Robert Daws

Although I wish I had previously read the first book featuring Sullivan and Broderick, The Rock, it didn't spoil my enjoyment in the least that I started the series on book 2. The characters are so well developed that they encourage you to dive right into the story.

I absolutely loved The Poisoned Rock, it was so unique in the way that it merged current crime with cold war espionage and absolutely any character was a suspect at one point. My eyes were doing gymnastics as they swam over the show more pages and took in all the sights and sounds of Gibraltar. I have never physically been to Gibraltar but definitely went for a virtual flying visit thanks to Robert Daws! The Poisoned Rock was so atmospheric that I almost needed my Factor 50 on just to read it.

A film crew descends on Gibraltar to film a movie about The Queen of Diamonds, a legendary spy during the second world war. The film is about to reveal secrets that should remain hidden so every available spanner is thrown into the works to stop this movie being screened. Spanners that will stop at nothing to prevent the truth being revealed...even resorting to murder. Anybody implicated with the film is at risk and Sullivan and Broderick are involved in a race against time to minimise the bloodshed.

Robert Daws completely mesmerised me with The Poisoned Rock; I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to unearth all of the history of this much fought-after island. He effortlessly swings between World War II espionage and the present day to ensure that page after page is turned until the final breathtaking reveal. Although I do like to read books in order, I will make an exception in this case and I plan to add Book 1 of the Sullivan and Broderick series to my reading list.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion. show less

I was drawn to this fast moving detective story, by actor and writer Robert Daws, because it reminded me of the old house in Gibraltar where my parents lived many years ago, but it will appeal to anyone who enjoys trying to solve a murder mystery alongside a bold heroine.

Detective Sergeant Tamara Sullivan has been seconded from the Metropolitan Police force in London to what she imagines will be a quiet, rather boring time working in Gibraltar, but she soon finds that despite the relaxed show more attitude of some of her colleagues, serious crimes are being committed within Gibraltar’s narrow streets.

Tamara is a well-drawn character whom we soon get to know but her boss Chief inspector Broderick is more of an enigma. Robert Daws obviously know the rock intimately so we soon feel ourselves familiar with the geography of the setting.

This is not a long novel but all the ingredients are present for an enjoyable read, trying to solve the crimes a step before the detectives. Tamara’s independent and slightly reckless behaviour may lead her into trouble again which increase the suspense effectively.

I am looking forward to the next investigation by Sullivan and Broderick which is promised this year. show less

Lively first entry for what should be an interesting series. Very good characters, splendid locale and a fast moving story line. Looking forward to the next in the series.

A short police procedural set in Gibraltar. I'm giving it four stars for the excellent sense of place - it made me want to go to Gibraltar - and the characters of the detectives. The crime/mystery itself wasn't that great - there wasn't a large enough pool of suspects for a start.

Off to read the sequel...