| Title | : | Bad People |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1657186679 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781657186675 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 254 |
| Publication | : | Published October 1, 2020 |
THE WRITER. Struggling to find inspiration for his new novel, celebrated crime author, and ex-police officer, Alex Palmer, believes the story of the missing children could end his writer's block, but is he prepared for the story that's about to develop?
THE DETECTIVE. Tom Nolan, a seasoned detective and loner involved in finding each missing child. Nolan is tasked with chaperoning Palmer and walking through each case. But as both men revisit the past, and dig deeper, neither are prepared for the chilling discovery to why the children were taken.
THE BRETHREN. A secret cult. Two men, and a series of brutal and unimaginable murders spanning over seven years with one intention; to show the world that death can be justified if it's for a greater good.
Bad People Reviews
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Review originally published in SCREAM Magazine Issue 61 July/Aug
Bad People by Craig Wallwork is book one in a series following Detective Constable Tom Nolan of West Yorkshire Police. Nolan is a bit of a lone wolf--devoted to his work, making him a remarkably astute investigator but not very personable. Set in a rural, English village where everyone knows everyone else, three children go missing. Tom Nolan sees a sinister pattern causing him to suspect the abductions might be committed by the same person.
Early on, the procedural police drama gave me strong, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, vibes. Very detailed investigative work paired with pitch-black serial crime sprees and succinct chapters that make the reading experience fly by. My favorite scenes were those of Nolan interviewing various people in an attempt to get closer to apprehending his suspect. This was so intriguing because Wallwork allows his audience to travel through two narratives; we already know who the “bad guy” is and there are whole chapters following that story. Other chapters are following Nolan and his team zeroing in on their target. It makes for fascinating reading.
I will caution potential readers that the author introduces a large cast and assumes the audience will successfully track them all as they are mentioned in conversations and such. Being an avid thriller reader, I’m used to collecting names and facts so I was comfortable with the amount of characters brought in, but it was enough to make me aware of it and make note for this review. Also, the author takes a deep dive into the mind and activities of the killer. Fans of true crime stories will appreciate the amount of attention the author devotes to developing backstory, motive, and untreated/unsupervised genetic illness.
Bad People is full of clever plot developments and a compelling, suspenseful manhunt. I’m excited that this is only book one. I’m eagerly anticipating future books in this series. -
Book Reviewed on
www.whisperingstories.com
Craig Wallwork was born in Greater Manchester and now lives in West Yorkshire. In Bad People he uses the area as the perfect backdrop to this gritty crime thriller, combining the toughness of the city, the communities of the small towns and the remoteness of the moors.
The Author’s Notes at the back of the volume explain that the finished book is Wallwork’s third incarnation of the story in his struggle to produce a publishable novel. His persistence has paid off with a gripping book full of action and suspense. The storyline is packed with content and angles that will keep you glued until the end.
The tale is told in the third person from the perspective of various characters including Alex, Nolan, Gram, Zee and Coonan. All are very strong and easily identifiable characters. As a “whodunit” it works very well. I picked up some of the clues but I would prefer that to arriving a conclusion which is not foreshadowed. Even if you do work it out there is still a great deal of action to enjoy as the story climaxes.
Although there is violence and gore in Bad People I did not find it disturbing. If this is a concern my suggestion would be to read the Prologue through the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon. If you are comfortable with reading that, you should be comfortable with the rest of the book.
My other concern was that my copy needed a really good proof read. The publisher sent an apology for giving me a pre-proof copy and sent another but I could not spot the difference! My concerns were the American spellings and a number of blatantly incorrect words – threw for through, refuge for refuse, breaks for brakes. There were also several nonsensical sentences which were probably the result of poorly applied corrections. Two such examples are “Any he many regrets” and “… a fleeting visitor baring gifts sand smiles”. In the main these were errors that should have been picked up by a UK English spelling and grammar check.
Provided they are relaxed about spelling and grammar most lovers of contemporary British crime stories will thoroughly enjoy Bad People. For its action, tension and complex plot it still deserves four and a half stars. The book is subtitled Tom Nolan Book 1 and the final chapter clearly leaves the future open for a sequel which I look forward to reading. -
I love the cover of Bad People by Craig Wallwork. I don’t know whether to laugh or freak out. We will see…OMG…freaking out is the answer.
Palmer had come to Stormer Hill for his novel about the missing girls. Four girls in four years. No clues, no suspects, no answers.
The characters could be taken from a Criminal Minds episode, as could the storyline. The villains are not for the feint of heart. Twisted, savage, evil.
More than a cozy, but less than the hard core, nail biting, spine tingling suspense novels I love so much.
I bounced between a three and a four rating for at least half the book, because, even though I loved the plot, it was predictable and slowed down, at times. BUT, the ending was a surprise and it took me almost until I got there to figure it out, though I felt something was up. It is a doozy and for that reason, a four star rating it is.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bad People by Craig Wallwork.
See more at
fundinmental -
People love crime novels based on true events, and the residents of Stormer Hill are no exception until Alex Palmer decides to use the disappearances of their village’s children as the basis for his next book. Building a rapport with the residents is difficult enough, and Palmer��s police background incites even more hostility from the local force. Detective Tom Nolan is already frustrated by the lack of progress on the case – three missing kids, no bodies, no evidence, no witnesses – so when he’s tasked with chaperoning Palmer through the crime scenes, his willingness to cooperate with the author is in short supply. But there’s at least one person keen to meet Palmer. Someone who knows exactly where the children are and thinks the author is the perfect person to bear witness to a masterpiece in the making.
Bad People is a thrilling read, filled with unique twists and gruesome violence. As the story progresses, popping between the primary characters points of view, there’s a real sense that no one is a hundred percent innocent. All of them have skeletons in their closets and peeking in on those vulnerable moments made me feel voyeuristic as a reader, which is no easy feat and is really a testament to the strength of Craig Wallwork’s writing chops.
Throughout the novel we catch characters in their most intimate thoughts, things they would never dare utter to anyone else, such as Palmer’s guilt over the death of his police partner, and Nolan’s inappropriate attraction to the mother of one of the missing children. These details are more than just throwaway background pieces of information. They’re at the heart of the characters, driving their motivations, and in turn drawing the reader even closer to each of them as we understand why they act upon some clues while dismissing others.
As strong as the characters are, the plot is equally well executed. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, trying to fit all the links together and figure out who the mastermind was behind the missing children. Early on I had my suspicions of who the criminal was, which were later confirmed, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story one bit. I’m not sure if the author intended to reveal the perpetrator when I found it or if I was just particularly bright that day – I suspect the former, as I’m usually dreadfully slow in solving mysteries – and in the end it didn’t matter. Shifting my focus from a whodunit to a “why-dunit” didn’t hamper my engagement in the story. And wow, the climax where the criminal motivations are revealed was a gut-punch I wasn’t expecting!
I have no doubt that fans of crime fiction will thoroughly enjoy Bad People, but there’s a lot in this book for horror fans too. From a scene where someone’s face is removed with a cordless sander, to bloody piglet carcasses left behind as clues, to a room of salt-cured cadavers, the author cleverly uses gore to enhance the intensity of the story.
While this is the first time I’ve read anything by Craig Wallwork it certainly won’t be the last! I’m highly anticipating the follow up to Bad People, called Labyrinth of the Dolls which continues the story of Detective Tom Nolan and should be available later this summer.
*This review first appeared on Kendall Reviews* -
“𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨” – 𝘔𝘰𝘬𝘰𝘬𝘰𝘮𝘢 𝘔𝘰𝘬𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘢
𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗡. Over the past three years, the quiet Yorkshire village of Stormer Hill has lost three of its children. No bodies were ever discovered. No evidence found. No witnesses.
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥. Struggling to find inspiration for his new novel, celebrated crime author, and ex-police officer, Alex Palmer, believes the story of the missing children could end his writer’s block, but is he prepared for the story that’s about to develop?
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘. Tom Nolan, a seasoned detective and loner involved in finding each missing child. Nolan is tasked with chaperoning Palmer and walking through each case. But as both men revisit the past, and dig deeper, neither are prepared for the chilling discovery to why the children were taken.
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗡. A secret cult. Two men, and a series of brutal and unimaginable murders spanning over seven years with one intention; to show the world that death can be justified if it’s for a greater good.
What a sensational start and introduction to a fabulous character in Tom Nolan. Yes it is disturbing, but murder is, isn’t it? I am concerned by some writers in this genre who are unwilling to push the boat and and tread dangerously. We need dark, disturbing, twisting and at times we need to be haunted and concerned by what we have read. This is not Midsomer Murders in a nice white picket fenced house. It is a fricking crime novel that shocks to the core. We are not supposed to put our books down or turn off our TV and say “wasn’t that lovely? or “wasn’t that easy to watch? No we need this to show how messed up people are.
The plot is so well planned and thought out. It leaves you as the reader scratching your head and wondering where you will be twisted to next. That should be the nature of a crime novel. Do not make it obvious! This has undertones of True Detective the first season, forget the others. Or if you remember the brilliant Usual Suspects. The content is dark, gritty and there are bits that are graphic, that I won’t go into as it will spoil the story, but when you hit those moments you will feel nauseous, however; I promise you that you will want to read on it is that good. The description of an alternative use of sandpaper was particularly well thought out and written. I did squirm!
The relationship between Alex Palmer and Tom Nolan has been planned by a writer with excellent observation skills. The idea of being a writer who follows round the Police for research makes me wonder if this is how it is when you have to do this in real life? I think it put strain on the relationship as Alex is also an ex-policeman so he does know a bit and to be honest there is a clash of personality as he himself does give off the air of only recently leaving the force. The idea of setting it on the Yorkshire Moors and with missing children was a clever one. The town is anxious and worried about who is responsible for this and the suspicion does mount meaning that Nolan and Palmer do need to act quickly!
The use of prose and clever narrative to build tension, mystery and intrigue throughout the story to its final “where did that come from?” moment was genius and I really do recommend this to you.
Cheers
Ben
ChopperCrimeBooks -
I love when an opening chapter makes me squirm and gives me chills. I know I'm in for a great story. So, when Craig Wallwork describes that someone gets a cordless sander and...
"The rough kiss of sandpaper removed the first layer of skin within seconds. A minute later, it had reached muscle. The young man passed out shortly after it began to sand down his cheekbone."
Then I knew Bad People was going to be a cracker. The story follows Alex Palmer. He's a well known crime author and an ex cop. His past as a policeman has made him be able to conjure up great stories. However, he's in a bit of a rut and needs some inspiration. This is why he ends up in Stormer Hill.
A recent spate of missing children in the town seems to be a good starting point to get ideas. Tom Nolan, the local detective has been summoned to guide Palmer around and brief him on the case. It's quite obvious there's a bit of tension between these two characters. But, I like how this works as we get to see a different side to them.
Whilst Palmer is in town a girl goes missing. And, Palmer finds himself deeply ensconced in the case. Time is of the essence and with the whole town getting more anxious and worried. Fingers start pointing and questions need answering. Nolan needs to act quick.
I really enjoyed Bad People. There was plenty of mystery and intrigue. I liked the fact that some characters were an enigma to us the reader, and gave an added dimension of wonder.
"The Ghost stepped forward, courting that fragile light to give shape to its face. Gram watched gloom shift from its hollowed cheeks and eyes, and then gather at the corners of a sinister smile"
The tension mounts throughout the story culminating in a fantastic ending. That left me quite gob smacked as I didn't expect it at all. A brilliant plot line.
I would like to thank Craig Wallwork for my gifted digital copy, and I'll definitely be reading more of his work if Bad People is anything to go by. -
This was a fantastic crime procedural/horror novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. Wallwork knows his stuff leading me to consider he may have been a police officer once. The level of detail he included within the story was incredible and felt like I was watching True Detective or something in the same vein. It was very dark and so bleak which was right up my alley. I had no idea what to expect going into this one and I was pleasantly surprised by not only the twists and turns with the story (that ending!!) but by how good the writing was. I know this is part of a series and I already own book two, and it I didn’t have so many books on my TBR already I’d jump right into it. I definitely recommend this to fans of horror, thrillers, and true crime fans!
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A good book with a twisted story and great characters, some you’ll love, some you’ll hate and a few who will repulse you.
I enjoyed it, the end was a bit weird, but then I saw it was “Book 1”. So, now, I’m waiting for book 2 -
When I’m getting strong vibes of Se7en, True Detective, and Red Dragon I know I’m reading something special. If you like any of those then you’re going to love this blend of horror and dark crime thriller. It’s tense, well-paced, chilling, and wonderfully written. It also deals with a sinister cult, so you know I’m hooked
I like how it bounces around from different characters’ perspectives (including the kidnapper), and while all the cast is great, Detective Nolan is definitely my favorite
It does this great thing where you’re introduced to a killer early on, leading you into a false sense of “I know what to expect”. But you don’t. You really don’t. Multiple twists I didn’t see coming, including a mind-blowing ending. Oh and it’s one of those stories where when things are going good for too long you’re waiting with bated breath for the other shoe to drop
I also like how specific and realistic all the police procedural and investigative terminology is. It’s thorough but interesting. Wallwork really seems to know his stuff (hopefully learned on the right side of the law...)
This book is amazing and I’m so excited there’s a sequel coming out soon! My full review will be posted on my blog and Goodreads. Special thanks to author @craig_wallwork for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review! -
I've been reading Craig Wallworks work for a number of years now. I was very excited when this book was announced, it had been a bit since he released a book. I'm happy to say I was not disappointed.
As far as I am aware, this is his first foray into the thriller territory, but this is a genre I think Wallwork will be comfortable in, especially since this was a pretty dark thriller.
This book has a well written and engrossing story, full of well developed characters you actually care about. There's some nice twists, and there are some pretty horrific parts. I really enjoyed my time with Bad People, and I'm happy to see it listed as book 1, I look forward to reading the next book. -
'Bad People' by Craig Wallwork is a fantastic horror thriller novel that simply took me by the hair, threw me on the couch and made me read like my life depend on finishing it within a couple of days.
Oh yes it's that good. If you are looking for a book that will keep your blood pumping through your vains at the highest possible rate then this one is for you.
If you want layers upon layers of horror, suspense and mystery, then you are at the right place.
'Bad People' is all about the evil this planet is suffering on a daily basis by its inhabitants, at least the ones walking on two legs.
Beautifully written, emotional at times, and terrifying to the bone, this lovely horror gem will leave you wanting for more. Thank God there is a sequel out 🖤🤘
Get it at:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B083L7... -
Having read Craig’s work previously, I knew to expect a well-written story that would be easy to read, have believable characters I could empathise with and be full of stuff that would get me thinking about things differently. I was not disappointed. Bad People is all these things and more. There is a complex story, plenty of surprises and gruesome (justified for this kinda story) details to keep the reader engrossed and turning the pages. I won’t go into the story details or characters involved, because there are almost 50 other reviews doing just that already here on Goodreads! I’ll finish by saying if you like thrillers with characters you can get behind and enough twists to keep the story flowing along at a good pace, then Bad People should be your next read.
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I went in with so much anticipation and it really did live up to my expectations, that is until the final reveal, and for that I'm taking away a star, and it makes me sad!
Dark, gritty, and suspenseful. Just the prologue had me gasping for air, it was so dark and bloody, and promising. I really enjoyed every bit of it. The prose was beautiful too, so well-written and well researched, and just perfect. Each character was told in such a way I could picture them and hear their distinct voices, I mean, isn't that awesome?!
But yeah, that ending though! It was just the last few lines that did the final reveal, and maybe it's just me but it did not make sense to me. I mean, I understand what happened but it's just too farfetched for me.
Recommended anyways 'cause this ride is damn thrilling! -
There is something deeply unsettling about Craig Wallwork's Bad People. As a horror fan for 30+ years, this is a compliment I can't make often. I'm desensitized. Jaded. Too cool for school. When it comes to horror, as much as I still love it, there isn't much that gets to me anymore.
There's a big reveal toward the end of Bad People, the thing you know the book is building toward, something you hope is going to be as creepy as it seems. When it happened I actually said, "Ewwww" out loud. And with enough volume for my wife to call from the other room, "What's up?"
Bad People got to me.
And here's the really cool thing. Not unlike Lauren Beukes' Broken Monsters, the best thing I read last year, it's a seamless blend of horror and mystery. Because this book is ostensibly a mystery, and that lends it a gravitas I often find missing from straight-up horror that deals in the supernatural. Detective Tom Nolan is on the case of several missing children, and his search for the abductors intersects with Alex Palmer, an author visiting the area to conduct research for his next book. How it intersects is the stuff of spoilers, so I won't go into too much detail, but it involves the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch, warped interpretations of religion, and unacceptable uses of kitchen appliances. It's a compelling whodunit, but it's also a disturbing horror story that fully leans into what years of serial killers have revealed about humanity.
Bad People works as well as it does because Wallwork understands that true horror is found in the mundane, horrible acts people do to each other. Hell, it's in the title. I mean, I love Stephen King and Paranormal Activity and all the supernatural creepy-crawlies that have been the stuff of nightmares for eons. But if hell is other people (as Sartre so astutely taught us), Bad People is that lesson brought to life. It's eminently believable. And that's the scariest thing of all. -
Well, 2021 has started off with a bang for me after reading this incredibly terrifying and gritty thriller.
The story is set in Yorkshire and revolves around a 4 year old case about little girls being abducted from their home in Stormer Hill. Det. Tom Nolan has been investigating the case which seems to have gone cold until another little girl vanishes without leaving trace. An author, who is in town to write about the girls, is abducted from his basement soon after, plunging the police force into total despair. Then there’s the case of Gram Slade, a young man with intellectual disabilities, who works at the local school. Everybody loves his gentle character, but they don’t know about the ghost that lurks in the shadows of his room at night, or the bodies of dead pigs he keeps finding around the school. Why is the serial killer obsessed with these young children and will Nolan be able to find him before he can kill his last victim?
This book is well written, full of twists and turns and with an ending that will shock you. It’s gritty and chilling and reminded me a little of The silence of The Lambs. There are some hideous crimes detailed in this story which can be terrifying for the faint of heart. That being said, if you’re a thriller/true crime and horror lover, you CANNOT miss out on this one! -
Bad People does a great job at blending horror with elements of a dark crime thriller - so if either of those entice you, then you definitely need to read this book! The characters and their development blew me away - there is constantly new and engaging information about them that adds to the originality of the story. These characters are some that you may have even seen on TV or a movie before... only better. We really get an insight into what makes them tick, which is something that is often lacking on the screen. From the very first chapter and onward, I knew I was in for a treat ... even if that "treat" consisted of shocking and somewhat horrific incidents from time to time. WOW - and the twists and ending will leave your jaw on the floor! 4 stars to Craig Wallwork's Bad People and I look forward to more from this author!
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Excellent thriller, top-notch in every way. If you enjoy the Charlie Parker series by John Connolly then I believe you will enjoy this as well.
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I love dark crime thrillers and this is a great addition to the canon. Atmospheric, lots of twists and turns and then an ending which either answers your questions or raises more! I will certainly be picking up the next one.
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I’m fairly certain I can count on one hand how many thrillers I’ve read in the past year or so.
I’ve been so caught up in the world of horror fiction that I haven’t strayed much with my reading choices for a while, but I do enjoy a good crime thriller here and there, especially when the story contains elements of horror. Recently I discovered such a book, when I began reading BAD PEOPLE.
First off, I have to say that while I “see” most stories in my mind as I’m reading, there are certain books that just beg to be adapted to film or television, and this is one of them. Reading this story was like watching a great movie—there are certain scenes burned onto my brain because the descriptions were so vivid. The story starts out rather calm as we’re introduced to some key characters, and I’d say that the first half is a slow burn, but in the best way possible. The author did a great job laying the groundwork with the main character’s background, and the setting itself played a strong role in the dark and moody atmosphere. For the first half of the book, it felt like there were storm clouds hanging overhead, slowly brewing something ominous—and then the downpour was unleashed in the second half. At this point I felt the tension, twists and turns and terror intensify, and I couldn’t put it down.
The character development in this story is well-done. I felt like I had a good sense of who the main players were (despite some surprises), and I got to know them without ever feeling like there was too much information. I grew attached to a couple of the characters and felt a lot of empathy for them. In my opinion, this is one of those books in which there are no wasted words. There were moments in which I actually felt frightened (which doesn’t happen to me often), and just some very cinematic and gruesome moments that I won’t ever forget. I’d like to keep this spoiler free, so I’ll limit myself to a few other thoughts.
When I thought I knew what was happening earlier on in the story, this one kept me guessing. I loved that it kept me on my toes as a reader, and I appreciated the dark and moody vibe that I felt throughout this book. It’s very much a unique story, but as I watched it play out in my mind, it reminded me of how I felt watching some favorite crime thrillers on television (Season One of True Detective came to mind, as did The Killing). There are some supernatural and religious/cultish themes in this story, and I really enjoyed that aspect as well.
Like I mentioned before, it’s been awhile since I’ve read a thriller, and this one was a perfect selection. I did have a few questions at the end, and I just found out today that there will be a sequel coming in the near future. I’ll be on the lookout for the continuation of this story, while also keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll someday see a screen adaptation. This one ranks fairly high for me—I’d gladly place a hard copy on my shelf next to the likes of some other favorite thrillers, by authors such as Gillian Flynn, Dennis Lehane, and Graham Masterton. While I await the sequel, I’ll be seeking out more of Craig Wallwork’s stories to add to my shelf. -
A slow burner but a good mystery
Bad People is a slow burner of a mystery novel that ends with a bang. I've enjoyed Craig Wallworks work for a number of years now and I think this could be a big breakout for him. We follow Tom Nolan as he investigates missing children in Stormer Hill. He teams up with an ex-cop turned novelist Alex Palmer to track down the killer. When Palmer himself goes missing the story really heats up. I enjoyed Wallworks writing as I usually do although he keeps the weirdness to a bare minimum here. I wouldn't call it this per se but I think fans of Nordic Noir would find a lot to like in this book. -
Originally posted over at my personal blog site,
Night Terror Novels
“He didn’t like silence. Bad things live in the shadows and silence.”
– Craig Wallwork, Bad People
🐷I received an e-Book of this story in exchange for a fair review!🐷
Bad People sets itself up with a fairly familiar premise; children are going missing from a rural West Yorkshire community named Stormer Hill, and a weary detective obsessed with his job sets about solving the disappearances.
I’ll be honest, this book had been on my radar for a very long time, but beyond that basic premise, I knew next to nothing when I starting reading this. I’m actually very glad that I didn’t read any reviews prior to diving into it. I’m going to try to keep spoilers to a minimum here, as much as I can, as this is definitely one of those books best read and enjoyed with as little background information as possible.
The narrative starts as it means to go on, with an extremely brutal murder, and this sort of sets the grisly precedent for the rest of the novel. The plot consistently keeps you on your toes, as rather than remaining a mystery up until the very end, it gradually transforms into a ‘cat and mouse’, ‘race against time’ manhunt, as the police hunt for the abductor. I could never really work out where it was going, as it effectively deployed a number of red herrings early on in the story. And like every good thriller, Bad People has more than a few surprises aces up its sleeve.
There is also a distinct British-ness to the proceedings; it’s all very Yorkshire indeed, which I love. I’m not from the exact area of the country this story is set in, but I’ve been there often enough to pretty confidently say that Bad People feels authentic – it captures the essence and way of life of that area of England. Again, this helps lend the story plausibility, and makes the events all the more chilling.
Despite the fact that this is subtitled as a Tom Nolan book, he very much shares the role of the central narrative focus with two other characters. The first of these is the author Alex Palmer, who is in the village of Stormer Hill doing research for his latest book. The second is Gram Slade, a cleaner at the local primary school, and a man well-known and well-liked by the village children – including those who went missing.
I thought for the most part these characters were very solidly written. Nolan and Palmer were both interesting and believable, as was Gram. The antagonists were superbly scary. Wallwork also has a very readable style of writing, and knows how to effectively draw the reader in and weave a gripping plot-line.
There are a few minor points that are holding me back somewhat from rating this any higher. I noticed a fair few grammatical and spelling errors, particularly in the final third of the book. It sort of felt like as the narrative hurtled toward its (admittedly very exciting) conclusion, Wallwork got a little overly-excited and ahead of himself in the writing, leading to a few mistakes later on. This did take me out of the story slightly, and during the crucial and most-exciting section of the book.
I also feel the female characters were pretty underdeveloped, and often thoughts and feelings were almost projected onto them by the male leads. I do hope in future installments in this book series, any new or returning female characters will be a bit more fully formed and fleshed out as individuals themselves.
However even with those slight issues taken into consideration, this is a highly thrilling and engaging read. The narrative establishes a solid groundwork very quickly, and once the ball is rolling in the central investigation, it gains momentum and doesn’t let up until its final pages. I tend to be quite a slow reader, but if a plot grabs me I’ll just devour a story over the course of a few nights. This definitely happened with Bad People – once it had its hooks in, I simply had to find out what was going to happen.
And once I did reach the finale, it’s fair to say it left my reeling, and eager to read more about this world and its characters. I’ve seen a few reviews comparing it to the likes of Thomas Harris’ infamous Hannibal Lecter series – high praise indeed – but also a very fitting comparison, in my opinion. Bad People is absolutely reminiscent of Red Dragon (1981) or The Silence of the Lambs (1988), and has all the ingredients of an excellent crime/horror/thriller cocktail of its very own.
VERDICT: My few little niggles aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’ll absolutely be revisiting the world of Detective Nolan again soon in the sequel, Labyrinth of Dolls (2020), and anxiously awaiting the upcoming third installment too. This is a delectably dark thriller-cum-police procedural, with an excellent cast of characters and a genuinely page-turning and compelling plot.
It’s a very high ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from this reviewer, with only my very slight issues holding it back from being rated even higher. I also want to say a humongous thank you to the author Craig Wallwork and publisher Underbelly Books for providing a copy and giving me the chance to read and review it.
Book Information
Title(s): Bad People
Author(s): Craig Wallwork
Publisher(s): Underbelly Books
Original Publication Date: 17th January, 2020
Page Count: 267 pages
Format Read: Digital
Advance Review Copy (Y/N): Y
Website(s):
https://craigwallwork.com/ -
This book has been on my radar for quite some time, so I was ecstatic to get my hands on it. Wallwork has a knack for storytelling, worldbuilding, and crafting compelling, realistic characters. This crime thriller kept me on the edge of my seat, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's work. Highly recommend!
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Review to come, but let me just say that this was the thriller I’ve been craving ...
Here we go!
Bad People was soooo good. It's a dark, moody procedural thriller that will keep you guessing. I highly suggest you read this one.
Synopsis:
THREE MISSING CHILDREN. Over the past three years, the quiet Yorkshire village of Stormer Hill has lost three of its children. No bodies were ever discovered. No evidence found. No witnesses.
THE WRITER. Struggling to find inspiration for his new novel, celebrated crime author, and ex-police officer, Alex Palmer, believes the story of the missing children could end his writer's block, but is he prepared for the story that's about to develop?
THE DETECTIVE. Tom Nolan, a seasoned detective and loner involved in finding each missing child. Nolan is tasked with chaperoning Palmer and walking through each case. But as both men revisit the past, and dig deeper, neither are prepared for the chilling discovery to why the children were taken.
THE BRETHREN. A secret cult. Two men, and a series of brutal and unimaginable murders spanning over seven years with one intention; to show the world that death can be justified if it's for a greater good.
What I liked:
- First and foremost, Craig Wallwork is a fantastic writer. I found the characters and their dialogue realistic, and did not question a single moment of this novel. He created an entire world, filled it with real people, and devised a plot that will creep me out forever. Well done, Wallwork. Well done.
- Reminding me of one of my favorite thrillers made into a movie, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, I couldn't help casting the role of Alex Palmer, the troubled and sexy former cop turned crime writer, as Daniel Craig. Which was fun.
- Twists!! I love plot twists.
- This novel was wildly unsettling and I love feeling unsettled. I don't think I'll ever get a few of the scenes out of my head.
- I felt that the pacing was right on. The story unfolded slowly, and the suspense was delicious.
- THE ENDING! Sorry, no spoilers. Just know that I really dug the ending. It fit perfectly with the story and the mood of the novel.
What I didn't like:
- I would have liked closure with a few of the characters. I felt like there were some loose ends.
-(Ok, this is just me) It would have been fun to have a little romance thrown in. I feel that Palmer and his agent or the mom of the missing kid could have had something going. I think I'm projecting. Nevermind.
Where I got the book:
Craig sent me a MOBI for review, but then I ended up buying a physical copy from him for $15, including shipping. But he gave me a pretty good deal, so I don't know? -
“Bad People”, by Craig Wallwork
“Bad People” is a gritty thriller with horror elements by Craig Wallwork. This is not your run of the mill thriller. It is dark and gory at times. The alternative use for sandpaper made me squirm.
The book is set in Yorkshire and revolves around a four year-old case about a little girl being abducted from her home in Stormer Hill. Detective Tom Nolan was working the case until it goes cold. Nolan tries to investiagte but he has nothing: no forensics, no body and no evidence. That is until another girl vanishes without a trace.
“Bad People” is written well with a lot of twists and turns. The book gave me “Silence of the Lambs” and “Seven” vibes.
The character development in this book is well done. Books with multiple characters can go either way. Some chracters can overshadow others or it can be hard to keep track of them. In “Bad People”, the reader gets a good sense of who the main players are in the story.
Wallwork tells the story in two narratives: Detective Nolan and the killer. The reader experiences chapters about the killer. Then the chapters shift to police procedurals and interviews. There were chapters devoted to Detective Nolan interviewing different people. The writing was done so well that it was easy to follow shifts in the storyline.
“Bad People” is one of those rare books where no words are wasted and every moment is important. You will love how the author helps you visualize everything. There was so much detail in the forensic and police procedurals and horrifying descriptions of the killers actions.
I had a few questions at the end but there is a sequel, which I will be adding to my TBR. -
I sprinkle of Karin Slaughter style of writing a dash of The Silence of the Lamb (the movie because I haven’t read the books yet) and a lot of it just the talented twisted of one of the GOOD PEOPLE Craig Wallwork. I am so exited to read the sequel Labyrinth Of The Dolls when it comes out September 15. I totally enjoyed the ride and here are some of the things I enjoyed
1) The detective Tom Nolan was a real human being insecure, craves validation from his boss and the poor guy not even described as good looking. Typically the Detective is handsome blue eyes and smart knows it all which is so boring because it’s predictable. Nolan is just an average smart guy that need help and that makes him so relatable.
2) the attention to detail when it comes to forensics procedures and police/investigation procedures yeah it might feel like it’s taking forever to find the clue but Heyyy that’s real life it takes long it’s not like in a quick thriller when the detective find evidence just front of him wherever he goes. Long story short just thanks for making it believable and made me feel the stress that police go through when they deal with crimes.
3) The antagonists I love how interesting they are that I was more interested to know about them than sad old Nolan Hahah. I want to know so much more which I believe and hope the sequel will deliver. Read it and thank me later -
When the prologue starts with an opening that captivates you and gives you chills, you know it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
And that it was! A smart thriller with a lot of horror, a really good storyline with excellent characters. I will admit I did guess a couple twists but overall the book was very entertaining.
The author was kind enough to share copies with our book clubs May buddy read. Thank you!!
I am really looking forward to discussing with the group because … That ending???
Warning: There were quite a few editing issues which members from our group addressed directly with author as it was distracting during the read. He was very welcoming and showed much humility and shared that the issues are being addressed and thanked us for our honesty. #bookcommunitygoals
I recommend this read for all thriller lovers and am looking forward to a sequel on this one. -
This is a horrific and creepy crime thriller based on the abduction of children in a small village, with plenty of twists that I didn't see coming. It follows Detective Tom Nolan investigating an ongoing case where 3 children have been abducted over a period of 4 years, then a 4th is then taken. It had plenty of horror in it especially coming up to the main event which was absolutely horrifying and then the ending??? I did not see that coming at all! I couldn't put this down, kept me intrigued throughout. I believe this book 1 of the Tom Nolan series and am really interested in the next installment!!
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As a fan of slightly darker books, Bad People certainly delivers in that category.
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Set in a small Yorkshire village, three children have gone missing in the last few years. Tom Nolan is the detective assigned to the case but has also been tasked with chaperoning Alex Palmer, a writer who has come to the village for inspiration for his next book.
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When another child goes missing, unsettling revelations begin to emerge about the residents of this quiet little village and murders spanning over seven years.
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This book was a good mix of dark creepy thriller with elements of horror. I really liked the story line, characters and the pace of the book. Finally a thriller which actually delivered on the thrills and then some. My only gripe would be the spelling and grammatical errors throughout the book which were distracting but easily fixed. I would definitely recommend and read the next book in this series.
4.5⭐️ -
This has actually become one of my favorite books so far this year. You're able to really enjoy the characters and the plot is pretty fast paced. The ending is what I typically like with horror/thrillers that kind of leave you with a WTF moment. I'm not really sure why but when I started the book it kind of reminded me of the movie Sinister.
