Wheel of Fire

October 16, 2017
The hero of this well-crafted series launch from British author Bonner (A Moment of Madness), Det. Insp. David Vogel of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Major Crime Investigation Team, is called in to head the investigation into the murder of 14-year-old Melanie Cook, whose battered body was found in Bristol’s red light district. Vogel and his team delve into the victim’s life and question those who were closest to her. Chapters narrated by three possible suspects—Al, Leo, and Saul, each a distinctive character with his own agenda—help build the tension. Meanwhile, Vogel has a load of personal issues to deal with: a teenage daughter with cerebral palsy, a conflicted relationship with his father and brother (who have moved to Israel), and the need to come to terms with his cultural identity. Vogel’s spare time is spent compiling crosswords for a specialist magazine, a skill that will undoubtedly come in handy when he’s faced with arcane clues in future installments. Some readers may find the action-packed ending a bit forced. Agent: Toby Peake, Peake Associates (U.K.).

October 1, 2017

DI David Vogel is the first of his team to arrive at the crime scene in Bristol's red-light district where the body of 14-year-old Melanie Cooke was found. Naturally, the police suspect the girl's father and stepfather and believe they closed the case successfully when they match DNA from Melanie's body. But, something doesn't sit right with David. When two similar murders are reported elsewhere in England, he realizes a serial killer may be at work. How can one suspect be involved with pedophilia, a gay man, and an Asian bride? It's a case that will both haunt and taunt the police. VERDICT The narrative voices of three different suspects add to the creepy atmosphere in the first entry in a new British police procedural series. Bonner (Death Comes First) skillfully uses those voices to build the suspense in this gripping novel that will draw in admirers of Peter James and Val McDermid.--LH

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2018
When a massive fire breaks out at Blackdown Manor, the home of world-renowned banker John Fairbrother, there's little the local firefighters can do, especially once the gas tank at the back of the house explodes. Tragically, Sir John and his nurse die in the blaze. Arson is suspected, and DI David Vogel, head of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary's Major Crime Investigation Team, is assigned the case. As Vogel begins to probe for evidence, he finds a number of mysterious coincidences that may or may not be part of the case. When another death takes place, Vogel is sure the deaths were murder and begins to wonder if a plot is afoot to ensure the failure of Fairbrother Bank. But who is the mastermind behind it, and how can Vogel discover the villain's identity before more deaths take place? This taut thriller is filled with unexpected twists and turns leading up to a shocker of an ending.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

November 5, 2018
Bonner’s so-so sequel to 2017’s Deadly Dance offers a familiar tale of murder and greed. Imposing Blackdown Manor, for generations the home of the Fairbrother family, is aflame when the firefighters arrive. Aware that at least two people are inside, they watch in horror as the house explodes. The charred remains found inside are later identified as belonging to Sir John Fairbrother, the family patriarch and the idiosyncratic chairman of Fairbrother International, and his nurse. The repercussions from Sir John’s death set off a wave of panic at his company and bring together his estranged children: Bella, a savvy investment banker, and her wastrel brother, Freddie, who has spent years soaking up the sun in Australia. The fire is ruled to be arson, and suspicion falls on caretaker George Grey, who, right on cue, gets himself murdered. Det. Insp. David Vogel of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s Major Crime Investigation Unit and his team follow a predictable path to the unsurprising twist ending. Those expecting a distinctive police lead and more than serviceable prose will be disappointed. Agent: Toby Peake, Peake Assoc. (U.K.)