fail to dissuade Carlyle of the husband's guilt. In between he tries to help find a missing child, deal with the stalker of a pretty newswoman, and investigate a nasty drug ring. Not unexpectedly, things take a twist on his main case when he learns the husband is not the killer.
Carlyle is the type of hero to enjoy. He doesn't jump through burning hoops, abseil tall buildings, or shoot an MP5 out of the window in a high-speed car chase. But he gets the job done in an efficient and believable manner while juggling a domestic life with an understanding wife and a teenage daughter beginning to explore the usual adolescent boundaries.
There's a lot about this novel to keep you engrossed and interested. The initial, slightly overlong, references to what happened in Chile could have been best dealt with in a prologue, but that's almost unfair nitpicking in what is a superbly written and cosy yarn. Craig's style, pace and underlying knowledge is as good as anything you'll find in the crime genre. Judging by what lies between the covers of Never Apologise, Never Explain, the Inspector Carlyle brand deserves to sit on the shelves with the best of the modern serial detectives.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A great sequel - really good read, 19 Jan 2012
This review is from: Never Apologise, Never Explain (Inspector Carlyle 2) (Kindle Edition)
I knew that I had read the first one but couldn't quite remember everything that had gone on. However, this can be read as a stand alone and my memory was jogged by the events unfolding. I found it to be a great read with good characterisation and great pace. It is better than the first book in that the characters are not being introduced and the story is a good one. You have to suspend your disbelief quite considerably with this one (but not quite as much as with the first one) - which is why I have only given it 4 stars. There are a number of areas where you think - hang on a minute. However, I really enjoyed reading it and would recommend it wholeheartedly for crime fiction readers. The storyline has been reviewed in other reviews, but you will now never forget that Dismas was the good thief beside Jesus on the cross (the other one was Gestas) - good trivia question!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent sequel, 9 Jan 2012
This review is from: Never Apologise, Never Explain (Inspector Carlyle 2) (Kindle Edition)
I have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Inspector Carlyle series and was not disappointed. While I thoroughly enjoyed "London Calling", this new book is an altogether superior novel. The plot is taught and believable, the characters rounded and interesting and the dialogue believable.
In my mind, this second book cements James Craig's place in the upper echelons of British crime writers with Inspect Carlyle worthy to take his place amongst the other great fictional detectives.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
