I absolutely loved this! I had not heard of this author before so I looked him up. When I saw that this was his second novel about DI Ryan Wilkins I bought the previous book to read first. I have been caught out before when I’ve read a book, not understood some of it, then realised it was the second in a series. Saying that, The Broken Afternoon works great as a standalone. It has everything I ever want in a thriller, and more. Ryan Wilkins is my new favourite DI. He’s tough, scruffy, uses dreadful language, and doesn’t give a monkey’s what other people think of him. He has a soft side to him though, especially where his young son is concerned, and the conversations between them made me laugh out loud. The plot was really well thought out and I was totally absorbed from beginning to end. I was disappointed when I’d finished reading because I wanted it to go on for longer, and am eagerly looking forward to the next in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for making my day!

I thoroughly enjoyed the fist in the series and was anxious to continue. The “second” novel is always tricky but Mr Mason has excelled himself; it’s a continuation of the sometimes laughable differences between Ray and Ryan, but this time you can get a sense of how this is going to pan out as each character develops a grudging respect for the other.

It’s a somewhat bleak story but thrilling, exciting and entertaining with beautifully written major and minor characters. I’m eagerly awaiting no. 3.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I haven't read the first book in this series but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of reading this book .Set in Oxford,this is a story that starts with the kidnapping of a little girl from outside her Nursery and DI Ray Wilkins is leading the investigation but there is also ex DI Ryan Wilkins now working as a Security Guard who can't help himself investigate as well with his unique talents .Ray and Ryan are like yin and yan but work together well but Ryan has been dismissed from the Police Force .This is a fast paced gritty story with plenty of tension and excitement .A great read and a good ending I look forward to reading the next book in this series .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC. ``

An enjoyable read and an author that I will keep my eye on in the future.
Didn’t grab me as much as some recent titles I have read, but it did have its plus points.
Well worth a read.

Oxford Crime Book 2

Four year old Poppy Clarke vanishes from outside her Oxford nursery with DI Ray Wilkins leading the investigative. Meanwhile, ex DI Ryan Wilkins is now working as a night security guard and is just as unpredictable as ever. His adorable three year old son also called Ryan, loves to have conversations and tries his best to keep his dads colourful language in check. Newly appointed Superintendent Dave Wallace studies Ryan’s file and all may not be lost for his career with the latest diversity recruitment drive. As the search for Poppy widens and the inquiry deepens, Ray may very well need Ryan’s unique talents.

What a cracking series this looks to be shaping up to be! I love the chalk and cheese characters of very proper Ray and not quite so proper Ryan and their interactions are fascinating. I really enjoy the character of Ryan and admire the point the author is making about books/covers and rush to judgement as Ryan might dress like a slob but he’s one sharp, perceptive, intelligent cookie. The standout character for me, though not as prominent as in Book One, is Ryan junior, he steals limelight that’s for certain. I could take him home and it has to be said that Ryan senior is a great dad despite his loose lips! The dialogue between all the R’s is always entertaining with a welcome element of unpredictability.

The plot is well thought out, it’s gritty and tough in places as it’s an emotional theme. The pace is fast, there’s never a dull moment with some red herrings to keep you on your guessing toes. There’s excitement, danger and tension in several places. There’s increased momentum towards the finale and it has a good ending.

In the background is the wonderful setting of Oxford which is yet again used very effectively.

Overall, I really enjoy this book though perhaps not quite as much as Book One but I’m raring to go with Book 3!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Quercus Books, riverrun for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

I really loved the first book in this series. Ryan Wilkins is such a great character, as is Ryan junior, and the relationship between him and Ray Wilkins was a lovely confusing thing. This one was also good, with Ryan helping out with the case in his own special way. Highly recommended and I look forward to the next one.

However, I'm not sure what happened to Ray and Diane. In the last book, they had a great marriage which has changed with Diane's pregnancy, but this doesn't seem to explain the breakdown in their relationship.

A very well-written book, which I couldn't put down. The storyline is gripping, and the characters are very believable. I am very familiar with Oxford, and the author conjured up a real sense of the different areas of the city. Definitely an author I want to read more from.

I’d give this more than 5 stars if I could. The DI Ryan Wilkins series should be far, far better-known than it is. This sequel shared with the first a top-notch combination of gripping plot with writing that absolutely refuses to talk down to the reader. This mystery makes you work, and so it should. And Oxford is described more evocatively and precisely than any other examples I’ve come across. Scintillating and brilliant.