I can imagine that this book might get very conflicted reviews, because of the topic of rape. Overall, I thought it was a good read and a good story despite the content topic. Highly recommended.

I received this book as a free download from Netgalley, and downloaded The Tangled Lock at the same time. I read the books in the wrong order with The Falcon Tattoo being the 3rd book in the series and The Tangled Lock being the 2nd. To be honest it did not impact on the flow of the series in a major way. DI Stuart and her team are all believable characters and the author’s attention to detail, especially on procedural processes, were spot on, although with no police experience this is only an assumption and experts on the subject may feel differently. A fantastic read which would appear to be a fantastic series, so keep up the high standard Mr Rogers.

Pretty darn good procedural with a strong character in Jo Stuart. You will like this if you enjoy British novels with twisty plots. Agree with other reviewers that the crime statistics are a bit much but if that makes people more aware, then it's a good thing. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This can easily be read as a standalone but now I'm looking out for the next one from Rogers.

<http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=62104>

During the first chapter I wondered if this book was going to be one of those books I'd abandon because I it didn't seem like my type of book. Then the main storyline kicked in and it got interesting! The plot is about young girls from various universities in the North West of England being drugged, kidnapped and raped on their nights out and then abandoned in an isolated place the next day. Jo Stuart of the National Crime Agency is the lead investigator and the story is predominantly based on her and her actions (there are references to her private life, but they're not intrusive and add to the readers insight into her feelings and the sort of person she is). Although from about three quarters of the way through the book you have a good idea who the person carrying out the attacks is, it doesn't detract from the way the story gathers pace. I found that towards the end I couldn't put it down and just had to carry on until I'd finished it.

A violent attacker is on the loose. His calling card: a tattoo on his victims’ skin. With no witnesses and no evidence left at the crime scenes, it will take all of the National Crime Agency’s resources to track him down.

At the head of the investigation, codenamed Operation Juniper, Senior Investigator Joanne Stuart knows that the clock is ticking. The time between abductions is decreasing and the perpetrator grows ever more brazen. She fears it won’t be long before his assaults turn deadly.

As the hunt closes in, Jo’s already troubled personal life is put under further pressure. With danger closer than she thinks, just how far will Jo go to solve the case—and at what cost?



* * * * *



This the second book in the National Crime Agency series and the readers are able to learn more about their favorite characters in the NCA. Who knew just what Ram's opinions on marriage? And of course, we get to learn more about Jo and her relationship issues as well as her past.



This book was a wild ride from the very first when the NCA is invited in to assist the local officers in tracking down a serial rapist who likes to tattoo his victims. It appears that he is always at least one step in from of the law.



I also really enjoyed the fact that the NCA is based in England. I had a blast trying to figure out just what a raincheater actually is. Oh and there are wonderful phrases like 'raining stair rods'.



I do really think that my readers who enjoy a good thriller or police procedural will love THE FALCON TATTOO. Great characters, witty dialogue and a distinct lack of sex means that this is a book that all can enjoy.



*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.

The Falcon Tattoo

By Bill Rogers

People often pick up a book, judging it by the cover. Please don't judge this book by its cover, because it is so much better than that.

The Falcon Tattoo is the second book featuring SI Joanne Stuart, an investigator on secondment to the Behavioural Sciences Unit at the British National Crime Agency.

The book is well written, with several potential suspects to keep the tension in place to the climax. The characters are well developmental, with no need to have read the first book.

Jo Stuart and her team are called in the led the investigation into a serial rapist. With suspects initially few and far between, Jo Stuart must rely on her instincts to narrow the search.

A well written police novel, that engages the reader, until the very end.

An enjoyable read despite the subject matter. I loved Jo, the main character, it made a nice change having a female leading the investigation instead of the usual male leads which I seem to have read a lot of recently. As this is the second book in the series I will definitely be trying the first one and I'm sure I will enjoy it as much.