The Descent

Detective Louise Blackwell, Book 2

By: Matt Brolly

Narrated by: Danielle Cohen

Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

Were they pushed to the edge - or over it?

In the quiet coastal town of Weston-super-Mare, a body is discovered at the foot of a cliff just months after a near-identical tragedy - and Detective Inspector Louise Blackwell can't believe it could be a coincidence.

Next to the body, she discovers a note that echoes one found beside the first: Death is not the end. Louise is certain that behind these desperate acts someone is pulling the strings, but how many more will plunge to their demise before she can find out who - and why?

Struggling to stay focused under the strain of her troubled brother's disappearance with his young daughter, Louise hits a much-needed breakthrough when a third tragedy points to the involvement of a charismatic cult leader. The suspect is within her sights, but he knows she’s on to him....

Short on proof and with the body count rising, can Louise intercept his deadly mission - or has she taken on an unbeatable foe?

©2020 Matt Brolly (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

A unique story and good character development.

Too much time was spent rehashing what happened in book one of the series and some of the content was repetitious. Otherwise this book would have gotten a five star rating. I liked most of the characters and the story was different.

okay

Liked the overall story but a little too depressing for more. Where is the hope? I realize that some people are down about the trials the face. We have to find comfort on the Lord and not solely on people.

Matt Brolly has written another great novel!

The author has written another fantastic novel, full of intrigue and suspense! The narration is superb, bringing the characters to life!

Good story

DI Louise Blackwell is on the case! When the bodies of women, who apparently commit suicide, start showing up at the seaside, Louise knows that there’s a connection. Of course, the ever present threat of headquarters taking over looms. As Louise investigates and locates the common link, she is also struggling with finding her alcoholic brother, who has spirited away with her niece. Can Louise keep herself together and solve these murders before it’s too late for another young woman? What’s the truth about Paul Blackwell’s disappearance?
Overall, the story is good. That said, the constant threat of Louise’s case being taken away becomes boring.

Wow!!

Brilliant plot! Loved Louise's courage and determination to solve the murders. Great dialogue between the characters. Narrated by Danielle Cohen👌

Great Read

I found this book to be an interesting thriller, yet very disturbing. The abandonment of self the group of women under their leaders thrall was disturbing to say the least. I had not heard of this drug they used prior to this book. I researched it and it is said that it promotes this “near death experience” that is the lure for people who have suicidal ideations. The ending was shocking!
I would like to have seen something added at the end in an afterthought encouraging anyone with suicidal thoughts to seek help and suggestions as to where that help might be offered.

The Descent

After listening to the first book which I really enjoyed along with others written by Matt Brolly, I was looking forward to this and purchased it before it being released. I am sorry to say it didn’t live up to the first book or others from the same author. A little disappointing this time.

Death is not the end .....

DI Louise Blackwell's second outing is just as thrilling as her first. In this book she has to investigate the apparent suicides of two young women. Are they really suicides, and could they be connected?

The plot grabbed me right from the start. The story unfolds from the perspective of Louise and her team, and from a lonely young woman who is grieving the loss of a child. There was a feeling of dread as I listened, wondering if Louise could solve the case before more deaths occurred. I liked the setting of Weston super Mare, a fading seaside town and Brolly's descriptions brought it to life. As before Louise's personal life is full of problems, mainly concerning her alcoholic brother. This is an excellent police procedural and I am looking forward to the next in the series.

Excellent narration by Danielle Cohen made this a riveting listen.

Compelling plot we’ll narrated.

This is the second in the series and I’ve read both now. The plot was very compelling and as with the first book what starts as quite minor crime builds to grab your attention and it’s very well delivered. As the second book I have to say I find Louise quite irritating at times with her flawed thinking and impetuous actions but I suppose this all contributes to the story line. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series though.

Really good

Really good detective series.
DI Louise Blackwell's character is very likable and her character development is very satisfying.
The narration is equally of high standard.

*** WARNING ~ POTENTIALLY TRIGGERING ***

Overall I enjoyed the book, it is well written & sensitive & it did keep me listening

BUT I did find it TRIGGERED some thoughts I'd rather not have.... So I do think that you should AVOID this book if you can have NEGATIVE or SUICIDAL THINKING ~ my feeling is that it almost promoted taking your life if that's what you want to do.... But that is my opinion based on how it made me feel

Preformance wise ~ in all honesty I do prefer listening to a male narrator but having really enjoyed the other series of books, DCI Lambert, by Matt Brolly, which I've completed, I wanted to try the DI Blackwell series next. I did find the repetitive mistakes irritating...

Overall enjoyable

A bit sketchy in places. Questionable thinking of a senior police officer? Would they portray a male character this weak? To get to the rank of Inspector you would know that a full blown alcoholic with brain disease couldn’t be trusted to look after themselves never mind a small child. As a woman that works with Vulnerable Adults I know the habits and characteristics of addicts be it drug or drink.
I think this part of the story was weak in its portrayal and would a male character be written like that?
I suspect not.

*4.5 Stars*

This book is much faster paced than book one. We are starting to get a feel about the character of DI Louise Blackwell, she is trying to keep her job after an event whilst working for the MIT department which saw her being transferred to a much quieter station. Every case she takes her ex nemesis from MIT is always trying to take it away from her, whilst trying to make her look incompetent.

This case seemingly looks like a suicide and when there is another death in similar circumstances Louise’s gut is interested.

When samples of both victims come back with traces of the same drug in their hair she digs further.

Whilst investigating a third body turns up a link to a man Jay Chappell who was seen with one of the victims on cctv. This man is as cool as a cucumber and charismatic Louise knows what her gut is telling her. But how does she prove it. He knows she is on to him but he feels as if he is bulletproof

Now she suspects it’s murder rather than suicide she knows there is more to it. Jay Chappell preys on weak and vulnerable young women, he drugs them with a tea which takes them to “another world’ he wants them all to “move on” and dresses it up as if it’s their choice. This seems to give him a buzz and as each girl chooses when they want to “move on” Jay’s internal excitement grows.

Now he knows Louise will not give up and the Police are getting a step closer he changes the way the third victim dies. One person in his strange group of admirers is battling with doubts.

Will Louise find the proof and evidence she needs for a safe conviction? At the same time she is battling personal demons within her family which is starting to interfere with her work? Will the person close to Jay Chappell stay loyal to him……. With so much on her plate will Louise rise to the challenge?…….

awesome

very clever. a story about a common occurance (sadly), but told from a different angle. DI Louise is a loveable character, and I hope she gets a good break soon

ascent, not descent.. Matt Brolly terrific

I loved this book. un-put-downable.
A real page turner. I am looking forward to Louise's next case and another sojourn into a previous life in and around Weston-super-Mare.