England wins the soccer World Cup at Wembley. The same night, the body of a young barmaid is discovered close to an abandoned lighthouse near Liverpool. Two more murders follow, and all remain unsolved.2005. Detective Inspector Andy Ross and his team are called in when a disturbingly similar series of murders begins in the same location. If their estimates are correct, Ross has one week to solve … one week to solve the case before the third Lighthouse Murder takes place.
In A Very Mersey Murder, D.I. Ross and Sergeant Izzie Drake return in a tense race against time, as they seek to identify and apprehend a vicious killer who seems to leave no clues and no evidence. The price of failure is death.
This is a standalone novel and can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read other books in the series.
Praise for A VERY MERSEY MURDER:
“Will keep you on the edge of your seat.” – Michelle Wagner, Amazon review
“Superbly crafted… a 5-star read.” – Mr. Terry Nichols, Amazon review
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One thing’s for sure, I’m a fan of mystery series. When I find a new one I like, such as the Mersey Murder Mysteries, I have to devour them all. I usually read in order, but I found this one after several books had been published, so now I’m backtracking to catch up before #6 comes out soon. Today, I’m reviewing A Very Mersey Murder by Brian L. Porter.
The series focuses on a core group of British policemen and policewomen who handle special crimes–usually ones with complexity and longevity. In this edition, the first series of crimes happen in 1966 when three women were brutally attacked and killed. We read in the first few chapters what happens to one of the victims after she leaves a pub to walk home in a very quiet town. It’s not so quiet anymore. Then we jump 39 years later to when the murders start happening again in the same exact method and order. If what happened in the past rings true again, the third victim will be a policewoman. Will one of our beloved Mersey heroines say a final goodbye? Add in a few chapters where someone in the current time frame has found the killer’s old journal… and shares a little about the creepy nut’s imagination and emotional state. Is it the killer reading from the journal, or just someone else who found it? You’ll never guess until the very end!
Of the three I’ve read, this is by far my favorite in the series. Porter adeptly creates a believable and charismatic set of characters who work together to solve major crimes. Sometimes they fight, sometimes they bond. But they always try to find the killer in as little time as possible. When we meet some of the victims and her friends, colleagues and acquaintances, we feel a connection to the story and the lives being impacted by the crime. Add in some side stories with adoption, illegitimate children, gender identity issues, unrequited love, and friendship, the entire book is so well-rounded, I found it hard to put down.
At times, Porter’s story is visceral and graphic, but also tasteful. Some readers may shy away from the gory details and delicate topics being covered, but if you can handle them, you’ll be thrilled with how this comes together. Just when you think you’ve figured out who the culprit could be 39 years ago and who it is today, you’re thrown another curveball. Up until the very end, you’re not sure if it’s the same person, two different relatives, a copycat, or just a random series of events. That’s good writing, plot development, and suspense!
I encourage everyone to read Porter’s books, but I must say… I’m old-school and traditional — read them in order so you can cherish and enjoy all the little nuggets along the way. It’s not necessary, as each is a standalone mystery novel, but you’ll get to know the characters even better if you see them age and understand their relationships. Regardless, they’re well-drawn, complicated, and full of life. You know their likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. Kudos to Porter for continuing to push his readers and deliver quality story with powerful messages and imagery. And if you just want a standalone murder mystery, this will still be a fantastic one to enjoy.
DI Andy Ross with his right-hand person Izzy and his team are tasked with finding a copycat killer who has brutally attacked, raped, and killed two women. He’s left them in the same spot that a killer in 1966 had left his first two victims. Worse, if the killer emulates the 1966 murders, he will rape and kill a female police officer in one week. They have one week to find said killer. The first investigating officer that was in charge updates them on what she has done and gives them her files. Then the retired officer from the 1966 killings arrives and offers them his insights. He is not blamed for not solving the decades old crimes as there was no DNA testing then. Ross and his team start interviewing people from the first killings and those acquainted with the current murdered women. They narrow in on a father and son, then a house that the 1966 killer must have live in and trying to find the people that lived there. This author is superb in building the tensions and making the reader wonder if one could be the murderer. He can even through you a false trail. Do not worry. Ross and his team are after the man. While they are at it, they solve an unknown two murders, then the murders of 1966 one day before the next murder. Will that lead give them time to catch the current killer before he strikes again?