Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Deadly Justice by OMJ Ryan Series: Detective Jane Phillips #9
Published by Inkubator Books on March 12, 2023
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 289
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon
The strangled body of Sir Walter Venables, a retired Crown Court Judge, is discovered in his Cheshire mansion.
When DCI Jane Phillips and the Major Crimes team are called to investigate, they discover that Venables sent hundreds of violent criminals to prison over the years.
Meaning the list of people who might want him dead reads like a who’s who of Manchester’s dark underworld.
Then a second body turns up. Former Chief Constable Jack Todd, killed in exactly the same way. A mysterious figure is seen on CCTV at both crime scenes. It’s clear that someone is targeting members of the justice system.
As Phillips and the team race to identify the killer, they discover something truly shocking: a web of sex, drugs and corruption that pervades the city’s legal system, threatening to destroy the very institution they represent.
There is a new case in the Detective Jane Phillips series. It’s high profile so the pressure from the demanding Chief Constable Fox is intense. I really hate the way Fox makes her spend so much time on meetings and politics when really that is her boss’ role; hers is to solve the case. Her immediate boss, Carter is a saint for all he puts up with being in the middle.
The retired judge, retired chief constable, and then more are killed. The first two killings seem like they could be about someone innocent who was convicted and now is out of prison. Jane and her team track down all leads but don’t seem to have any good leads or suspects.
Fox has also forbidden her to talk to a reporter Don Townsend. Jane abides by that order, until he has information for her. Apparently the judge and constable were tight and decided who they wanted to go down, reveling in their power in a time before the Internet and forensics were as well developed.
Jane’s relationship with Adam is there, but more in the background with this high profile case. The team also still has a mole in the background giving out withheld information. I really enjoyed the high level stakes of the case. Jane and her team do track down the killer and figure it out, but there is a clear case for the future on the horizon with the corruption on the force. I really hope we get that story in the future.
About OMJ Ryan
Hailing from Yorkshire, OMJ Ryan worked in radio and entertainment for over twenty years, collaborating with household names and accumulating a host of international writing and radio awards. In 2018 he followed his passion to become a full-time novelist, writing stories for people who devour exciting, fast-paced thrillers by the pool, on their commute – or those rare moments of downtime before bed. Owen’s mission is to entertain from the first page to the last.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 23-COYER
Lovely review. I like that they give hints for the next book
Thanks Wendy. I would say they don’t always give hints but this is something that needs to be addressed so I hope it’s tackled in the next book or so.
This sounds like a great series! I love a good mystery series.
I really enjoy this series. The first one was on audio but none of the rest. (: But they are quick reads when you know the characters and setting.
I really feel like I missed out by not keeping up with this series. Still on my radar! Wonderful review, Anne💜
Thanks Jonetta. I like this one. It’s not the caliber of the Robert Dugoni books but I enjoy it. It’s easy and comfortable to read.
I hope you get that story too!
Thanks Carole Rae. It will be another year but I think it’s been a long time coming. It will be an exciting topic for this series.