Beacon Hill by Colin Campbell follows the Resurrection Man series featuring former British cop Jim Grant, who now works for the Boston PD.

Jim Grant's character feels like a "wannabe" Jack Reacher.
(The Jack Reacher from Lee Child's books, not the one from the films which I wouldn't see because of miscasting). Lots of action and an unusual premise make Beacon Hill interesting, and yet more surface than depth.

One incident that was, I guess, supposed to add some dark humor involves a dog. The reference to the dog appears again and again, and what was not funny to begin became more and more irritating. Spoiler: More time and emphasis was given to the unfunny squashed dog than to the death of the girlfriend.

NetGalley/Wildblue Press

Suspense/Police Procedural/Crime. Sept. 13, 2017. Print length: 315 pages.

I really enjoyed this fast paced book. It had a great storyline with plenty of thrills. It had strong characters and a solid plot. It was a real page turner. Highly recommend it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Colin Campbell for the copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

I would like to thank Netgalley and WildBlue Press for a review copy of Beacon Hill, the fifth novel in the Resurrection Man series.

Yorkshireman Jim Grant is now a fully fledged member of the Boston Police Department and working a night shift for colleague, Sam Kincaid, when 2 separate incidents interrupt his peace. Firstly he is looking for a kidnapped son when the father sets the house on fire and then after rescuing the boy he responds to a shots fired call. The intended victim, Daniel Hunt, makes Grant suspicious when he refuses to file a complaint and then brings pressure to bear on the BPD to stop Grant's investigation. Needless to say he doesn't stop and what ensues is high octane mayhem.

I loved Beacon Hill from the palpable tension of the opening sentences to the final bloody dénouement - think Die Hard with a bolshie Yorkshireman instead of Bruce Willis and you get the idea. It is non stop action and highly entertaining with a suitably convoluted plot, guns and an unstoppable protagonist. Just the tonic in this dreary weather.

This is the first time I have met Jim Grant but it won't be the last. He is a fully paid up member of the awkward squad when dealing with authority or anyone he doesn't like but he's also smart, resourceful, human and lethal when required. Throw in some sarcastic humour and you get an appealing hero.

I like Mr Campbell's writing style with shortish chapters and short sentences which really ramp up the tension. It is easy to read and get absorbed in. I also like his running gags which soon become familiar, like the orange fleece or the dog (you'll have to read the novel for the dog which is sick but funny).

Beacon Hill is a great, entertaining read which I have no hesitation in recommending.