This is the 6th book in the DCI Bennett series, and its even better than the previous books! A body is discovered in a sinkhole, and with it the discovery of wooden crosses being left over the town.
Luckily Cyril has a new officer joining the team, and she might just help solve the mystery.
This is the another great book in a series that just keeps getting better and better. Highly recommended.

Numbered Remembrance crosses are being found around Harrogate and they have bags attached to them containing human hair. DCI Bennett and his team start to look into these discoveries as some of the hair has been linked to a missing woman. A new member of the team finds a link between the crosses and the Bible and a list of thirteen “sins”. I haven’t read any of the DCI Bennett series before but really enjoyed it and think this can be read as a stand alone.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bloodhound Books and Malcolm Hollingdrake for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

This review is also posted in my blog :
https://onewordtoomuch.wordpress.com/2018/04/19/crossed-out-dci-bennet-6/

Thank you to Bloodhound Books and Net Galley for a free copy of this book in trade for an honest review

What can I say, this is one book I’m not quite sure I want to read again. Yes, it’s harsh but I really don’t get the story. It’s not a fast read, but it’s also a bit too nice for a crime and mystery genre. The story started with discovery of several remembrance crosses around the town, with a plastic bag attached to it. Inside there’s a piece of hair that has the DNA of several people (which I don’t see how it’s possible). As the story progressing, there are a few things that doesn’t add up. How a missing person case is connected with the crosses? And the murders are also unconnected.

The point of the story is a blur. I feel until the end that I’m still confuse on who is doing the killing and why the person did it. The plot is a bit twisty in a weird way that’s it’s unclear on how and why things are happening.

The characters are all too nice, literally. Everybody is smiling at each other. The police are smiling to their team member, smiling to the witness, smiling to the victim’s family. I mean, come on…why all the smiles for the entire book? It’s just a bit unnatural if police officers got time to smile at each other while there are murders around.

The end are like I said in the beginning : confusing. It really didn’t explain much on the event of the murders and the reason behind it is quite shaky.

Recommend for those who like a crime and mystery story with the background of religion.

crossed out by Malcolm Hollingdrake.
DCI Bennett and his team are back. this time a house collapses Into a sinkhole where a body has been found. also some old remeberence crosses are found and each one is Numbered. what does it mean?
are they connected?
an absolutely fantastic read. I loved the story and couldn't put it down. I have read all off this series and I have loved every one of them. Cyril is of course my favourite character.
please say there will be more from Cyril and his team? 5*. would give more if I could.

Firstly I have to admit that this is the first book in the DCI Bennett series that I have read, although it was great as a stand-alone book I think I am going to go back and read the first titles in this series as I loved it and what to find out more.
A house crumples into a sinkhole and a body is found so DCI Bennett and his team are called in to investigate. A number of small numbered crosses are also discovered, what are their meaning ?
The book is a fast based crime story with a religious theme that will keep you hooked. I loved the characters, especially DC April Richmond.
I would highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading the other books in the series.

Book 6 in the DCI Bennett series but is a stand alone also. Malcolm Hollingdrake never disappoints with his writing and I would recommend this author. The book opens with the sinking of a house into a sinkhole and the discovery of a body as well as a number of old crosses. The plot is excellent with plenty dead bodies, an acid attack and links to religion. I would like to see more of Bennett's personal life but this book will keep you engrossed. I would start with book one in the series, if you have not already discovered this author. Thank you Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Goodreads, Amazon and Facebook.

The more that you read a series and the more you expect of the author to come up with something that will welcome you like an old friend and Malcolm Hollingdrake does just that. As each book comes along, this is book six, I have begun to recognise the little traits that make all of the characters individual and that is how it is with DCI Cyril Bennett and DS David Owen. I feel that I know a little more how their minds work as a team and on their own but we all have secrets and pasts, as each new book comes along it is as if a trust builds up between the characters and readers and little more is shared.

The story plummets straight into the bowels of the earth, as a sinkhole has partly devoured a house, leaving the occupants on the way to hospital and the search revealing a dead body that has been there for some time. While Bennett and Owen are looking into who the mysterious person can be, a number of remembrance crosses, are turning up with dyed real hair attached in plastic bags and each with an individual number. A further search reveals a murdered person not far from each one.

Previously in an earlier book, the death of a colleague hit the team really hard but now is the right time to introduce a very valuable new comer, DC April Richmond. Well I loved this lady straight away and what an asset she is. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge that cements her to this incredible team as if she had been with them years.

This is again a top class read and such a busy book that I just couldn’t being myself to put down at a spot that I could stop. A cracking team, a brilliant story line. I just love how Malcolm Hollingdrake pays attention to the smallest detail to make the story as close to real life as possible. There is always excellent research evident in his books. Highly recommended.

Impeccably crafted

This is the 6th in the DCI Cyril Bennett series. Having not read any of the others I approached the task with a sense of dread as I felt I would be at a disadvantage. I needn’t have worried as it’s totally self-contained; but beware – these crime thrillers could well become addictive.

Bennett and his sidekick DS Owen and their team are called in when a body is found after a house part collapses into a sinkhole. Their investigations lead to some strange findings and more murders. Someone appears to be taking a high moral stance and exacting the ultimate penalty of those who do not live up to expectations.

The style of writing is superbly done as if each word has been specially chosen to achieve a specific objective. It is so finely crafted that it teeters on the edge of being pretentious at times but never actually crosses the line. I admired the author’s literary talent as much as the plot or the character descriptions.

The format reminded me of the style of many current TV dramas. The reader receives snapshots of apparently unrelated actions and is left to piece together the various parts and to draw his own conclusions as to what is happening and who is the perpetrator. The plot rattles along and the tension escalates steadily to an ending which is both exciting and satisfying.

I had the distinct feeling that the main characters will clearly already be old friends to those who know the series but they still came over to a new reader like me as vivid personalities in their own right. I recognised each character type and was able to relate to each which led me to be concerned for their safety and wellbeing. An author who is able to engender this type of rapport between fictional characters and the reader has a wonderful talent.

I enjoyed every page and will be reading the earlier books too.

mr zorg

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

Yet another fantastic read from Malcolm Hollingdrake. This latest Bennett book had me totally hooked, it was dark, dangerous and totally unputdownable. This is my favourite one in the series so far, its Hollingdrake at his best. A very good book that will have you captivated and leave you wanting more. Totally deserving of 5 stars!

Crossed Out is a riveting addition to the DCI Bennett series. Although 6th in the series, this can easily be read as a stand alone.

When a house crumples into a sinkhole, Bennett and his team are called out to investigate when a body is found. They also find a number of old crosses, each one numbered.

DC April Richmond is introduced as a new team member and impresses them all with her knowledge of all things biblical. Due to her assistance, the team makes a remarkable discovery.

Bennett and the team find themselves wondering if the killer is exacting revenge or punishment and whatever the answer, they soon realize the clock is ticking.

Very suspenseful, this one kept me riveted to the pages until the very last sentence on the very last page. Also whetted my appetite to go back to the beginning of this series for a marathon reading.

The characters are interesting, and I would like to know a whole lot more of DCI Bennett, He seems to be a very private man, and I would love to see where he came from to get where he is now. The other characters are credible. The plot has been well thought out and written with a firm hand. Starting with a missing person, an acid attack, dead bodies .. well, put your seat belt on when reading this one.

Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Fantastic read. Admittedly I haven't read all the series, but this is the second that I have read and I absolutely loved it, and can't wait for the next installment.

EXCERPT: . . . once he had fully comprehended what was said and what was happening, (he) was about to protest again but the unseen, first flush of fluid had hit him in the face. His vision suddenly blurred and turned an opaque yellow as the acid started to destroy his eyes. It filled his mouth, numbing and swelling his tongue. What suddenly became apparent was the smell, the smell he could not identify but in fact was the stench of melting flesh. All that could be heard was a gurgled scream as his face began to burn, blister and melt. The rain on the roof had been drowned out. As the first liquid burned, his hand frantically rubbed his eyes trying to clear away the liquid but to no avail, they too simply began to slough and blister. The pain was so intense that he did not feel the second liquid strike as it was poured specifically over his exposed genitals and thighs. It would be the final act against (him); it was all that would be needed.

THE BLURB: DCI Bennett and his team are back and called to a house in Ripon that has collapsed into a sinkhole where a body is discovered.

Soon old weathered Remembrance Crosses are found dug up. Each one numbered.

DC April Richmond is assigned to help the team due to her impressive biblical knowledge and soon makes a startling discovery.

Meanwhile, Gideon Fletcher is walking around the streets of Harrogate distributing religious texts. Is there a link between Gideon and the crosses? Do the crosses have anything to do with the body in the house?

Bennett and the team find themselves wondering if the killer is exacting revenge or punishment and whatever the answer, they soon realise the clock is ticking.

Crossed Out is an intricate and gripping crime thriller from the best-selling DCI Bennett Series. It can easily be read as a stand-alone novel and will appeal to fans of authors like Joy Ellis, Faith Martin, LJ Ross & Angela Marsons.

MY THOUGHTS: It's complex. But oh so interesting!

Crossed Out by Malcolm Hollingdrake is the sixth in the DCI Bennett series. Although I have read none of the series previously, it didn't take me long to find my feet with the characters. Bennett is somewhat OCD, a neat freak with trust issues. He dresses nicely and has a passion for good manners. If this makes him sound 'prissy', I can assure you he is not.

His sidekick, David Owen, is somewhat his opposite, scattering crumbs and wiping his nose on his sleeve. Yet despite their differences, they have a healthy respect and honest liking for one another.

The characters are all well developed and fill a role in the plot. A new character, April Redmond, is brought into the team in this book. And some of Bennett's previously concealed past is revealed. There is a little romantic interest, but at no point does it overshadow the true purpose of the book.

There are a few references to occurrences in the previous books, but nothing that is not adequately explained. Although this may be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series in order to reap the greatest enjoyment.

All in all, a very rewarding read, one that is tempting me to go back to the beginning of the series and read them in order. A very solid ☆☆☆☆.

Thank you to Bloodhound Books via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Crossed Out by Malcolm Hollingdrake for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Once again we meet DCI Cyril Bennett and his team , plus new member April Richmond.. The story begins with a collapsed house in Ripon and the discovery of a dead body in the debris. In Harrogate, remembrance crosses are appearing on the Stray. with attachments. As if this isn't enough to contend with for DCI Bennett, he also has personal issues to deal with.. This is the 6th book in this superb series.. This is not a fast paced thriller but a splendid well crafted, work of art., which is to be savoured. It was very interesting in Crossed Out to learn more of Bennetts' personal life , which up till now had been something of a mystery. For me this part of the book was very emotional.. Will this change Cyril? A brilliantl, descriptive, well written book as always in this series.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for a review copy of Crossed Out, the sixth novel to feature DCI Cyril Bennett of the Harrogate police.

It's a busy time at Harrogate CID as the team deal with bones uncovered by a sinkhole in Ripon, a spate of remembrance crosses with dyed red hair attached to them and a murder. As they start to investigate they uncover more and more confusing links and clues.

I thoroughly enjoyed Crossed Out which has an interesting plot and an inviting style. The premise of the novel is excellent but I feel the author loses his way slightly in the execution. Much is made initially of the body in the sinkhole but the storyline just peters out without much resolution and there isn't much explanation of the motive behind the main plot. The journey to get there, however, is exhilarating and compulsive with some very interesting biblical references.

Much of the pleasure in reading this novel comes from the character of Cyril Bennett and the mild humour surrounding him. He has his foibles, like hating crumbs and mess, but he is a smart, effective detective and his current personal problems which give an insight into his formative years do not hinder his effectiveness.

Crossed Out is an easy read which I do not hesitate to recommend.

I really enjoyed this book it had me gripped from start to finish.

After reading the others in this set I could not wait to read this one and it did not let me down.

It was really nice seeing a new character mentioned in this book I really Liked April and what she will bring to the story.

The sixth instalment of the DCI Bennett series which I have been eagerly awaiting. I wasn’t disappointed, the brilliant police procedural gives a better insight into DCI Bennetts background and I enjoyed learning more about his past. The book, as usual, is brilliantly written with believable, three dimensional characters. I absolutely loved it and thoroughly recommend the book. A secure five stars!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my advance copy in return for an honest review.

This the sixth book in the DCI Bennett series and it is a gripping crime thriller with a well thought out plot.
Following the collapse of a house, into a sinkhole, a body is discovered.
An ex-con Gideon Fletcher, who apparently found god, is walking around Harrogate handing out leaflets with religious texts.
A series of old Remembrance Crosses start to turn up, each has a number marked on them.
As more bodies appear, along with the crosses, Bennett and his team are sure there is a connection, they just have to find it.
This is where April, a new girl on temporary secondment comes into her own. She has a vast knowledge of the bible which she brings to the investigation.
Is the killer punishing people or exacting revenge.
Cyril and his teams private lives are expanded and we learn more about Cyrils background and what makes him tick.
This is one of my favourite series and certainly Crossed Out is an excellent addition to it.
You won`t be disappointed if you read it as a standalone, however reading the series in order will give you so much more.
Thanks to Netgally and Bloodhound books for the opportunity to read this as an ARc.

Great book. Brilliant storyline and excellent main characters. I would not hesitate to recommend this book.

Wasn't that impressed with books 1 and 2 but book 3 had been highly recommended to me and I like to read things in order so..... now I'm hooked! They just get better and better.

It was brilliant to find that the author was giving us an insight into Cyril and his past and it endeared him to me even more. He is a very straight no nonsense character but he also has a soft side and from the descriptions of his early life you can begin to understand why. Owen still has a major part to play in the investigations and a new character April has been introduced. I love Harrogate and the surrounding area as the setting for the books which are well written with much thought going into the plots. This is another crime thriller from Malcolm Hollingdrake that I can highly recommend