Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this arc.

I enjoyed the 1st book of this series -- Their Last Words -- and hoped this one would be a good for me. It was better! The story has the same fast pace and the graphic goriness of the first book but the character development was better. In some respects, Ray is still the little spoiled rich boy, but he did show definite signs of maturity and strong character. That probably in part due to his new 2nd in command - Johnny Clocks. A surprise, Somebody had to step up and pretend to be a grown-up. The Lost Children was a "bigger" story than the first book. While the first one was a chase story after a single serial killer, this one was a story of international brutality and intriguing corruption. For me, an excellent way to spend a hot and humid afternoon.

4.0 solid stars

I couldn't think how Steve Parker was going to top his last book about Ray Paterson and John Clocks, but he's managed it. A heartbreaking story of witch doctors and the killing of albino children. To us in the West it sounds too horrifying to be true, but it really does go on. Why does it seem, mainly, to take a corrupt, money loving person to thrive in politics.

A good read, which shows up the limitations in being a country of law and order.

This is my second read of Mr. Parkers and I am eager to read more of his work. This is the second police detective book about detectives Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks that I have read. Mr. Parker was a police officer himself so knows the ins and outs of murder investigations. The characters of Paterson and Clocks are well defined and you will find yourself rooting for them throughout their investigations.
Paterson and Clocks don't always follow police protocol but that's what sets them apart and keeps them able to solve crimes. After investigating the death of a man killed by a sniper they uncover the horrible crimes of many young African children being sacrificed for money in the name of religion. It is sad that this type of crime really can and does happen but Clocks and Paterson are fast on the trail of justice.
A lot of suspense, humor and excellent writing keep you on the edge of your seat.

A rare 5* read…
Another gripping instalment in this series. Few authors can blend an incredibly dark storyline with humour in the way Parker does

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson is back at work after his suspension. His no. 2 is DI Johnny Clocks. In the previous book the men didn't really click, but in this second of the series they form a firm working relationship with some very funny dialogue...I hope and assume they will become firm friends as well in subsequent books.
The crimes are horrendous, not for the faint of heart. Usually I avoid books that contain upsetting scenes, but Steve Parker managed to keep me glued to the pages. I think the evil was outweighed by the two men's absolute dedication to bringing down the perpetrators as well as the humorous back and forths between them. The shadowy sniper known as the White Ghost is another character I liked; interesting and somehow righteous.
A very enjoyable read with lots of harrowing scenes, much action towards the end, plus the very sweet last chapter make this a book I recommend highly. Can't wait for the next one!

DS Ray Paterson is back to work after a temporary suspension. With him is recently promoted DI Johnny Clocks. The two men have not been friends, but their working relationship is finally starting to gel.

Being called to investigate the shooting of a man outside a dubious church leads them to the discovery of another body .. that of a young child.

Paterson and Clocks must hunt down a ruthless killer with connections that go far beyond anything they’ve ever come across before.

This is an excellent follow-up to THEIR LAST WORDS. While this can easily be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this thrilling crime series.

The characters are solid, well-written. The differences between the two detectives works so well .. they are so much alike ... but yet are miles apart in others. They are terrific crime solvers and will do most anything to bring justice to the victims and their families.

The crime herein is shocking. The credibility is due to the author's background in law enforcement. I look forward to future additions to this series.

Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Promotions / Jill Burkinshaw for the advanced copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Steve Parker for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of The Lost Children.
I am dumbfounded. This book was incredible. I thought the storyline was well thought out and fast paced with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was hooked right from the start.
Highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a face-paced thriller. I will certainly be reading more from this author.