Chill Factor (DI Charlie Priest Mystery) [Kindle Edition]

Comparisons with Wingfield's Frostare not hard to make in this latest offering from Stuart Pawson and an otherwise well constructed novel suffers in part from that similarity. Charlie Priest is, like Frost, a renegade cop, single , with an eye for the fairer sex and something of a loner when it comes to investigation. Rise above the comparison however and one glimpses a less well-known author of crime who deserves wider recognition. "Chill Factor" is likely to inspire reading of his earlier novels and may well be the break for which the author has been waiting which will put him on a par with Jardine, Dexter and others on the genre.

The tale centres around the murder of a murderer to which a confession is readily given and which, at first sight, is highly believable. Although almost from page 1 the reader is encouraged to believe Charlie Priest's nonbelief in the confession, it is the manner by which Priest proves, against his colleagues, that he is right and they are wrong which carries the book along at a fair pace. There is plenty of forensic insight, past research and detailed characterisation to keep most readers on edge although a contract taken out on Charlie hatched from a prison cell perhaps stretches one's imagination too far.

Pawson shows an excellent grasp of the way in which the forces of law and order function and the cynical touch where some of them are concerned does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. In the main his attention to detail is excellent though one felt using an angle grinder to strip paintwork from a car bonnet might have destroyed the very evidence it was designed to reveal.

All in all, a jolly good read which bodes well for the future.

Stuart Pawson keeps on improving. As a relative newcomer to his work I have read most of his books very recently. Why is he not as well known as some of the other detective fiction writers? Charlie Priest is a believable detective and a fallible man. The plot is clearly defined and the culprit identified quite quickly, however, the method was quite ingenious. I look forward to his next book in the new year.

Stuart Pawson had a career as a mining engineer He followed this with a spell working for the probation service, before he became a full-time writer. He lives in the pleasant waterside village of Fairburn in Yorkshire. The author's writing is gritty and to the point added to which he has a likeable sense of humour that he usually incorporates into his books, all of which I have found enjoyable.

First published in 2001 this is the seventh book in the DI Charlie Priest series. Priest is a no nonsense straight talking Yorkshire copper, whose one failing is that he always seems to attract trouble. It doesn't matter whether it is in his private life or his career, Charlie always has something trying to hold him back in his hectic life.

After reading the comments of the previous reviewer, I can only agree that Stuart Pawson and his gritty character Charlie Priest deserve even more recognition than they are presently getting. The character of DI Priest is a recognizable image of what many people expect, (even though they may never have had any meaningful dealing with the police) a copper to be like. Devoted to his job, dogged determination but with more than a hint of humour when it is appropriate

The synopsis for the book is produced above and needs no addition from me. Anyway, the last thing you need in a crime novel is too much information. Regarding the story in general, I though it was up there with Stuart Pawson's other novels.

Another well executed story from Stuart Pawson - I have now read ( and own) all his Charlie Priest books in order of publication and have listened to a couple of the stories too. I have stopped reading them at bedtime ...... because usally I am still page turning at 1am.......and late nights are not good for the complexion or early morning starts! ...The plots are well defined and I really like the way he weaves in the characters to a nice neat and tidy knot at the end ....love all the books and have a great affection for Charlie and his best mate Dave Sparkington......hope there are more on the horizon.

I have enjoyed all Stuart Pawson's books, so this is just one great read. Pawson tells the tale in the first person and with great office humour to ice the cake. He makes Charlie a likeable chap and someone you could rely on to help you in a difficult moment. There is a wonderful feelgood book here.

If he were a real person, the streets would be a hell of a lot safer!
As always, really well written. Can't wait for the next instalment.

A good thriller laced with witty thoughts and dialogue. Charlie Priest is a great companion never over the top, realistically normal. You always know your going to get a good relaxing and compulsive read.

This Stuart Pawson got off at a cracking pace, and seemed more serious than his other books but still had the humour which I love. A really great read. Actually I have loved all Stuart Pawsons books and especially DI Charlie Priest.I have not read them in any order but that is no problem. I am now reading the last of his books and really hoping that there will soon be more. A very underated author, and a great read.