Description
An old house. A fire. Two corpses…
DI Charley Mann returns in this gripping crime thriller.West Yorkshire DI Charley Mann is called for what seems a routine job. Prior to demolition a deserted manor house appears to have been the target of an arson attack. But something isn’t right.
The house has a dark history – and a dark present. When the remains of two bodies are discovered hidden inside, it soon emerges they were murdered decades apart. Who are they? What are their connections to the house? Why were they killed? And what is the connection to the fire? Amongst the ashes, Charley is soon drawn into a web of deceit and violent plots.
The ghosts of the past can be all too real. Face them at your peril, because what goes around, comes around…
Written by smash TV hit Happy Valley’s story advisors, and with the benefit of decades of real police experience, Condemned is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Joy Ellis and Faith Martin.
Anna Kierczynska (verified owner) –
Condemned is the second book in the DI Charley Mann series written by a great authors couple Carol and Bob Bridgestock. I’ve read several of their books and this one is my favourite so far!
In “Condemned” I have a collection of everything that I love in books.
Charley is called to a crime scene which is a potential arson. An old house was set to fire, and it seems to be alright as it supposed to be demolished soon anyway. Just when she is about to sign the report and close the case, she gets a call that skeletons have been found in this property.
First, we have a spooky old house with hidden tunnels and rooms, and of course dead bodies. Charley needs to identify corpses, one seems to be in the house for only a few weeks, the other one for even a century. The nearby church has been connected to the house for decades, the family living there was generous to the church and the church occupants were loyal to them in return. Right now only Lily lives there, an old lady who knows much more than she wants to share…
Second, a great back stories about the past. The religion, death and murder, as well as the pagan customs and Hobgoblins running around the village!
Third, the modern world’s Bonnie and Clyde! A couple whose occupation are robberies and who for some reason stayed in the old house for several weeks before the fire. They seem to be connected to the dead body, but they disappeared and no one knows if they’re even still in the country.
And finally, DI Charley Mann. She’s such an amazing detective, I’m glad that she’s a character who lives her life, focuses on her career and has fun when she wants to. She’s independent, intelligent and strong. I think I miss this kind of badass female characters in other novels. I could definitely be a friend with Charley!
I really like the police work described in details, and knowing the authors’ previous jobs, I find it fascinating to be moved to the police world which is so fantastically covered in the story.
Strong 5 stars! I recommend it to everyone!