Oliver Tidy

Detective Inspector Romney is disappointed when he turns up to a crime scene and finds a woman - Detective Sergeant Joy Marsh. But regardless of his personal feelings, they have to work together to solve a brutal rape. The pressure is on though when a second rape, exactly like the first occurs.

This is a hard book to like. Romney was a jerk and wasn't remotely likable and for all the series title is Romney and Marsh - I wouldn't exactly call it an equal partnership. Plus he's way too young to be such a misogynistic prick. He reads like a much older character and I was pretty surprised to find he's only supposed to be 43 years of age. But it wasn't just him. Marsh isn't much better - I found it hard to sympathise with her after her severe doubts about the "alleged" rape - when all evidence points to the fact it happened and there was no reason to doubt the victim.

Honestly the whole tone of this book was odd - it seemed to just alternate between either loving or low key hating women and I didn't like it. Plus the romance was icky. Romney is busy mooning over his hot younger girlfriend he's seen six times and slept with on five of those occasions and the crime scene tech is doing him favours and trying everything she can to get his attention - it was painful. I almost stopped reading but I was hoping it'd get better. It didn't. But, then, it didn't get any worse either so I guess that's a win.

The mystery itself was alright. The who was clever the two men were in it together - each one raping the one they had to play witness at. On the other hand, the major fail of not examining the evidence - i.e. the photos the victim were sent of the rape - and failing to see the attacker in mirror in the photo - was ridiculous

An okay read but not a series I'll be continuing. 2.5 stars, rounded to 2 stars.… (meer)

The Fallen Agent is inspired by an episode of the British TV series Spooks. I haven't seen the TV series, but you really don't need to have done that to appreciate this story. Since it's inspired by the TV series isn't it like you need to know a lot of stuff before you read the book. I liked that, it made it so much easier to read the book. The past events that happened before the story in this book are explained and the characters are easy to get to know.

I actually read this book during one day, or rather half a day thanks to a short memory and the realization that it was my turn to host the blog tour the day after. But, if there is something I like is it to be challenged so I decided to do what I do best, and that's to read!

The story starts off strong with a wtf moment. I swear to you I was like "huh?" and then I realized that the surprising start made sense. I love starts like that, the ones that right from the first page has you on the edge of the chair and then keeps going strong. This was not the only surprise moment, which btw is another thing that I loved about this book. One can't take this story for granted, this is not a story that playing it safe, instead, things happened that will really surprise you. One thing for sure, Oliver Tidy isn't afraid to twist the story in a way to will take you by surprise.

I love the whole spy business, with Jess Albion being dragged back into her old life when an old enemy decided to have here killed and also treated to cause a terror attack if she isn't killed. However, Jess may be an ex-spy, but that doesn't mean that she will have a hard time getting back into the game nor is she friendless. The question is, will she be able to both stay alive, capture the man that wants her dead and stop terrorists from attacking London?

The Fallen Agent is the first book in the Jess Albion series. It's a fast-paced story with the short chapters. Just the way I want my thrillers to be. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the sequel when it's published!

I received this book from Bits About Books for a blog tour!… (meer)