‘Kiss of Death’ by Paul Finch

Published by Avon,
9 August 2018.
ISBN: 978-0-00824398-2

Detective Sergeant Heckenburg, known to all as Heck, is part of the Serious Crimes Unit. Whilst investigating the actions of the 'Black Chapel' gang, an anti-religious group who attack churches and kill the priests, Heck and his team are informed of a new case, Sledgehammer. Gemma his boss, informs him they will be working with the Met's Cold Case Team and they are to go after an Eddie Creeley wanted for armed robbery and murder. Creeley so far has eluded arrest and no one has seen him for some time, it also seems he is a really nasty piece of work, even fellow villains have no time for him.

As the case proceeds the team discover that more vicious criminals have suddenly disappeared. Following a lead from Creeley's sister, Heck and his partner Gail uncover a disturbing series of events which involve the missing criminals fighting desperately for their lives, all of which is captured on film. It becomes apparent that there must be a leak within the police as the names and some of the details of the missing villains are known only to the Serious Crimes Unit.

The team uncover the fact that they are dealing with an international gang making millions out of drugs and the films they make. The latter are shown to members of an exclusive club which costs a fortune to join.

These brutal criminals will stop at nothing to protect their interests, as Heck discovers to his cost.

Not only are the Unit intent on solving the case but they are determined to beat the Met's Cold Case Team to it. Plus of course they need to discover the leak within their department. The pressure is on.

A really good exciting and fast-moving book from the writer of The Bill. I am sure my blood pressure must have shot up on reading some of the descriptions of the fights. Heck has merely to try and stay alive, and arrest the utterly immoral people behind the crimes..

The ending especially is heart stopping.  Highly recommended for those of a strong constitution!

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Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

Paul Finch was born in Lancashire. UK. He began his writing career on the British television series The Bill. He has written over 300 short stories which have appeared in magazines, such as the All Hallows, the magazine of the Ghost Story Society and Black Static. He is the author of the ongoing series of DS Mark Heck Heckenberg novels.

http://paulfinch-writer.blogspot.co.uk/

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.