This was a fantastic no-nonsense thriller with unique characters and decent plot twists!

Though this book is to be read as part of a series I had no issues with it being my first introduction. Of course, there is some background missed but it didn’t feel like a definitive part was missing for me as the reader. If anything, it made me interested in picking up the series and read it from the start!

This was a good example of a classic police thriller, and I really enjoyed it. There wasn’t an obscene plot twist or supernatural elements, just good detective work and strong world building. I really appreciated how the process was constantly discussed instead of the reader having to imagine all the steps and having only the outcome be detailed to the reader.

There was no lack of character depth and emotion which I was grateful for. I imagine that if I had read the other books in the series, I would have seen more growth, but even within the single book I was impressed at what I saw! I was able to surmise the overall team dynamic which also added to the realistic vibe of the story, once of which that has already been capsulated by both the plot and the characters themselves.

I liked the plot, as a series of seemingly unrelated crimes gradually came together, the main link being an eco-company where the victims worked. The book grabbed my interest and kept me interested throughout. The investigation was logical and had enough different aspects to allow you to solve the different threads of the puzzle. A good read.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Michael Hambling's Heartless Crimes isn't your typical police procedural. It's a gritty, unflinching plunge into the darkest corners of the human psyche, a chilling exploration of the depravity that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life. This isn't a comfortable read; it's a visceral experience that will leave you shaken and questioning the very nature of evil.

Hambling crafts a narrative that's as compelling as it is disturbing. Detective Inspector Tom Bishop isn't your classic hero.He's flawed, haunted by his own demons, and driven by a relentless pursuit of justice that borders on obsession. This flawed protagonist adds a layer of realism to the story, making his struggles and triumphs all the more impactful.

Hambling doesn't shy away from the gruesome details, but the violence is never gratuitous. Instead, it serves to underscore the sheer brutality of the perpetrators and the devastating impact their actions have on the victims and their families. It's a stark reminder of the darkness that can exist in the world, and the toll it takes on those left behind.

What sets Heartless Crimes apart is Hambling's ability to delve into the minds of the criminals. He doesn't offer easy explanations or simplistic motivations. Instead, he explores the complex psychological factors that drive these individuals to commit such heinous acts. It's a chilling glimpse into the abyss, a journey into the darkest recesses of the human mind.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, mirroring the urgency of the investigation. Hambling skillfully builds suspense, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. Just when you think you have a handle on the case, he throws a curveball, twisting the narrative in unexpected ways.

While the graphic nature of the crimes might be off-putting for some readers, it's essential to the story's impact. Heartless Crimes isn't about escapism; it's about confronting the uncomfortable truths about human nature. It's a dark and disturbing read, but it's also a compelling and thought-provoking one.

Heartless Crimes is a must-read for fans of gritty crime fiction. It's a novel that will prompt you to reflect on the nature of good and evil, and the fragility of the human psyche.

Be warned, however: this is not a book for the faint of heart.

This is an excellent police procedural, the narrative grabs the reader from the first page and doesn’t let go till the last page. The police investigation sounds completely authentic, and the characterisation of the murder investigation team members really brings the story alive.
This was a book I didn’t want to put down, and I read late into the night. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but I’ve now bought the first two books in this series. My husband has also read this book and enjoyed it as much as I did.
First class writing, thoroughly enjoyable reading, and the delight of a whole new series of books to read, I’m a very happy reader!
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book. I would not have found this author, and this series if I hadn't been granted the advance copy of this title.

This novel was exciting, but I felt as though as the previous novels I read in the series were more enjoyable. It was a good read, there were moments of suspense and thrill. I would recommend this book.

I rate this read 4 out of 5

I look forward to the upcoming novels and hope to be intrigued again.

Set in Dorset, this is part of police procedural series. It was a good standalone read . The team is a mix of newish and older detectives, the main detective, Sophie, is injured after a previous case . I liked the plot, as a series of seemingly unrelated crimes gradually came together, the main link being an eco company where the victims worked. I liked the descriptions of the area though I found the language/ conversations a bit wooden at times . The book did grab my interest and kept me interested throughout. The investigation was logical and had enough different aspects to allow you to solve the different threads of the puzzle. A good read
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

I love the various characters in this series especially Rae and Sophie but I didn't enjoy this book as much as earlier ones. I think it was because there was too much of a political emphasis. I.prefer a more straightforward murder case. I look forward to the next book from this excellent author.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

This is book number 13 in the series but the first one that I've read. The booked worked well as a stand alone and I didn't feel it was a problem to have joint at a later stage. The characters re well developed as you would expect at book 13 and the storyline was well plotted.
The story is full of twists and turns and red herrings which held my attention throughout the book although a fairly standard police procedural story it was very enjoyable so I would be interested in catching more in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

DCI Sophie Allen is still in hospital following on from the last story but her excellent team are carrying on under the present leadership of DI Barry Marsh. A hit and run, break in, attempted assault, missing person start to be seen as maybe linked when a link is made with EcoFutures, a local company developing ecological answers to a variety of developments. Her old team are as good as ever, work well together, senses of humour etc and try to keep Sophie resting. Fat chance. However, plenty of red herrings and some good plots. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Heartless crimes by Michael Hambling.
Detective Sophie Allen Book 13.
I did like the cover of this book. I did enjoy this book. I am enjoying this series. I did like the short chapters. I read in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. Twisty and gripping. I did enjoy this book. I do hope there is more to come. Recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Joffe Books, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of ‘Heartless Crimes’, by Michael Hambling’.

When seemingly, unrelated events happen to a team of workers from EcoFutures, members of the Wessex Regional Serious Crime Unit are assigned to ‘connect the dots’. Led by Detective Barry Marsh, they have to see how a murdered, missing man, an attempted assault, and a home break in are related. Does it have something to do with a work project or just unrelated coincidences? Meanwhile, Detective Sophie Allen is recovering from injuries sustained on a previous case, but that does not stop her from getting fully involved.

The story takes some unexpected turns, as the team plods through the evidence, even though they cannot get all of the parties to give them the whole truth. Otherwise, this was a fairly reliable British crime novel, with a some interesting characters.

Something is definitely up at the EcoFutures facility, a company which provides ecological modelling and solutions, including work for overseas governments. First an admin manager is nearly hijacked by a girl pretending to be injured, her male partner brandishing a knife, resulting in a high-speed car chase where Bryony O’Neil ends up injured and in hospital. Then the group’s programmer is certain someone has been in her flat, although nothing has been stolen. Finally, the body of the unit’s head Robin Pryor is discovered by police several days after the keen rambler set off along a cliffside walk. Detectives at the Wessex Regional Serious Crime Unit, including DI Barry Marsh, DS Rae Gregson, DC Tommy Carter and newest probationer DC Jackie Spring can’t believe all three events are not related, especially as the project those people are currently working on involves a small country rumoured to be used by Columbian drug smugglers. They’re pretty sure no one at the company is telling them everything but could someone there be involved? At least the murder squad now has an actual murder to investigate, even if they are low on numbers with the DCI off on another case and Chief Supt Sophie Allan in hospital recovering from her injuries gained when someone tried to kill her. However, that doesn’t stop Sophie from becoming engrossed in the investigation and finding a way to come back to work. As they delve into EcoFutures, a bigger picture appears, one possibly linked to international organised crime and the case becomes far more involved and deadly.
All the detectives and other officers featured were very likeable and work together as a team extremely well and, unusually for crime fiction, none of them have personal problems which prevents them doing their jobs. The plot is clever and complex, and with lots of twists in the story, it was hard to decide just which of the many characters was guilty and who was telling the truth. It certainly kept me hooked right to the very satisfying ending. I very much enjoyed this story which forms part of an excellent series and I look forward to more!

Heartless Crimes by Michael Hambling is the 13th book in the Detective Sophie Allen series and is the first book I have read by this author "where have I been?" and I loved it. I found it easy to get into especially as the author's detailed explanation of the all characters etc, made it easily to read and was a great stand-alone book.
I enjoyed learning about the main character Detective Sophie Allen and I really liked her, so I will be going back to get the audiobooks etc from my library to listen to.

Big Thank you you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my ARC.

★★★.5

What connects an attempted carjacking, a break-in where nothing is taken, and a disappearance turned murder? As Chief Superintendent Sophie Allen’s team quickly realizes, all three victims work for the same company, EcoFutures. While Sophie is still recovering in the hospital from injuries sustained in their previous case, her team, led by DI Barry Marsh, is trying to uncover exactly what EcoFutures does and who might want to prevent their latest project from being completed.

This is the 13th installment of the DCI Sophie Allen series—safe to say, a lot has happened. Yet, you can still read the book as a standalone. Be aware, however, that you might not fully grasp the shared history between the characters. When additional context is needed, Michael Hambling does a great job of providing brief summaries.

The story is a slow-burn police procedural, though it begins with quite a bang! There are plenty of hints and inconsistencies to guide the reader toward the final reveal, but at times, the personal lives of the team members slowed the story down too much for my liking. Perhaps I would have appreciated these additional details more if I had read the previous installments. That said, I never fully connected to the story or the characters, though I must admit Michael Hambling does an excellent job of summarizing Sophie Allen’s backstory and setting the scene. His love for the Dorset area shines through in his detailed descriptions and the author’s notes. I also appreciated the glossary, which included not only some common British phrases but also a helpful explanation of UK police ranks in order of seniority.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy police procedurals with a slower pace and a friendly, close-knit police team.


Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and author Michael Hambling for a copy. All opinions are my own.

Strong police procedural which does a great job of ensuring you don’t get lost in the characters if reading as a stand alone. I enjoyed the interplay between characters and found Sophie’s expertise fascinating.

I really enjoy this series. The characters are very believable and the book is fast paced. I have read all of them in the series and they just get better

I am loving reading the DCI Sophie Allen series, it gets better with each new book.

This has a great gripping storyline which is set in a lovely setting of Devon. I look forward to reading more.

Part of a series but works as a standalone.Complex thriller with a good set of characters and an intriguing storyline.

This is a gripping and entertaining series, solid police procedural featuring Sophie Allen, a clever detective, and a cast of well plotted characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel even if it's not my favorite. It can be read as a stand-alone but reading the series in order will help to better understand the characters.
The surprising twists and the solution kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I enjoyed his books, they have good characters, and the plot flows. It catches
my attention from the first pages, and builds to the end.
I recommend this book. Given book by Net Galley and Joffe.