Customer Reviews

No Going Back (Charlie Whelan Mysteries)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are plenty of protagonists who are ex-cops turned PIs. On the other hand, there is but one former handler of police dogs who was forced off the force and now drives a truck delivering animal feed. Throw in a horsey atmosphere, a la Dick Francis, and you have the makings of a first-rate British mystery, which
"No Going Back" certainly is.

Daniel Whelan, a ten-year veteran of the police force, was frozen out by his fellow workers after he disclosed detrimental information about the loss of evidence. He not only lost his job, but his marriage as well, and is also separated from his eight-year-old son. His only constant companion is Taz, a German shepherd retired as a police dog after being injured. Sort of a Rin Tin Tin and Lassie all rolled up into one, Taz is a super-dog in the grand tradition, and of course plays a major role in the novel.

Daniel is called one day by a distraught "father" who asks him to bring his dog to locate his missing daughters, lost on the moor. Reluctantly, he helps, finding the younger of the two sisters before giving up the hunt. Not satisfied, Daniel returns the next day, locating the other missing girl, but, frightened, she runs off. Somehow, they ultimately reconnect, and gradually Dan gets some information from the girl leading to a thrilling plot, with lots of danger to all.

A very enjoyable read, and recommended.

This was a lively story with a plot which was differrent from the author's normal settings. The narrative moved along with great pace and I couldn't put it down.

Why does the advertising say "Charlie Whelan" when, in the book, he is referred to as Daniel? Maybe there were not enough horses in this one for me. I have read and enjoyed more than one Lyndon Stacey novel before ("Blindfold" & "Time to Pay" spring to mind) but this one didn't do it for me somehow. Maybe it was the failure of his relationships with his wife and and his lover (separate entities). I found my self growing annoyed during the pedantic descriptions of the violent action. No doubt done in order to wind up the suspense but some how just irritating in it's attempt to explain away the unlikely outcome. I always did think this was a weakness of hers. Sorry Lyndon, I'm being a bit unkind perhaps, but I think you have greater potential than this offering evinces. Oh, by the by, it was the Audible version that I listened to rather than the hardback. It was cheaper, thank goodness!