Member Reviews
A most interesting and exciting story of an unusual, Jewish ex Israeli covert operations lady detective who leads a top Scotland Yard team charged with solving the brutal murder of a gangland boss and then soon afterwards the brutal obscene murder of a prominent retired Judge. She is tracked by a top TV journalist hoping for a major scoop. The lady journalist is married to a brilliant QC also an unusual character as his was born and raised up from the back streets of tough Belfast. The story also encompasses some dramatic cross examinations of a witness in court by the QC. When he gets involved in the hunt for the killer all his back street skills are also needed if he can escaped getting killed too. How all these unrelated events tie together so that the killer is brought to justice makes a captivating and exciting read. |
A thrilling story and great introduction to books by Tony Kent. I shall be back for more titles by this author. A great crime drama bouncing between court and the police. Loved the story line. Thoroughly recommended read. |
Wonderful action story. It was go, go, go from start to finish. I have got to read more of Tony Kent’s books. I need to hear more about Michael Devlin. Brilliant book from start to finish, I could not put it down. |
I haven't read any books of Tony Kent before, so I didn't know what to expect. I did however enjoy it immensely and will in future make him one of my new "have-to-have's!! Recommended. |
A superb legal/crime thriller that, after a slow start, metamorphosed into a real page-turner. I struggled to get into this book for some time due to the number of characters that were introduced and the seemingly unconnected stories that they told. However, there soon came a "eureka" moment when everything fell into place and I was glad that I had persisted. Characters really come to life in the second two-thirds of the book and, what I liked more than anything, was the accuracy with which the story was told and, more so, the accurate narrating of the geographical settings. As someone who lived that life and now lives but a stone's throw from the climatic ending this tale was more real than many might credit. Wholeheartedly recommended. |
This book was not really for me but as I always finish a book, I read it until the end (and that was the best bit with a nice little twist at the end that I didn't see coming) The court room drama in the book wasn't for me, not really a fan, I think sometimes a layman can lose the storyline with all the criminal law jargon. The story surrounding the court room didn't really add much as it was not part of the main story, I think it was put in to show what Michael (QC) can do. |
Jan L, Librarian
A well written compelling thriller. A tense book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You need to turn the next page as quick as you can to see what happens next. |
Lorraine O, Reviewer
Absolutely one of the best books I’ve read, it has everything suspense, mystery, courtroom drama, gruesome murders,characters with their own stories and the most likeable leading man, I found this book so well written i was drawn in from the first pages the author Tony Kent is going to be on my list from now on can’t wait to read more |
Louise D, Reviewer
Wasn't for me, I found the pacing to be a bit slow and the characters fairly annoying. The plot was fine but there was just something about it I couldn't gel with. |
Full of twists and turns(even if some of the relationships are pretty conventional)... a good guy barrister, humble and deft, witha background of physical action with the criminals he represents, and a girl friend he's loyal to despite gorgeous, predatory assistants (that's the stereotyped part, for one) - but the big twist coming is how their lives are intertwined since the girl friend is a reporter - there's a professional and sharp policewoman involved, and an authenticity that probably derives from research well done. Taut, and sharp, good friendships and gruesome violent murders abound .. sometimes stretching credibility (kidnapping a cop??) but really a professional crime novel, top notch. |
What a fantastic book. I read it in almost one sitting-such a page turner that I couldn’t put it down! This is my first Tony Kent book but it made me got straight out and buy the earlier novel in the series. |
Bernadette W, Reviewer
Gripping and easy read, nothing pretension with a good pace, and felt genuine with a great twist at the end. |
Marked for Death, a title which both alarms and frightens and for good reason. It’s a novel with some gruesome deaths delivered upon those who achieved high standing in the legal profession. These deaths point to someone who may have been wronged in the past or at least that’s how they perceive it. A novel with great pace, intrigue, red herrings and much, much more. It was hard to put down. Sadly there were a few howlers too! Levy, described as Shin Bet trained in absolute recall, refers to Michael’s ‘wife’ where in reality Sarah is Michael’s fiancée. Perhaps she had a 'senior moment'? The courtroom scene where Keith White the UK’s leading expert in cell-site and mobile-phone data was questioned by Michael Devlin had many flaws. Talk-Talk and Virgin are ‘virtual network operators’ and buy capacity from O2 and EE respectively. However, Talk-Talk formerly used the Vodafone network and switched to O2 at the back end of 2014. The novel describes Talk-Talk and Virgin as if they operate their own cells, blowing holes in the arguments made in court. Additionally, mention is made of a network taking another network’s traffic, this is called national roaming and has been proposed to improve coverage in poorly served areas within the UK. It is only a proposal as yet and is likely to be met with hostility from network operators. For most, the technical flaws will go unchallenged, however if an author relies on technical details for their plot then it's vital to research it well. |
OMG. I finished this book in less than 2 days and spent the intervening night dreaming about it. Great cast of characters, intriguing story and a hugely entertaining ride! Towards the end I got the feeling that this may be a story that could have started in another book so I’m off now to investigate and if I’m right, then I’ve got another treat in store. If I’m wrong, then Tony Kent - get writing! However if this is a sequel, then don’t think this book can’t be read alone - I did just that and gave it 5 stars |
Amazingly good legal/ cop thriller. Really fast paced and quite gritty and will keep you guessing all the way. I loved the characters who I hope to meet again, and the domestic glimpses add to the depth of characterisation. There’s a lot going on so don’t even try to pick this up if you are not focusing- the chapters help to keep the strands of the story from entwining but you will need to concentrate! Bring on the next one please - I can’t wait to read it |
Nigel M, Media
A riveting plot, well paced gritty and hard hitting story line well executed by Tony Kent. Characters so well defined that you feel you know them personally by the end of the book.. Gritty graphic and detailed when called for by the plot. I will be looking out for the next instalment in the (book) life of Michael Devlin. |
This is just a great read...there are two concurrent murder storylines throughout the book, howeber, this is not complicated to follow as the author makes good use of clear language and short chapters to differentiate the streams...there are twists aplenty also. |
Beverley R, Educator
I have to admit that I struggled to get into this book for some time as there seemed to be so much going on and so many characters but it all.suddenly clicked into place and I then found it an absorbing read. The storyline has what is a good mix for me, strong characters, court room drama and chilling murders - what more could you want. The investigation of the initial murders takes a few twists and turns with a race to find the killer before he strikes again. When one of the key characters helps to reveal the killers identity by admitting a past lie that could finish his own career the pace picks up as the police realise who the next victims are likely to be. A further twist at the end makes this a really thrilling read. |
Wow, what a fantastic book this was to read. Full of lots of twists and turns you never saw coming at all. It really gripped you in and I didn't want to put the book down until I had finished it - the sign of a good book! |
Glynis L, Reviewer
I found this book a bit of an anti climax and the storyline a bit boring. I enjoyed the fact that the QC had a troubled background and not your typical ‘privately educated’ man. Other than that, I really didn’t enjoy it at all. It took me 3 weeks to finish this book. |








