All My Enemies

It's been a treat getting back into the Brock & Kolla series after a couple years' layoff. Barry Maitland's novels seem like 'retro' procedurals to me- 'whodunits' set in Britain with 'nice' characters, solid procedures, very little sex or violence (except for, you know, the murders....), and pleasant writing. They aren't Don Winslow crime novels, that's for sure, and the settings typically aren't in Guy Ritchie's Britain.

In this early installment in the series, Kathy Kolla has just begun to work as a detective under Dave Brock. She's quickly thrown a gruesome murder case that the cops fear is a one-off by a madman they'll never catch, but it turns into a classic serial killer investigation, as they identify other victims.

As with most show more stories in this genre, there has to be a twist to differentiate it from all the others, and in this case it has to do with the theater. That brings a number of odd characters and situations into the mix, which did make it interesting. There's a nice change up at the conclusion that wraps things up for all of us.

This is a solid B & K effort that makes one appreciate the wide range of styles and stories in this genre. show less

Allen & Unwin have re-released Barry Maitland's ALL MY ENEMIES, the third book in the Brock and Kolla series. Given that the book was originally published in around 1996 there were a few things intriguing me. Obviously, whether or not it would stand the test of time, but also, what would it be like going back to a book so early in a series that has since become a favourite.

Interestingly I could still remember this book from the first time I read it, mostly because of the way that it starts to build this ongoing team, partly because of the interesting setting in which Maitland places them but also because it's a good solid police procedural, albeit with a little bit of a leap and some heavy lifting towards the end. The book is really show more clearly establishing some personality traits in the main characters. Brock is a bit of a hands off manager in some ways, stepping into the action when required, otherwise a bit standoffish and slightly elusive. Kolla is dogged, determined and more than a bit obsessive when it comes to finding a scent and following it down all sorts of highways and byways. Lesser characters in the group - particularly fellow team member Bren have enough "on screen time" to give them depth and reality. Something else that dawned on me was the way that cameo performances for characters outside the team have been built into the narrative - in this case the obvious stand out being Kathy's Aunty Mary(anne) - her life-changing decisions at an age when most people are settling for their lot is wonderfully done, to say nothing of giving Kolla a way into a group of people that otherwise might have been too contrived.

What was particularly interesting was the way that the book does stand the test of time. In fact, the time-frame was somehow irrelevant, even if there were things that might have dated it (not that I particularly noticed - too invested in the story itself). Having the benefit of knowing where Maitland does take this series, it was particularly interesting to see the beginnings of the architectural elements - those special places, buildings and locations that Maitland weaves into the later books with such aplomb. Here it's present in the weird little bar that forms the central part of the team's briefing room, although in ALL MY ENEMIES it's understated, less part of the plot than these elements become in the future.

The Brock and Kolla series is written by an Englishman, who lives in Australia, set with what seems to be considerable authority in London and surrounds. I understand Maitland does a fair amount of research into his locations and certainly they come across as realistic, complete, really a major element of the books. The other thing that stands out in these books is the attention to detail in procedural elements, and in character behaviour and personality. There's something very careful and controlled about the way that these books, the stories and the characters evolve. Which shouldn't for a moment be taken as meaning that the books themselves are somehow subdued. They are fantastic stories, involving two terrific central characters, without a single hint of "romantic interest" that's so very overdone these days. They make this reader at least, see, experience and enjoy the particular locations they are set in.

ALL MY ENEMIES really is a terrific reminder of just how much I love this series.

http://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/all-my-enemies-barry-maitland show less

Barry Maitland crafts yet another taut, suspense-ridden mystery in All My Enemies. The novel has so many twists and turns that it's best to say very little about it so that readers can savor the surprises for themselves. I devoured this fabulous book.

Sweet secretary Angela Hannaford lives with her parents in Kent. When her parents return from a holiday in Germany, they find that their only daughter was brutally raped, murdered and mutilated the night before. Detective Sergeant Kathy Kolla, newly assigned to work with Detective Chief Inspector David Brock of Scotland Yard, takes on this case. The police immediately realize that Angela's death isn't an isolated atrocity, and that they're dealing with a serial killer. Kathy finds show more connections to a mousy, bespectacled stalker who snaps photos of blondes from afar and to an amateur theatrical group. Which is the right lead? Or are either?

Readers also learn for the first time about Kathy's upbringing when her Aunt Mary comes to visit.

Here's to the hopes of many, many more Kathy and Brock novels! I'm starting on The Chalon Heads as soon as I can. And here's thanks to my Aussie friend Magda, who recommended the series to me. I owe you one! show less

This series has proved interesting for the first book. The good news is that there are many more. Back in London, Kolla's first investigation of a murder turns into a search for a serial killer that seems to be related to an amateur theater group. Seeking the connections and culprit(s) leads her to join the group as a reader. Does she resemble the victims and become a target are possibilities that she must consider as she unravels this year's old set of murders.

A solid police procedural stemming from the horrific murder of a young woman in her own home. Kathy has been transferred to Brock's team, so that makes it easier to account for their working together. My favourite yet, although the motive for the murders was contorted and unlikely in the extreme. Kathy managed not to be attacked, although she was asking for it at one point towards the end.

DS Kathy Kolla is ready to report to New Scotland Yard and join DCI David Brock’s Serious Crime Division. But before she steps foot in the door, a murder has taken place and she will lead the investigation to solve this well rehearsed slaughter. In this series, Brock and Kolla will work together to solve this crime and put a stop to the person behind the grotesque murderer. Clues lead them to an amateur drama group and they soon realize that other recent murders are tied in to the plays performed by this group.

Barry Maitland is an incredible author and the Brock and Kolla series are nothing but exceptional. Maitland definitely knows how to write a book that is not only suspenseful but terrifying. In this dark fiction, Maitland will show more take you on a disturbing ride to find the killer of these theatrical murders.

“All My Enemies” is a story that will not only send chills down your spine but will give you nightmares at night.

www.suspensemagazine.com show less

quite liked tis book, believable and differently written to other crime books i have read - i reccomend it .