Tom Nolan #1
Synopsis:
THREE MISSING CHILDREN. Over the past three years, the quiet Yorkshire village of Stormer Hill has lost three of its children. No bodies were ever discovered, no evidence found, no witnesses.
THE WRITER. Struggling to find inspiration for his new novel, celebrated crime author, and ex-police officer, Alex Palmer, believes the story of the missing children could end his writer’s block, but is he prepared for the story that’s about to develop?
THE DETECTIVE. Tom Nolan, a seasoned detective and loner involved in finding each missing child. Nolan is tasked with chaperoning Palmer and walking through each case. But as both men revisit the past, and dig deeper, neither are prepared for the chilling discovery to why the children were taken.
THE BRETHREN. A secret cult. Two men, and a series of brutal and unimaginable murders spanning over seven years with one intention; to show the world that death can be justified if it’s for a greater good.
Disclaimer:
I received a copy of Bad People from the author in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect my review.
Edition:
E-book
My Thoughts:
This book is like if the tv show Criminal Minds had a baby with Seven (or Se7en if you’re nasty).
I didn’t make that Criminal Minds/Seven comparison lightly either. First of all, Bad People has the deep, intense procedural feel of Criminal Minds. And the level of depravity involved is totally reminiscent of Seven. For these reasons, I stand behind my masterfully done and not at all distasteful Photoshop job. Besides, you know you love it.
“Bad things live in the shadows and silence.”
Bad People is the kind of book that lives with you for a good long while after reading. Don’t worry though. It’s not all terrible people doing awful things. Because somehow, Wallwork actually manages to pepper this horrific tale with some pearls of hilarity.
“Trying to lift footprints is like trying to pull a contact lens out of a barrel of jellyfish.”
I never thought I’d laugh aloud at a story like this one, but there you have it. As a result, this otherwise mega-bleak story becomes a mega-bleak story that occasionally allowed me a short breath before plunging me right back into the relentless depths of the tale. Those moments of reprieve are very much appreciated.
About the Author:
Craig Wallwork was born in Salford, Manchester, England. He is the three times Pushcart Prize nominated writer of over 40 short stories, and the author of the books To Die Upon a Kiss, The Sound of Loneliness, Bad People, Labyrinth of the Dolls, Quintessence of Dust and Gory Hole. He lives in West Yorkshire, England.
You can subscribe to his newsletter and get a free book: https://landing-page.craigwallwork.com/
Rating:
I highly recommend this shocking story. I will definitely be tuning in for future Tom Nolan installments.
Bad People By Craig Wallwork Underbelly Books ASIN: B083L7T19S Published: January 17, 2020 E-book, Paperback Author's Website
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