15.8.13

Book Review: The Unquiet Grave by Steven Dunne

The Cold Case Unit of Derby Constabulary feels like a morgue to DI Damen Brook. But in disgrace and recently back from suspension, his boos thinks it's the safest place for him.
But Brook isn't going down without a fight and when he uncovers a pattern in a series of murders that date back to 1963, he is forced to dig deeper. Howe could a killer stay undetected for so long? Could it be luck or are more sinister forced at work?
Applying his instincts and razor-sharp intelligence, Brook delves deep into the past of both suspects and colleagues, unsure where the hunt will lead him. What he does know for sure is that a significant date is approaching fast and the killer may be about to strike again...
This is the first book I have read by Steven Dunne but I thought it was brilliant. It's the third Damen Brook book but I still enjoyed this one without having read the others.
The Unquiet Grave is set in Derby which made for a refreshing change as I find that most crime novels are set in a large, well-known city. I am from the Midlands myself so it was good to hear familiar names of towns and villages.
DI Damen Brook is an interesting main character, he is obsessed and consumed by his job and he is very aware as to how much his career has impacted on his personal life. I liked the very human aspect of him; he openly discusses the way his job has affected the way he feels towards people and the way in which he views the world.
Brook's work in the Cold Case Unit becomes tangled up in the current investigation of a local teenage boy who is missing. Steven Dunne weaves a highly intricate plot between the past and the present and I was very quickly immersed in the plot and its many characters.
I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at the police force. Dunne does not paint a rose-tinted picture. Brook as to fight against the force's hierarchical structure and the derision from lower ranked colleagues. The loyalty between police officers is also explored in great depth. Brook and his close colleagues look out for each other but it becomes clear that there are situations where this goes too far.
The Unquiet Grave is dark and intriguing. DI Damen Brook is a character you will want to invest your emotions and I'm really looking forward to reading more of this interesting and page-turning series.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5
Pages: 448
Publisher: Headline


7 comments:

jessicabookworm said...

I am also pleased to hear of a crime series set in the Midlands as that is where I'm from too!

Anonymous said...

This is, I have to say - and I hope you don't mind my being candid - not very well written. But still, I suppose I shouldn't have expected much from somebody called 'Dot Scribbles'...

Dot said...

Anonymous- Thanks for taking the time to comment, it's such a shame that you have posted as Anonymous otherwise I could have visited your blog to see where I'm going wrong.

Shaz Goodwin said...

Great review! I don't read a lot of crime but your well-written opinion has me adding to my wish list! Thank you.
Shaz

Amanda Nason said...

I think this is a cracking review. It tells me exactly what I need to know, and gives me an idea as to whether I would enjoy reading it myself.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Great review!

I've got this in my TBR pile, so I really must get around to it now I've read your review :)

Dot said...

Thanks for all your lovely comments! You can't please everyone can you! xxxx

All change here!

I have made the decision to stop doing written reviews on here for a little while. I shall keep this page open but for the time being I sha...