Ledston Luck – Andrew Barrett

A gritty and gruesome thriller featuring CSI Eddy Collins. When his colleague is killed processing a murder scene Eddy is determined to catch the culprit

Introduction

Eddy Collins #4

I’m in shock after reading this captivating crime novel with a twist. Meet Eddie Collins a foul-mouthed no-nonsense CSI with a heart of gold. He is not good at socialising and has trouble facing facts even when they stare him right in the face. However, in his work he is simply the best: like a terrier, he gets his teeth into a case and does not let go until the crime is solved. Now he stands before what could very well be the most difficult but certainly is the most dangerous case of his life.

Storyline

The year 1984 is ominous in literature and very difficult for the people in Ledston Luck: the village thrived on the mine but in 1984 the miners were on strike in fear for closure, as it did in 1986. Then there was Divine Wright who loved her dad right up to the moment she killed him. She desperately wanted to confide in someone with “the power to end it all” but could she trust him?

We are transported to the present day, where CSI Eddie Collins is his usual charming self, tagging along with junior colleague James. DI Benson already ruled the death of the man lying in the basement of the chapel for years, as accidental but Eddie’s experience tells him this is murder. Tragedy strikes again when James falls victim to a booby-trap. The shock of losing his colleague he feels responsible for infuriates Eddie and he is determined, even if he has to disobey orders, to investigate, no matter the consequences.

There is no way in hell Eddie is asking nicely and he is not afraid to use violence. Added to his grief for James’s death, he is only too aware of the complexity of the case – it all contributes to the simmering anger boiling inside of him, bound to come out one day. When it does, a colleague gets hurt and Eddie is obliged to attend therapy, which he detests; the only way to find closure is finding James’s killer. Upon examining the crime scene again, Eddie discovers another body in the basement.

Disobeying orders and antagonising everyone around him, Eddie jeopardises his career and that of those who stand with him. Deep inside, he feels the urge forcing him forward, unable to rest until he has found the killer.  In the meantime, we witness domestic violence and there is Divine, desperate for someone to break the chain of violence perpetrated by her abusive father. Only one person is able to find out the truth: Eddie Collins.

My Thoughts

What a great read! It is gritty and gruesome and plain terrible to read at times! Can you grow up surrounded by violence without being touched by its vile influence? Do you automatically become an abuser yourself considering your only role model was an abuser? When once in your life you reach out to trust someone to be let down, is it a wonder that you turn into who and what you are familiar with?

These thoughts went through my head and I just could not stop them. What if and why would people rather turn a blind eye than do the right thing? Eddie Collins does not – he is one hell of a CSI even if he can be stubborn and argumentative. I loved reading about Eddie, found him both endearing and yet wanted to shake him. When it comes to interacting socially and him missing the obvious, it made me smile. The Long Revenge was my introduction to Andrew Barret, whose engaging and gripping writing style drew me in. Recommended!

The CSI Eddie Collins Books:

#1 The Third Rule 
#2 Black by Rose
#3 Sword of Damocles 
#4 Ledston Luck 
# The Note *Eddie Collins Short Story* (my review)
#5 The Death of Jessica Ripley 
#6 This Side of Death 

About the Author

Andrew Barrett is a crime and thriller writer based in West Yorkshire. Since the 1990s he has written several novels and short stories, all set in northern England. Also, he has co-written a number of television scripts. Andrew’s novels focus on the world of Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs). Andrew offers a unique insight into this dark landscape, making good use of his expertise as a Senior CSI to “envelop the reader in exciting yet realistic stories.” Among his books are the Roger Conniston series and the CSI Eddie Collins books. 

Book Info

Pages	337
Publisher	The Ink Foundry
ASIN (ebook)	B01N248LKI