The Hard Way

Set in London, DI Amanda Hayes and DS Rachel Miller are having a busy time of things. Fresh from arresting dangerous drug dealer Eric Helsey for the murder of his rival’s girlfriend involving a gruelling chase through the streets where he tried to knife Miller, they next visit the scene of a triple murder while Helsey is still proclaiming his innocence and trying to make a deal. Three people have been shot to death at radio station Accord FM, the producer Kurt Austin, the assistant presenter Brandy Reid and main man Colin Fisher who is also married to the owner Henry Curtis. The hits look professional apart from additional stab wounds to Brandy. The detectives don’t know whether just one or all three were the intended target so struggle for a motive and suspect. Two of them have prison records and less than savoury pasts. Everyone’s lives seem horribly intertwined. Henry was in business with Colin’s brother Richard and also with a ruthless casino owner who in turn has links to Colin, Brandy, Kurt and a policeman. Oh, and Miller has just jumped into bed with one of the armed police which is making her a nicer person and easier for Hayes to get on with, although he has a friend with a big problem that needs fixing. While the detectives make start on interviewing friends and family of the three deceased, the body count starts to rise alarmingly around them. As more suspicious deaths follow, can they start to link all the pieces of the puzzle and get to the truth of what is really going on?
This is a fast paced police procedural, full of action, great characters and lots of threads which come together and make sense as the story proceeds. Neither Miller nor Hayes are particularly likeable, I found. They are too much “all-action super-women” for my taste, and maybe we don’t get to see enough of their personalities and flaws to make them more human. The set up seems a bit odd also – they appear to be the only two officers investigating all these crimes with no help from any team of DCs or admin staff, and also Hayes’ supervisor is another DI not a more senior rank which I was curious about. Overall though, it is an exciting read, where loyalties are tested and the lines are sometimes blurred but which will definitely have the reader on the edge of their seat right up to the explosive and shocking ending. 4*

The story has a good plot with quite a few twists and turns. It is quite graphic and bloody but if you don't mind that well worth a read.

Another great read from this author, his books don’t disappoint. Action packed and don’t let up from start to finish. Two strong kick ass women working for the police force as our leading ladies trying to piece together a triple murder with leads in every direction, which one was the target, why were they targeted as all had shady pasts, undesirable partners and skeletons in the closet. I won’t re write the storyline as my review as the blurb should be enough to peak a readers interest, but I will say a well written storyline with characters you love and characters you hate.

A action packed, fast paced thriller.

Really liked the main characters and hope they appear in more books.

Lots of drama and tension in this book and definitely not for the faint of heart.

An enjoyable read once again, recommended.

Full of intrigue and action, found it hard to put this book down, brilliant storyline, no boring moments at all, brilliant continuation of the story, was a bit sad when I’d finished it.

Wow! Packed full of action.... pace is so fast it left me breathless. If you enjoy lots of action with a good backstory to it, you should love this! Enjoy...

I have been a fan of Duncan’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that he has written but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘The Hard Way’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Duncan – a gritty, fast paced psychological thriller. Well ‘The Hard Way’ certainly ticked all those boxes and then some. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Hard Way’ but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn into ‘The Hard Way’ from the very first word on the very first page. It was as if the book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. To say that reading ‘The Hard Way’ became addictive is a massive understatement. I just couldn’t put the book down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I was intrigued by the murders and I had to keep reading to see if my suspicions as to what was going to happen were spot on or wide of the mark. The pages turned increasingly quickly as I worked my way through the story. I found ‘the Hard Way’ to be an unputdownable, gripping page turner of a story.
‘The Hard Way’ is superbly written but then I have thought that to be true of Duncan’s books in general. He certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draw you into what proves to be a compelling story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. Reading ‘The Hard Way’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. Duncan is a master storyteller, who certainly knows how to keep the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Hard Way’ and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Duncan’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

From the brutal opening with the murder of 3 people at a radio station, you are quickly drawn into a dark world that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout! It's one of those books that takes you down one way of thinking, and then throws a spanner in the works and you're left switching your mind as to what led up to the murders to begin with!

As the police investigation explores the victims, their families and their acquaintances, you are introduced in to some devious characters and dodgy dealings! The first enquiry is to work out who the main target was at the radio station, and it seemed all the victims had some secrets to hide! That's what I liked so much! All the secrecy being kept from their loved ones and the murky worlds they were caught up in!

It was full of action and was told at a great pace that kept everything moving along, and not going off on a tangent or overplaying things too much. What becomes clear is that some people would go to extreme lengths for their own benefits and that dark element keeps the story and all the different threads nicely ticking along for your reading enjoyment!!

If I’m perfectly honest, I wasn’t expecting too much from The Hard Way. At the very beginning the preoccupation of one of the female detectives with a male colleague, especially at a time of near peril, really annoyed me, as did her attitude toward her partner; an assumption that her partner ‘fancied’ said colleague when speaking against him was the stuff of playgrounds and not befitting the strong, independent female characters I was hoping for.

However, I’m very happy to say that this gripe melted away quite early on and the characters of Hayes and Miller developed way, way beyond my first impression to the point that by the end I was truly hoping that this is not the last we see (read) of them.

The Hard Way has been a thoroughly entertaining read. Dark, fast paced brutal, though not overly gory (thankfully!) the cosy crime plot I thought I was getting grew legs and became something far more interesting, evolving at last into a wonderfully cinematic-style finale.

As is always the way with these books, it’s hard to write anything of too much depth regarding the plot/characters for fear of giving something away…but I’ll give it a go! The Hard Way features a large cast of characters, but despite this I never felt lost with who was who. They are slotted into the narrative very well, and all serve a necessary purpose, I think there was only once where I had to flick back a few pages to remind myself who someone was. The plot itself was very compelling, and whilst I had an inkling of what was going on, I certainly didn’t predict the wild turns along the way, all which served the novel brilliantly well and ramped up the tension and the sense of impending peril as things boiled over at last.

Stylistically engaging and easy to read, The Hard Way has kept me thoroughly hooked. I’m putting it out there that I’ll be first in line for another Hayes/Miller instalment! The question is….will there be another!?

Having read some of the authors books before I was pleased to be offered the early opportunity to read his latest book.

The story got off to a great start with three murders at a Radio Station. DI Amanda Hayes and DS Rachel Miller investigate and when more murders quickly follow they have their work cut out finding out who is behind the murders and more importantly why. I really liked the two main characters, they were believable with good background histories. I thought this was a very fast paced, action packed book with several ongoing story threads which I loved. It had a great plot line, was very well written and engaging and had me hooked from beginning to end. I found this book very hard to put down and read it in just over a day. There is a lot going on in this book which just added to my enjoyment of it and made it a cracker of a read. I would definitely recommend this if you like crime, police procedurals with a touch of gangland crime thrown in. 5 stars

The Hard Way is the first book that I have read by Duncan Brockwell and he certainly knows how to start with a bang. When 3 people are killed in a local radio station DI Amanda Hayes and DS Rachel Miller look like they are going to have their work cut out for them trying to determine who the main target was and who was actually responsible. Digging into the lives of the victims doesn’t seem to help the investigations but as more murders take place, they eventually determine who the principal target was, but the motive still eludes them.
Out of the two main characters I think I took to DS Miller more, but this is probably due to the fact you got to see some of her life outside the investigation as she became closer to one of the officers in the armed response unit sometimes giving you a little respite from the increasing body count. Her relationship with DI Hayes is one of mutual respect and real friendship with DI Hayes teasing her colleague about her personal life and they certainly need to have each other’s back if they want to solve this case. I also liked Miller’s boyfriend Luke. On the surface he came across as a bit of a jack the lad with the other members in his team but away from them he is a little unsure of himself but really cares for those he is close to. When his loyalties are tested though he struggled with what was expected of him even when it puts him in danger.
This is certainly a fast-paced book that has quite a few twists and turns that will keep you guessing as to who is responsible and why and who the investigating officers can actually trust. The various threads in the book may seem a little confusing to begin with however they all come together well and help keep the reader engaged with the story. With a dramatic ending you have to wonder what next for Hayes and Miller and just how much this investigation will impact their lives both personal and professional going forward.

One of my favourite things about blogging is discovering new authors and Duncan Brockwell is one such author. After reading and enjoying The Hard Way, I will definitely be looking to read more of his books.

The Hard Way is a very fast-paced thriller as the body count keeps on rising and you never know who is going to be next. The connection between the murders is excellent plotting by Duncan Brockwell and it's something that becomes clear to the reader before the police. There is so much action and danger in this novel that it kept my heartrate up and my eyes couldn't whizz over the page fast enough.

I don't want to reveal anything about the plot but I have to say that the thing that is worth killing for is a really interesting idea. It has a really strong environmental message and is definitely a conversation starter as I found myself compelled to discuss the book while I was reading it.

I loved the strong female characters of Hayes and Miller and really hope that it's not the last we'll hear of them. They are so well described and with glimpses into their private lives, I really feel as if I got to know them over the course of the book.

Thought-provoking, intriguing and very compelling, The Hard Way has everything that you want in a good thriller: strong characters, a gripping plot and a very interesting premise. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

If your taste in books is soft, soppy love stories that just meander along then this book is not for you! If however you like your books full of action and fast paced then buckle up as it's going to be a bumpy ride.
One thing you are guaranteed of in a Duncan Brockwell book is a high body count and this book does not disappoint. Add to the high body count, loan sharks, local gangsters, bent coppers and with three murders in the first few pages you know this will be an exciting thriller.
With the three killings coming at a popular radio station the main problem that DI Amanda Hayes and DS Rachel Miller have is identifying who was the main target. The line of enquiry goes down one particular route however other lines soon open up for the investigating team.
This is another excellent book from Duncan Brockwell and one which I'd highly recommend.

f you like fast paced action crime thrillers then look no further. The Hard Way starts with three murders in a radio station. Detectives Hayes and Miller are tasked with investigating the killings and bringing the perpetrators to justice. But, who was the intended target in the murders? Was it one person or all of them? Family members are investigated and the body count rises. A strong suspect in the form of a female casino owner, known for strong arm tactics is quickly identified. The story opens up police corruption, corporate rivalry, gambling debts and professional hit men. The investigation is complicated due to the many twists and revelations. It is difficult to review without giving away the plot but, if you like a great read with an intriguing plot, then try this book. I am hoping these two detectives appear in more of Duncan C Brockwell's books.

I’m a huge fan of this writers work and this book certainly doesn’t disappoint.
When three people are murdered at a radio station, it’s up to DI Amanda Hayes and DS Rachel Miller to catch the killer, but as the body count increases, it becomes a race against time to find out why the victims have been targeted.
I loved the relationship between Hayes and Miller and insights I got into their personal lives. As ever, Mr Brockwell has created amazing characters as on the one hand I was rooting for the good guys but I also loved the bad ones.
The Hard Way is action packed, with a page turning tension which grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until I read the final sentence.
Duncan Brockwell has created yet another cracking book and I really hope I get to meet Hayes and Miller again.

What a satisfying read. It ticked all the boxes for me being an excellent book. A well written exciting plot, a intriguing nail biting investigation, action packed drama with murders, violence, gangland crime, family bonds (is blood really thicke than water?) a little bit of love (needed to cool the tempo down and take a breath!), sometimes a little sad, and even a mad scientist working on his latest invention. Phew!
One killing leads to another, but it makes no sense to the investigation duo Hayes and Miller. (These two ladies make a great impact in the book) But the big question is Why? There is more to this than meets the eye and Duncan Brockwell cleverly weaves the storylines together as the case comes to an explosive end. Great characters and an all round excellent book. Five big stars from me.

The two very likeable DI's who are the main characters in this latest book by new very talented author Duncan Brockwell, certainly have their work cut out, in this edge of your seat gripping murder story. Starting with three shootings in a radio station, and no one understanding why. Slowly the reason starts to unravel , but not until more dark secrets and killings involving the police and Turkish vile villians come to light. Certain big world wide companies need to get their hands on this closely kept very valuable invention and they will do anything in their power to stop it coming to light, and it all ends in a finale that makes you keep turning to the last page!!

A great read.
With a shooting at a radio station leaving three people dead, Hayes and Miller have their hands full trying to find the killer.
They’re struggling with the motive behind it until the Fisher family seem to be the targets. One by one the family are being killed and even people linked with the company, so what are the killer’s trying to find?
This becomes clear later in the book and there’s a nail biting car chase that ends up with everyone trapped and lives lost.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that I really enjoyed.

This standalone thriller begins with a triple murder of two presenters and their producer at a radio station. DI Amanda Hayes and DS Rachel Miller, working for the Metropolitan police are called to investigate and with three dead bodies, discovering who is the real target and the motive behind the killing spree could prove to be their toughest job yet. Drawing up a list of potential suspects will also be challenging, the focus of the investigation constantly shifting as intelligence surrounding the victims, their families and work colleagues filters through. Revelations of drug use, gambling debts and shady business deals form part of a much bigger picture as our maverick duo are led into the criminal underworld of Turkish casino owner Melodi Demirci. Although an easy assumption to make, is she at the epicentre of this investigation where bloodthirsty violence is the preferred means of communication or are there more potentially damaging secrets to surface in a case far more complicated than Hayes and Miller initially believe? Interestingly, how does the work of an engineering business link to the triple murder of Colin Fisher, his co host Brandy and their producer Kurt and the Demirci empire? However horrific and unexpected these murders are, it’s imperative Hayes and Miller understand the connections before the death toll (which is steadily rising) reaches epic proportions. That’s the most complex part of the puzzle, finding the key that allows all the pieces to settle nicely into place. It’s the getting to that point that is the most challenging! Cut throat, gruesome, packed with heart thumping action from start to finish the collateral damage arising from the actions of a handful of highly dangerous thugs and criminals is staggering. I was desperate to understand who or what was the driving force behind the carnage before I passed out from holding my breath too long!

OMG carnage this is indeed!! With so much graphic violence splattered across the pages, this storyline isn’t for the faint hearted! Stepping into the world of Hayes and Miller is like stepping off the edge of a cliff into a blood soaked abyss. These two women are fearless proving you don’t need muscle bound, testosterone fuelled adrenalin junkie males to take down the baddies, although there are plenty of those too! Talking of baddies this storyline is definitely a case of blurred lines where good meets evil and boundaries are crossed so you can never be sure whose side any of these players are on. The author has given a whole new twist to the meaning of good cop, bad cop in scenes which will appeal to those who love never ending fast paced action where the stakes are high. Nothing will prevent these characters, villains and heroes alike from achieving their desired outcomes. As death and destruction follow in their wake, this case descends into a a battle to end all battles!. Once you realise what lies at the heart of the initial murders then all that’s left is a race to beat the baddies, presuming you can identify them first. Personally that’s the moment at which I switched off. With the motive satisfactorily tied up all that remains is gun slinging, shoot to kill drama that does absolutely nothing for me although I admit there’s suspense and tension without a doubt ( plus I learned what a carbine is!!) Our heroines may be handy with a Glock or two but as characters they come across as superficial superwomen, without the capes! Impossible for me to relate to in any way, I didn’t like either of them quite frankly and the final scenes become one long round of death defying bravado and machismo which whilst enjoyable for many felt repetitive and dare I say boring to me. I took a leap of faith diving into this book since I’d given the author’s previous novel Mr Invisible an average 3 star review but hadn’t anticipated quite so much gun toting swagger which clearly is not my cup of tea! I’ve generously awarded this thriller another 3 stars because I can’t necessarily blame the author’s writing for leaving me cold but in terms of enjoyment this would score a dismal 2 stars. On this occasion I chose unwisely and my more negative review is just one person’s honest opinion. If gratuitous violence and bloodshed and heart stopping shoot outs are the kind of things that set your imagination on fire then this thriller has all those elements in spades.