The Pier

Hi the title of the book is great pier it is upsetting about a bomb in a school I always enjoy a mystery no matter what it is.

DI Louise Blackwell is involved in the most personal case she has experienced in an thrilling novel that starts with action straight away, and I loved it for that reason, and for the characters, and the plot. I read it straight away, and I was not disappointed. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
DI Louise Blackwell is having a tough time: not only is ex-DCI Finch's trial coming up, but her little niece's school has had a bomb threat and a note is found addressed to Louise. She's desperately hoping Finch will be put away for life... the only good spot for this sociopath is behind bars. But meanwhile she's terrified about her niece's safety, especially when things escalate and more threats and letters to her occur, until someone is killed in a bomb blast, so now it's a case of murder. Is this a personal or terror threat?
With lots of action, a few romantic blips and Louise's equilibrium disturbed but not broken, this fast-paced book is definitely recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

Wow, wow, wow - this book is a great addition to the DI Blackwell series and a cracker of a read. I think it’s the best one in the series so far and I absolutely loved this one. Someone is targeting Louise personally - but who and why? I was drawn into the story right from the start - talk about an opening, heart in mouth prologue that definitely grabbed my attention. Louise’s past actions return to haunt her here and at the same time the trial of ex DCI Finch is about to start and he is bent on revenge against Louise and won’t stop until he gets it. This is such a well written and engaging book which flowed really well. It has a great plot line and I loved all the separate threads that included police corruption, blackmail, revenge, terrorism and drugs. I enjoyed the glimpses into Louises personal life and seeing her fears, doubts and vulnerable side. I also liked reading of the rapport and friendships she has with her work colleagues which I feel gives her character more depth. I was rooting for her throughout the story. The book has characters that are mostly likeable, believable and portrayed realistically and there were a couple I just loathed and hated. The story is set over 2 weeks and is a fast paced and very thrilling read, and one which I got through in just over a day, it was that good. I loved everything about this book and genuinely can’t fault it. I’d recommend this if you like police procedurals and if you’re new to this author then you need to read the series in order. Really looking forward to the next one.

The Pier by Matt Brolly is a good mystery and police procedural with a hint of romance. The story started well but lagged a bit in the middle; however, the story was engaging with a good mixture of believable scenes, actions, and information about the characters' personal lives. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The relationships between Louise and her colleagues and family were done well. The story felt relatively fast-paced for the most part. The story had a "happy ending."

Even though this was not my favorite book, I will read more of this series and from this author.

#ThePier #NetGalley @AmazonPub

Good book! This book had suspense, intrigue, action and great police work! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my kindle! I definitely enjoyed reading this one! It was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

This is a solid procedural series and its latest entry does not disappoint. Louise Blackwell and her team are in the middle of terrible, horrible, no good Tim Finch’s trial when a series of bomb threats and arson attacks light up the city. There is a note addressed to Louise, making it personal. Tom, her boyfriend, has left the police and is in private security, so they see less of each other. As always, I love the interaction within the members of Louise’s squad, as well as her relationship with her boss. Some ghosts of her past also resurface, and we see some old faces again. I hope this marks the end of a recurring plot that I was never a fan of, and the developments here mark the direction of future volumes.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Amazon Publishing UK!

Mystery and intrigue...murder and mayhem...what will happen next? Family and friends...love and romance...where will the next explosion happen? This book is written by a talented and gifted author. It is a cannot put down book. I did not guess what would happen next...it was surprising...The red herrings were obvious...the characters likable...some not so much...The book was sent to me by Netgalley for review...Although she story did move somewhat slowly, at times, it was a great read.

Yet another fantastic story to add to the books. Kept me interested for hours. Also I often visit Weston super mare during the summer so I feel like I'm actually stood exactly where the characters are

Matt Brolly has an established team of police officers who the reader by now feels familiar with and this book is another extension of our peel into their lives, not professionally and personally.

As is normal for Mr Brolly, he takes the reader on a detective genre storyline with the human lives of the people concerned having an equal billing in the experience, but not taking anything away from the procedural elements of the investigation

A lovely twist / hook at the end to finish with and to leave the reader keenly looking forward to the next release

Thanks to Netgalley i’ve been able to read this book which is from a series i really enjoy! Another fast paced book, highlighting Louise her work colleagues and family. This book had me guessing throughout and ended with a lovely surprise ( which i had guessed) looking forward to the next book

This is #5 in the DI Louise Blackwell series, but it can easily be read as a standalone without feeling you’ve missed something. Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was really looking forward to the next one, and it didn’t disappoint.

The series is set in and around the Weston-super-Mare area. DI Blackwell has a boyfriend, Thomas, who used to be a police officer but now works as a security consultant. Life seems to be going well for Louise until a suspicious package is found in a primary school – the one that her niece attends – but it’s defused in time. A second bomb goes off at a caravan park and the finger of guilt is pointed at the school’s caretaker who also works at the caravan park.

There are notes naming Louise and saying that she won’t be so lucky next time, and her only real enemy is ex-DCI Tim Finch, who is currently on remand awaiting trial for attempted murder, amongst other things. Could he be involved from inside prison? Then Thomas is also targeted at his place of work but the school caretaker has taken his own life, so there must be an accomplice.

The race against time finishes up at the pier in Weston-super-Mare but can they find the culprit before carnage occurs?

A brilliant, gripping read which I’d highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

First things first, I believe this series should absolutely be read in order and I don’t recommend jumping in on book 5 like I did. However the writing was great, the story very detailed with lots of plot points and the book moves along quickly. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had more of a backstory to not only Louise but also her entourage of characters. I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This series is fabulous; I just love Louise and her colleagues. The relationship between Loise and her mother is so believable, all the little jibes and tensions. The sense of place is fantastic too, Weston Super Mare is shown in all its glory, but doesn’t brush over the seediness. The plotting is very good too. Please keep Louise going Mr Brolly, these books are all five star reads.

A bomb threat to a local elementary school. Arson. Murder. What do these crimes have in common? Notes were left at the crime scenes warning DI Louise Blackwell that more (and worse) is to come and she is to blame. Could any of this be related to her nemesis and former supervisor Tim Finch? That doesn’t seem possible because Finch is in prison, awaiting trial for attempted murder. Louise and her team have few clues and only a short time before another planned bomb threat. Their frantic, dedicated work alternates by chapters with Finch’s devious plans to control the trial results from his jail cell.

The Pier is the fifth in this superb police procedural series by Matt Brolly, although this, like its predecessors, can be read as a standalone thriller. This series has everything a reader of English police procedurals could want. An atmospheric location in Weston-super-Mare, characters whose bonds grow closer and a fast-paced plot. I’m looking forward to what comes next! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Matt Brolly for this ARC.

DI Louise Blackwell number five.

Louise is now working out of Portishead (Bristol) at the headquarters of Avon/Somerset please and she’s leading her own team. The day is shattered by phone call about an explosive device at a primary school in Weston-super-Mare, the school her niece Emily attends. When the device is discovered there is a note attached threatening Louise. Meanwhile, ex-DCI Tim Finch is in prison awaiting a trial date and he is as ruthless and “charming“ as ever and making connections he can utilise and manipulating those he has a hold over. In addition, there is a blast from the past when Max Walton’s nephew (Book 1) pursues a private prosecution against Louise for his uncles shooting. As usual, Louise has a lot on her plate and it’s only going to get worse and is it possible Finch’s sticky fingers are involved?

Well, I think it’s fair to say there is a lot going on in this one, it’s a busy plot but it is fast paced and an easy read and there is definitely never a dull moment. There is everything from a revenge spree to power dynamics and battles, dishonesty if not corruption with the ever present terrorism threat. The settings are really excellent and the author uses them effectively in the storyline.

The characterisation is very effective, I like Louise though understandably she can keep people at arms length. Her boss Robertson is fantastic and the rest of the team are very likeable. Some characters make your fists clinch, Finch (obviously) but journalist Tania Elliot oversteps many a mark, just staying on the right side of the law.

Whilst it is a good police procedural there is some repetition especially via some of Finch’s perspective which goes round and round and we don’t learn anything new. I had hoped the Finch storyline would be over by now but it rumbles on into book 5 and I really hope this is it as in my opinion it has exhausted itself! There is some over explanation too, though some of that in fairness is to allow readers to drop into this instalment without having read the previous four. They are however worth reading and this is a series that I’ll happily keep on reading. The ultimate ending gives a much needed smile!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Another great Detective Louise Blackwell story.
I have read all of this series and this is an excellent continuation.
Loved the ending.

This is the fifth book in the DI Louise Blackwell series. There are a few plot lines running through this one. After a prologue which foreshadows a dramatic showdown, the action starts with a bomb threat at Louise’s niece Emily’s school. It turns out to be a hoax but the bomb threat is real, more bombs are promised and it seems this crime spree is directly targeting Louise. There are indeed more bombs but Louise is at a loss over what it all has to do with her.

Meanwhile former DCI Tim Finch is in remand awaiting trial for attempted murder and a string of other offences. But he still has a lot of contacts - basically he has dirt on enough people to ensure their cooperation. And what he really wants is payback on Louise for being the only woman he targeted that he couldn’t break. Yes, he’s a real charmer! Finch tries to make trouble for Louise by trying to implicate her current boyfriend, former police officer Thomas Ireland, in drug peddling.

In addition to all that, Louise is also being threatened with being sued over the ‘wrongful’ death of Max Walton, a serial killer, whom she shot dead on the orders of Finch right at the start of the series. Finch had told her he had a gun but it turned out he was unarmed. Finch never backed her up and tried to get her to quit the force but Louise was cleared of wrongdoing and didn’t buckle under Finch’s pressure. This only made Finch more determined to destroy her.

So a lot going on in this story which kept my interest throughout. Louise’s current boss, DCI Robinson is very supportive and the team of lovely relatable characters work very well together. A few of them go ‘off piste’ to try and clear Thomas’s name. This was a tricky one to solve as there was more than one bad guy and a surprise puppet master. Louise also has a surprise in store for us at the end of the book but my lips are sealed on that. This whole series has been fun to read. Many thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

Another epic instalment from Matt Brolly, DI Louise Blackwell is up to her neck in bombs, court cases and her relationships but as alway Louise is determined to get her man. It’s difficult to write a review for it without giving too much away, just know it is good & it certainly puts Weston-super-Mare on the map & the body count is rising steadily.
Although this is a follow on to the other Blackwell series there are only a few mentions of previous books so it’s not to distracting if you haven’t read one before.

Another great addition to the DI Louise Blackwell series. Plenty of action and twists to keep me reading, I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. I love the relationship between Louise and her colleagues and the fractious one with her mum. Although this can be read as a standalone I feel it’s better to read from the beginning so you get the background story. This series is fantastic, please keep them coming Mr Brolly.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Another great read from this author, fast paced and had me hooked from beginning to end. Would recommend.

I love the Di louise blackwell series, i was on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. Its fast paced, lots of twists. Someone is planting bombs around weston the first one is placed as louise's nieces school, it turns out to be a false alarm. There are letters accompanying the bombs sayi g louise must pay for her crimes. What are they? Finch who was louises boss is in prison after being found out to be corrupt., He is still trying to get the upper hand.. does he succeed?...... or does louise and the team sort him out? ...... highley recommend

I was reluctant to even start The Pier since I felt it was time for Matt Brolly to finish up the Blackwell storyline. However, much to my surprise he managed to make the characters finely drawn and my concern for them continued. The plot itself was compelling and the ending quite satisfying. Amazingly, he was able to close the DI Blackwell chapter which has taken us through 4 mysteries, yet still leave room for a fifth addition.

This may be #5 in the DCI Louise Blackwell series but it is the first one I’ve read. I enjoyed it so much I’ll go back and read the first four. It wasn’t necessary to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

This is the first Matt Brolly book I’ve read and have now already downloaded the rest in the series. What a great story! I’ve lived in Weston super mare so it all felt very real to me, great research and true to the town in many ways.
Very easy book to get involved in, great characters, good story line, not too gory or too many twists and turns. I’d thoroughly recommend it…now I’m off to read the first book in the series, I’m hooked!

Thank you to the author, the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Another great read from the author in the Louise Blackwell series. There is so much going on in this fast paced thriller, bombs, drugs and corruption, as well as some very dodgy characters, some likeable and some not! The insight into the personal lives of the team worked really well. I do hope that we have seen the last of DCI Finch, let him languish in prison and Louise can hopefully find happiness with Thomas. It's a good, solid read, a mixture of police procedural, romance and thriller, with a lovely ending and more to look forward to with Louise. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Brilliant addition to this series. Plenty of twists and turns that had me gripped until the end, definitely worth reading

The Pier is the latest book starring DI Louise Blackwell by Matt Brolly and it is another worthy addition to what is a solid and enjoyable police procedural series.

My only minor gripe being that I found the ending slightly rushed compared to what had happened beforehand and would have preferred more focus on the court case. That aside this book is still recommended.

This British police procedural is the fifth in the Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell series which needs to be read in order for maximum enjoyment. It was well written and fast paced with an interesting mystery. The story was an intriguing combination of this mystery and the continuation of the conflict between the main character and her former partner along with a nice bit of her personal life. because of the ending, I’m not sure if this series will continue. I certainly hope it carries on because I have absolutely enjoyed it and look forward to more books in the series.

As DCI Tim Finch is coming to trial it looks as though DI Louise Blackwell is being put on trial by the local newspaper - and The Times. False accusations are made about her boyfriend, and someone is planting IEDs and blaming her. Finch's barrister is busy making his victims look like the victimisers- can Louise hold it together and sort out the mess?

Loved it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

Fantastic!! Loved everything about this book and I couldn’t put it down!! Can’t wait to read more by this author.

In this fifth episode in this series, DI Louise Blackwell is now leading her own team out of Avon & Somerset’s headquarters at Portishead, with the closure of her old unit at Weston. Her section is headed by DCI Robertson who has always supported her and she’s happy she no longer has to worry about the corrupt DCI Tim Finch, who has been trying to ruin her career and later attempted to kill her. He is now on remand awaiting trial on a range of charges including attempted murder.

When Louise is called to a bomb threat at her niece Emily’s school in Weston, she is relieved to find it was a hoax but puzzled about a threatening note left for her with the fake bomb. An escalating series of fires and bombs with further notes for Louise make her realise someone is upset with her and wants her to resign from her job but she has no idea who it could be. It’s unfortunate too that journalist Tania Elliot is writing inflammatory stories about her in the weeks prior to Tim Finch’s trial where she will have to testify against him.

There’s a lot going on in this novel but it moves along at a fast pace as it juggles several storylines at once. I thought we might have seen enough of the despicable Finch in the last book but unfortunately not, however Louise and the author can move on from him and his corrupt colleagues now. I’d also be happy not to see too much more of Tania Elliot, who is also a very nasty piece of work and shouldn’t be working for any reputable newspaper after her questionable behaviour. I do like Louise, an honest policewoman who deserves better, as well as DCI Robertson, who seems an excellent boss, and her hard working team and hope to see them back fighting crime in the near future.

This is the fifth entry in this superior police procedural series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but familiarity with prior events and characters in earlier books make it more enjoyable.

A bomb threat is made at the school of DI Louise Blackwell’s niece. Turns out to be fake, but there is a threatening note left on the bomb, targeting Louise and promising more to come. Then a bomb goes off at a nearby caravan park. The school caretaker has ties to the caravan park is well. But the threats and danger persist after his death, so was he under someone else’s direction? Who? There are a few suspects. Louise’s former boss, DCI Tim Finch, is in jail awaiting trial on numerous charges, including attempted murder. He has a vendetta against Louise and still exerts influence over others who may be willing to help him. There is also the nephew of Max Walton, the serial killer shot by Louise in book 1 who harbors a grudge against her and has brought a suit against her. Throw in another thorn in her side, the journalist Tania Elliott and her critical articles against Louise.

This is a fast-paced mystery with a lot going on and a satisfying resolution. I enjoy the dynamics between Louise and DCI Robinson and the rest of the team, and seeing another side of her with her partner, Thomas.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer, as well to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Pier.

This 5th book in the series finds DI Louise Blackwell embroiled in her most personal case to date. As the threats escalate and pressure to solve the case mounts, Blackwell is sucked into a series of horrific events that reach a chaotic and terrifying crescendo on Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier.

The plot in The Pier is engrossing and there is a lot going on, yet it is fairly easy to follow. The depiction of the characters is believable and I especially loved Emily, Louise's niece. I also very much liked Louise's boss, DCI Robertson. He had her back at every turn and how often does THAT happen?? The members of Louise's staff worked together seamlessly, as well. I hope Finch is gone for good. In my opinion, it's time to kick him to the curb and move on.

As brilliantly as Louise is when she is pursuing her cases, in her personal life she shows a vulnerable side. There was a wee bit of an unexpected turn in this book I thoroughly enjoyed.

This is a solid procedural series and I feel The Pier can be read as a stand-alone. I'm looking forward to #6!

The Pier is the latest addition to this series by Matt Brolly. Enjoyable and good storyline.Plenty of twists and turns that had me gripped until the end.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an arc

DI Louise Blackwell is running hard to keep pace with the bomb threats and explosions that has everyone on their toes. With the police terrorist team wanting to take away her investigation, coupled with her old nemesis, ex-DCI Tim Finch's trial date soon coming up and her own love life suddenly seems to be moving ahead on a fast pace, her plate which was already full to the brim is ready to be spilled by one more incident.
Good investigative procedurals, multiple plots all contributing ot the suspense and thrill of the story has made this book a good one to enjoy.
Overall rating 3.5

My thanks to Netgalley for providing me an ARC for my honest feedback

A decent enough read, but not one that made me want to continue reading as a gripping tale.
Plausible storyline, but didn’t pull me in as some books do, although I would read more by this author.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of The Pier, the fifth novel to feature DI Louise Blackwell of Avon and Somerset Police.

A bomb scare at her niece, Emily’s school and a note threatening Louise herself focus her attention away from former DCI Tim Finch’s imminent trial and onto her investigation. A fire at a local caravan park gives her a potential suspect but his suicide and further bombs suggest that there is more than one person involved. Could Finch be pulling strings to undermine her testimony or is there a different agenda in play?

I thoroughly enjoyed The Pier, which is an engrossing, high octane read with plenty of twists and turns. I think that the series get better with every novel with this being a powerful addition.

The narrative is mainly split between Louise and Finch with other detectives contributing to the investigation from different angles. This sounds confusing but it isn’t as each voice has a role to play in the bigger picture and the contributions flesh this out. Louise is grappling with a bomber who seems to want no more than her resignation, but why? None of us know until the end. Finch, on the other hand, is his usual psychopathic self, trying to work the angles and come out on top.

The author has outdone himself this time with his plot. The mayhem and tension created by the bomber are well done. The reader just wants to keep reading to find out who and why, continually on the edge of their seat for more bombs and death and at the same time Louise is dealing with the stress of the upcoming trial and a potential private prosecution. It’s all go and I felt myself living it with her. Then there’s Finch, still meddling in her life and scheming his way to a not guilty verdict. Again I found this quite tense, worried that he would succeed, but I laughed when it turns out he got played. Couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke.

The Pier is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

I always enjoy books in this series as they're gripping and entertaining. This a good addition and I liked the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I am a huge fan of Matt Brolly's books and so loved reading the latest DI Blackwell book. I did think we'd seen the last of Tim Finch in the last book in the series, so wasn't too amused at seeing he was back in this book. However, he actually plays and integral part in the book so you had to learn to get used to him.

The book has great characters (Finch aside!) and great storylines that once you get over the fact Finch is in it, you really start to get absorbed in so much so that you don't want to put the book down - my sign that its a great book and gets 5 stars from me too!

The Pier by Matt Brolly is the fifth book in the brilliant Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell series and yet again I was hooked from the beginning till the end. This Book was excellent and jammed packed with great twists and turns throughout. Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell is now working Portishead in Bristol at the headquarters of Avon & Somerset police and she is finally leading her own team.

Her phone rings.......everything around her Stops! ..............at the end of the phone, Louise is informed, an explosive device has been found at the local Primary school in Weston-super-Mare, this is the school her niece Emily attends. Whilst investigating the device they found a note which is attached; threatening Louise, that more bombs are promised in the future.

This bomb is just a hoax but the bomb threat is so real.

Louise and her team have to work quickly and together to find out who has made these,!

and why?

and especially where the next one will be!!

Time is running out for Louise and her team!!!

Louise is also waiting for her former DCI Tim Finch who is in remand ,awaiting trial for attempted murder and a string of other offences.. So many things going on around her will she see a light at the end of the tunnel and find happiness. WoW.......I am so looking forward to Book six in the Brilliant series.

I highly recommend this series. It has been a 5 star read.

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.

Ah, lovely to see another Louise Blackwell book!! I have really missed this character.

Louise is going about her life, solving tricky murder cases, enjoying her new relationship with Thomas, spending time with her parents and her niece...but underneath it all is the issue of Finch. Ex DCI Finch, that is. The thorn in her side.

I thought that the thread concerning Finch was expertly done, I felt the menace in the man and how much havoc one person can wreak on other people's lives if they are that way inclined. He is so awful! I read the court proceedings with bated breath, that's for sure.

The bomb threats throughout Weston made the story very exciting, and trying to figure out who was behind them and why, was interesting too.

I liked this story, a lot.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.

The Pier is the fifth book in the Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell series. This is my second read in the series. I was happy to be approved to read this newest book. I think this is a wonderful continuation in this series. It is full of drama, lots of disreputable characters, but above it all the team of DI Blackwell is a good group of people that work well together.

A bomb threat at the school, that just happens to be where DI Louise Blackwell's niece goes, sets of a string of threats where people are in danger. A note hidden is found under the device: Next time you won’t be so lucky, DI Blackwell.

The upcoming trial of Tim Finch, a former DCI on remand for attempted murder, is also looming in the background. He has been working hard to undermine Blackwell, mainly because it pleases him to mess with her and it couldn't hurt the case against him.

As the threats against her mount, Thomas Ireland is also in trouble as he is set up and loses his new job in the process. There is a lot of plots going on in hopes of distracting the team and Louise from finding out the truth as to who is behind the threats.

This is a riveting thriller that kept me turning the pages. I enjoy this series, each one is better than the last. I am hoping this is not the end with more books in the series on the horizon.

Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell #5

When a local school is the target of a bomb threat, DI Louise Blackwell finds herself embroiled in her most personal case to date. Not only is her niece among the terrified pupils - there's also a chilling device hidden under the device. Next time you won't be so lucky DI Blackwell.... The explosion of a nearby caravan offers a connection.... and a suspect. But when he hands himself after interrogation, leaving another note promising more carnage, Blackwell fears there's an accomplice. Could Tim Finch, a former DCI on remand for attempted murder, be pulling strings from prison?

I'm quite enjoying this series. The fact that it's set in Weston-Super-Mare, a place I love and know quite well, is an added bonus. We have bombs, corruption and drugs to contend with in this fast paced and well written book. There's multiple plots to keep our attention. The characters are mainly likeable, but there's a few dodgy ones too. This series just gets better with each new book. The story is action packed, there's romance and it's a good solid mystery.

This is the 5th book of the series, and it doesn't disappoint! In this books, points from the past (and previous books) are coming back into play all at once. Louise also has to juggle a new threat that she doesn't now is legitmate, or if being used a ruse by one of the other supsects from her past. She is being judged by too many people without all the information, but should they know the whole truths? Or will those truths cause more harm if they all come out? Much like a classic cat and mouse game, this book does a great job of tying up some loose ends and offering Louise a chance to move on from the shadows that haunt ehr. While it can be read alone, it is better to now the backstories, if possible.

Excellent story, full of details and unexpected information as the plot progresses and the culprit continues to be hunted. Louise is conflicted as she is being targeted by the culprit and is exposing her family and loved ones to danger. She also seems to be unable to trust anyone and the fact that the reporter, Tania Elliot, is back in town doesn't help. The Finch case is going to trial and Louise feels extremely exposed as she is one of the key witnesses to put him behind bars. The Pier is fast-paced and grips the reader's attention from the beginning!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my unbiased opinion.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Thomas&Mercer for my advance copy of #ThePier by #MattBrolly

This is the fifth in the Detective Louise Blackwell Series

I haven’t read any of the series so it took me a while to get into it, but once I did I didn’t want to put it down
Set in the south of England the story revolves around Louise and her team as they try to find out who is trying to get Louise out of her job
Complicated by bombs being placed and her old boss being on trial fir attempted murder.
A book you won’t want to put down

This is the fifth in the Detective Louise Blackwell series; It is the second one I have read.

With the upcoming trial of a dishonest policeman, Tim Finch, who Louise helped put behind bars, a bomb planted at her niece’s school and subsequent explosions elsewhere, notes are planted indicating the detective is the target and only she can prevent further carnage. Her lover, Thomas, former police officer turned private security specialist is caught up in a drugs caper at his new place of employment. Soon, Louise is scrambling to solve the bombing case, testify against Finch, over come bad publicity, and come to terms with her relationship with Thomas. Fortunately, she has a capable, supportive team to assist her.

I like the character of Louise, a strong female leader. This book is a fast engrossing read with a well crafted plot. Fans of British police procedurals will enjoy it and want to read some of the prior in the series

Although this is the fifth in the series, it works well as a standalone. I missed the fourth one of which this seems to be a closely aligned sequel, however, Brolly does a good job of filling in the background information.

Another thrilling read from Matt Brolly. Louise Blackwell is trying to keep her professional and personal lives separate but they soon overlap when a bomb threat is called into her niece's school...and a note is found addressed to Louise. Then her boyfriend loses his job when he's implicated in a drug ring. Are these connected to the serial killer Max Walton or to the upcoming trial of Tim Finch? Lots of twists and turns will keep you hooked until the end!

Thanks to Amazon Publishing for access to a digital arc on NetGalley.

The Pier is the fifth instalment in the Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell series. DI Blackwell is now leading her own team as the lead detective of Major Crimes in north Somerset, from Avon & Somerset’s headquarters at Portishead, with the closure of the CID unit at Weston-super-Mare. Louise attends a bomb threat situation, reported to her by her boss DCI Iain Robertson, at her niece, Emily’s school, Larkmead, and she finds it's a hoax but is perturbed as a threatening note is left for her attention along with the fake bomb.

This is another riveting and compulsive police procedural by Matt Brolly with enough drama and intensity to keep you gripped through to the end. I like Louise's character and she feels three-dimensional and very convincing. She's intelligent, has a great sense of humour, fights for what is right and inspires loyalty in her co-workers.

The personal lives of the characters, particularly Louise's are a fair chunk of Matt Brolly's tale, and his writing flows enjoyably making this a book I devoured easily. Whilst The Pier is a police procedural it is also an examination of relationships. The author also explores the atmospheric setting giving a real sense of place. Captivating and well crafted.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

Love Matt Brollys work and this book is an excellent addition to his portfolio of works. A great continuation of the series, ring us up to date with the characters we have come to love (and hate). All this interspersed with an excellent who dun it. Eagerly awaiting the next instalment

DI Louise Blackwell is now working out of Portishead, the centre for Avon & Somerset police with her own team. Although she still lives in Weston super- Mare helping her parents with her niece she spends a lot of her free time with Thomas, an ex policeman now a Security chief. Her mind has been on the upcoming trial of DCI Tim Finch where she is due to give evidence when a bomb threat comes in for her niece's school. It is a hoax but the note warns the next might not be! When a mobile home burns down on a local site things seem to point at the school caretaker but there are hints that Louise is the one whose attention they want.

This is the fifth in this series & I have enjoyed them all from the first. The characters are engaging (or awful) as the author intended! The story is fast paced & holds the attention. My only complaint is- how long till the next one Matt?? Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- it was a cracker!

When a local school is the target of a bomb threat, DI Louise Blackwell finds herself embroiled in her most personal case to date. Not only is her niece among the terrified pupils—there’s also a chilling note hidden under the device: Next time you won’t be so lucky, DI Blackwell…

The explosion of a nearby caravan offers a connection…and a suspect. But when he hangs himself after interrogation, leaving another note promising more carnage, Blackwell fears there’s an accomplice.

Could Tim Finch, a former DCI on remand for attempted murder, be pulling strings from prison? He certainly seems set on bringing Blackwell down, if only to derail the case against him. Or could the devious nephew of Max Walton, the serial killer Blackwell shot and killed, be seeking revenge on behalf of his uncle?

As the threats escalate and pressure to solve the case mounts, Blackwell is sucked into a series of horrific events that reach a chaotic and terrifying crescendo on Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier. Can she stand firm against a rival hell-bent on destroying her—or will she fall into the killer’s deadly trap?

There were lots of twists and turns in this novel and I wasn’t really sure who to trust – everyone seemed to be keeping secrets and lying about what they were up to. There were several red herrings and some misdirection that had me suspecting all kinds of things! I was trying to guess what was happening and kept changing my mind. This was definitely an intriguing and absorbing read. I really enjoyed this book and it will appeal fans of mystery/thriller books!

Fantastic well paced thriller which delves into sensitive areas such as terrorism. I really felt the level of threat especially when directed at innocents such as a primary school.
The characters were well developed and the story followed on well from and linked back to previous books in the series, although there was also enough explanation so that you could plausibly read this as a stand-alone.
I read the book in one sitting as was motivated to quickly find out how it ended. A recommended read.

Matt Brolly brings plenty of suspense and action, as well as an edginess, to the fifth book in the Detective Inspector (DI) Louise Blackwell series set in and near the seaside town of Weston-super-Mare in England. While the tale occasionally switches points of view, it is primarily that of Louise.
A local school is the target of a bomb threat and it gets personal for Louise. Her niece is one of the students and there’s a note directed at Louise hidden under the device. A nearby explosion with another note elevates the tension.
Louise is a hard-working, resilient, and fascinating individual who has trouble delegating. However, she is respected by many, and her fighting for what is right inspires loyalty in her co-workers. Despite this, networking is an aspect of her career that she has never been great at. Her flaws make her feel more realistic as does her struggle for work/life balance.

A strong, intriguing, and riveting opening scene will immediately pull most readers into the story. The narrative is suspenseful with a creative, absorbing, complex, and well-paced plot with some twists that will keep a reader guessing. The plot is multi-layered which keeps readers fully engaged. Brolly brings the layers together in this dynamic thriller. The high stakes kept me engaged throughout the story. As Louise and her team are working to find connections and work through the clues, there are also shocking action scenes. The people in the story came to life, and I was cheering on the police as they searched desperately for the criminals.

Overall, this was a gripping and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept this reader turning the pages. While there is some background given in this book, the series is best read in order.

Amazon Publishing UK and Matt Brolly provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

A solid mystery with a dash of romance may be found in The Pier. The plot was interesting and had a decent balance of believable situations, events, and info about the private lives of the individuals. The novel started out well but dragged a little towards the middle. Getting to know the characters was fun. The interactions between Louise and her family, friends, and coworkers were handled properly. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this copy.

DI Louise Blackwell is back for the next in this series, and this time her nemesis DCI Finch is on remand for attempted murder. Unfortunately crime never stops and she finds herself embroiled in a tense investigation where time really is of the essence. It’s also closer to home as it initially involves the school that her niece Emily attends. Not only that, but she’s trying to work out her feelings for Thomas, now he’s no longer a police officer; could she actually start to have a proper relationship?

As I’d expect from this author, it’s tense, fast paced and has you on the edge of your seat. Louise is still tortured by the past few years, and although she knows it was justified, and saved Amiras life, killing someone should never be easy. The main characters all have well written backgrounds, and you do really get the feeling that this is the way police incidents could be investigated. Unfortunately characters like Max Walton and Tim Finch are all too believable. Another excellent read from Matt Brolly.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Pier, by Matt Brolly, is an interesting police suspense series that takes place in the United Kingdom. This book is all about the details and at times I felt like I could almost see the scenes. While I liked the premise and most of the characters, I struggled though the middle. Louise Blackwell is a dedicated DI and Aunt
After a bomb threat at DI Louise Blackwell's young niece's school she realizes that this case is much more personal than she and her team are comfortable with. So, now that her niece and the other students are terrified, she's determined to stop whoever is threatening her and her community.
After an explosion of a local caravan reveals a suspect he ends up hanging himself and leaves a warning.
Is former DCI, Tim Finch working from prison to be part of all this carnage? Maybe he's hoping to sabotage the case against him.
As the threats get more serious, the public and departmental pressure starts affecting Blackwell and her team. But they're all determined to bring down their deadly foe.

Another in the series featuring DI Louise Blackwell but Mr Brolly makes it easily possible be read as a standalone.

I have had great trouble not being too familiar with all the places in any spoiler. as a Bristolian boy who has worked in Portishead (PortZ) and WSM.- so familiar but superb for this storyline

Plenty of brilliant characters, 'Taunting Tania' and 'Frightening Finch' and a storyline that keeps up a pretty frantic pace at times. If you like a good murder, dodgy policemen, serial criminals and a few bombs this is the book for you!!

I am already looking forward to Louise's next adventure - keep it up Mr Brolly you are doing a great job.

Thanks to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for the chance to read and review.

DI Louise Blackwell is back...a local school is subject to a bomb threat, as Louise's niece goes to the school it's personal, even more so when a note is found next to the device "Next time you won't be so lucky D I Blackwell"
The race is on to find out who is behind this threat, with yet another note left, she is up against the clock. Such a good read, with engaging characters that are well observed and utterly believable, as are the situations. We are getting to know Louise better and the relationships between her family and friends. Really entertaining give it a go!!!

DI Louise Blackwell is glad that disgraced former DCI Finch, the sociopath that caused all of her trouble, has finally been caught and she looks forward to testifying against him. In the meantime, someone has placed what looks like a bomb in her niece’s school, accompanied by a threatening note referring specifically to Louise. An obnoxious tabloid reporter appears to be communicating with Finch, aiding in his attempt to throw the trial. But who is planting the IEDs, and why? Can the police stop him before it is too late? If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat thrillers, Matt Brolly’s novels are a good choice. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I am loving this series, it gets better with every new book. A great story which kept me guessing till the end.

The Pier by Matt Brolly is a highly recommended procedural and the fifth installment of the Louise Blackwell series.
DI Louise Blackwell of the Weston-super-Mare police force will do anything to keep her niece, Emily, safe, so when a bomber targets her school it is obviously a message to Blackwell, especially as there is a message specifically mentioning her. Then there is an explosion at a nearby caravan that is tied into the school bomb. A suspect is found, but he is not the perpetrator. Tania French, the reporter, is hanging around, ready to write incendiary stories about the threat. And the corrupt DCI Tom Finch, who is in jail awaiting trial, seems intent on taking Blackwell down before she can testify against him, but there is also another relative of a suspect who may want revenge against Blackwell.

In this fifth outing of DI Louise Blackwell, the complicated background information needed to completely comprehend the plot almost makes it a necessity to read the previous novels in the Blackwell series. There are recurring characters and many ties back to events found in previous novels, especially the fourth novel, The Mark. There is background information provided, but it would really behoove readers to know more information and background to fully appreciate the plot.

Blackwell continues to be a compelling character that readers will up hold. She is a determined, intelligent and interesting character. DCI Robertson now heads her section and he has always supported her. Blackwell's flaws are also presented in the plot, which makes her a realistic and sympathetic character who will elicit your support as she handles the current investigation. Along the way there is further character development as the novel progresses. Her relationship with Tom continues to evolve and grow.

This is a great series for those who enjoy police procedurals.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, Edelweiss, Google Books, and Amazon.

Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Brolly and the publishers for allowing me to read The Pier for an honest review.

This is another book in the DI Louse Blackwell series. I have been fortunate to read a previous book in this series so I was aware of what was happening.. Having said that, this is a stand alone book and it is not dependent upon having read any previous books about Di Blackwell.

There are a series of bombs going off in town and it is at the same time as the trial for Tim Finch is happening in which Louse, among others, has to testify against the ex policeman. Is Finch organizing this from inside the jail to discredit Louse or is unrelated?

Louise has finally entered into a serious relationship with Thomas but it appears strained with the bombs and Thomas being suspected of drug running. Will Louise finally settle down or will previous relationship hurts harm another one? Keep reading and you will find out.

I enjoy the Di Blackwell series and this was another example of a great read.

The local primary school seems to be the target of a bomb threat but is it? or more chilling it's a threat against a police officer who spoke out.
A police officer DCI Finch is in prison not on remand awaiting trial is he bent or not?
It seems DI Blackwell and Finch did have a fling but not serious but is Finch organising these bombs from his prison cell?
It's a realistic story but not one I could warm to, the main protagonist seems as if she is distant, not amiable in fact quite a cold person.
This is my first read of this author I would read another one, as long as it is not a DI Blackwell as it ends as if there could be more.
I would like to thank Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC to read, it was not bad but as stated the protagonist is cold and not much of a description to any of the players.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of your book in exchange for an honest review.
The fifth book in the series. I was not disappointed-it kept me gripped till the explosive ending. Recommended.

In the latest instalment of the DI Louise Blackwell series, the detective is nervously awaiting the criminal trial of her former colleague and nemesis Tim Finch.

Whilst in prison on remand Finch is still manipulating people and making alliances with some shady characters in order to discredit Louise as a witness at his trial.

A series of bomb threats has Louise worried, especially one at her niece's school. A link is established between this incident and a fire at a static caravan park, leading to an arrest. When the suspect takes their own life and leaves a message suggesting further atrocities to come, Louise realises someone else is pulling the strings.

Louise is in a relationship with her former colleague, Thomas Ireland, who is now heading up security at a local distribution company. When suspicious packages turn up there Thomas is implicated by a local criminal but none of his colleagues believe this.

Greg Farrell and Tracey Pugh, two of Louise's colleagues, tail another colleague they suspect of shady dealings with Finch and the journalist Tania Elliot.

Events escalate, leading to a tense denouement as Louise and her boss DCI Robertson face a race against time before a bomb explodes.

This is an excellent addition to the series, with the various plot threads coming together to create a fast-paced and compelling storyline. I look forward to reading what happens next.

I was sent an ARC of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. I hadn't read any Matt Brolly until the book immediately before this one in the series which I also enjoyed.

I was able to read that one without prior knowledge of the characters and there is no reason that the same couldn't be done with this such is the manner in which previous events are referred to. It probably would be better to go back and read the earlier ones first though.

An enjoyable and believable main character and events which could easily take place anywhere in the country so no requirement to suspend belief whilst reading.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys their crime thrillers and would thank the publishers, author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my impartial review.

If you are looking for a book which shows the people of law enforcement, especially the cops, as normal people who feel fear, despair, have limitations and flawed, instead of the highly intuitive or precognitive people we see most of the times, then you surely ought to try this book.

The main protagonist DI Blackwell and her team of friends are such people who are trying to solve a sudden threat against DI. The story is completely Investigative with some romantic moments thrown in and I had a good time reading it. Because of the way these people have been written, it took some time for me to get into the realism the author was aiming for in this book. But once I got into the tone of the story I started getting more engaged and interested in the story the author is trying to say.

This is the first book by author Matt Brody I am reading and this will definitely not be the last.

Another exciting Louise Blackwell tale set in Weston super Mare with the trial of adversary Finch from previous episodes and a series of bomb outrages all contributing to the plot. Never less than frantic the pace never lags through multiple twists and turns all leading to a super climax in both storylines. Good fun.

The welcome return of DI Blackwell in a thrilling book. Good characterisation plenty of twists and well plotted.
I received this book from Amazon publishing and Netgalley for a review.

Would really recommend this book. I have read a lot of this authors other books in this collection and others and they are really brilliant crime drama reads with brilliant intriguing stories and do keep you guessing to the end and all the books are hard to leave down and not finish in one go. If you love a fantastic crime drama read this a must.

The Pier by Matt Brolly.
Detective Louise Blackwell.
DI Blackwell will do anything to keep her niece safe. And the bomber knows it.
When a local school is the target of a bomb threat, DI Louise Blackwell finds herself embroiled in her most personal case to date. Not only is her niece among the terrified pupils—there’s also a chilling note hidden under the device: Next time you won’t be so lucky, DI Blackwell…
The explosion of a nearby caravan offers a connection…and a suspect. But when he hangs himself after interrogation, leaving another note promising more carnage, Blackwell fears there’s an accomplice.
Could Tim Finch, a former DCI on remand for attempted murder, be pulling strings from prison? He certainly seems set on bringing Blackwell down, if only to derail the case against him. Or could the devious nephew of Max Walton, the serial killer Blackwell shot and killed, be seeking revenge on behalf of his uncle?
As the threats escalate and pressure to solve the case mounts, Blackwell is sucked into a series of horrific events that reach a chaotic and terrifying crescendo on Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier. Can she stand firm against a rival hell-bent on destroying her—or will she fall into the killer’s deadly trap?
A good read with good characters. 4*.

Well this book is for those criminal research reporters. I liked Louise’s character. She had that don’t care, all I want to do is protect my family from the bad guy attitude. The book have a number of realistic events mentioned throughout the story. I liked that the writer did brief summaries over previous incidents in the past. The story did move very fast. The crime, and action was very intense, surprising and exciting. Much of the entertainment comes from Finch’s character. This man had his claws in everyone’s business.

Part of a series featuring Detective Louise Blackwell. A strong character she is faced with a series of incidents,are they all related,who is behind it. Plenty of twists and excitement.

This was an enjoyable addition to the series. I found it to be thrilling and enaging. I fouln it held my interest from start to finish.

I'm a massive fan of Brolly's series set in the West Country so was delighted to be accepted to read this advance copy and as always, Matt did not disappoint. We see more about Louise's personal life, which personally, I love but lose none of the procedure in this instalment.

recommended!