Beware the Past

By: Joy Ellis

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

One terrible case always haunted detective Matt Ballard. Now many years later, the killer seems to be back. And this time he's after Matt.

When Matt Ballard was starting out his career, three boys were murdered in the same area, the remote and bleak Gibbet Fen. When the main suspect was killed in a hit-and-run, the killings stopped. But Matt was not satisfied that the real murderer had been caught.

Over 25 years later, Matt gets a photo in an unmarked envelope. It's of the Gibbet Fen crime scene. And the picture was taken before the murder took place. More photos arrive, relating to the historic murders, as well as intimate pictures of Matt's very secret private life.

Then another murder happens, with some of the hallmarks of the old case. Has the killer returned, or is this just a sick copycat determined to ruin Matt's life and reputation?

©2017 Joy Ellis (P)2018 Tantor

I finished the Jackman series before starting this

And the worst Rowan Jackman book is still better than this. That said, it’s not terrible. But you have to be committed to finishing it if you want to make it past the first couple hours.

The narration as mentioned in other reviews is a turn off. The narrator has an appealing voice, but his delivery is rough to say the least. He manages to make every character sound like an over eager dinner theater actor looking to outshine his peers no matter how small the part. That’s why I said you’ll have to be committed to get past the first few hours. Because that’s how long it takes for your brain to drop judging the corny vibe enough for the story to take over. And it does. I thoroughly enjoyed a stretch of the book. Then like an overweight Peter Pan being lowered by the theater stage hands, it fell flat on its face.

The plot’s been done before to say the least. It felt like an amalgamation of various popular novels and a particular movie woven into a new story. The twists weren’t shocking and were noticeable early on. And while in hindsight the middle should’ve been shorter, the end was rushed and wrapped up too easily for such a long build up.

All the negative out of the way, I still wouldn’t tell you not to read it if you’re a fan of JE. You’ll enjoy the characters and be invested enough to stick it out to see how they develop. But if you’re judging this on the Jackman series or the Galena series then after Book 1, it’s a distant third.

Big Joy Ellis fan but not this one

I am not sure what to say that doesn’t give the plot away.
First, if you have read much by throw author, I think you will understand what I say about the focus of the beginning of this story. I don’t like it. It is a first in my experience with her work and Blech. I have specifically appreciated the fact that she is not an author focused on personal encounters.

Second, I feel like this touched on parts of every other Joy Ellis book and mashed them into one.. Because I have read so many, I almost immediately knew who the mastermind was and how the baddies were getting around unrecognized.

Was it a bad story - not really. Is it her best story? No. Not even close.

Easy listen, did not want to pause.

Keeps you guessing to the end. Likeable characters. I will look for more from this author.

Flatlined

Up till the end I was very captivated and enjoying the story. While the story kept building and building, I felt like the end just fell off a cliff. For me the end was abrupt and flatlined the exciting crescendo that the author had so meticulously built up throughout the book. Disappointing.
Narrator was excellent, will seek other books of his readings.

Beware the Past

I thoroughly enjoy Joy Ellis books and this onexwas no exception. I could hardly put it down. Loved this whole series and looking forward to getting the next one. The narration was excellent.

Just like all the Joy Ellis stories

Ellis writes a great story. Her characters are believable and the twists and turns add excitement, while not always plausible the stories are a fun read

Good!

Interesting story. The characters were great. The narrator did a great job. I enjoyed this book and will be going on to the next in the series!

A gripping thriller

Loved the book and the narrator. This really is a gripping psychological thriller. A must read book

New series to follow (I hope)

Interesting story line and rather flawed characters. Lots of twists for sure! Hoping for more.

Riveting plot, fabulous performance

When a British police procedural can be as much about love and loss as the thrill of the Chase, you know it's a great one.