The Black Rock Killings is a dark crime thriller set in Yorkshire that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning whether people can really be that cruel.
The Synopsis of The Black Rock Killings
A calculated killer. A life hanging in the balance. A decision that changes everything…
For the first time in her life, DCI Emma Gardner finds herself unable to concentrate on the job she loves. Her thoughts are now always with her old colleague Paul Riddick, who lies desperately ill in hospital – a tortured man in life, now facing death.
When a young woman dies from seemingly natural causes, Emma can’t help feeling that something isn’t quite right with the case, but she needs her team to pick up the slack whilst she focuses on Paul.
The case proves more complex than anyone imagined and will test the team like never before. But unbeknownst to everyone, there is another threat lurking even closer to home – Emma’s unpredictable brother Jack. And with Emma distracted, he has free rein to put right the dark and twisted grievances from his own past.
But his actions, when they come, will be devastating. And will destroy everything Emma loves…
The Black Rock Killings by Wes Markin
More about The Black Rock Killings
Emma’s life is up in the air at the moment. To begin with, Paul, her colleague and friend, is lying in a hospital bed and unlikely to survive; secondly, she has started a relationship with a younger female colleague, but she is not sure it is the right thing to do, especially as she has feels for the man lying in the ICU. Lastly, her brother is about to be released from prison, and the last thing she wants is for him to live with her, but it is one of the terms for his release. Then, to top it all off, she gets a call from her boss, asking for a favour even though she is on annual leave.
The seemingly healthy daughter of an ex-colleague has died, and while it appears to be under natural causes, Emma is asked to look into it, just for peace of mind, if nothing else. It soon becomes apparent that this natural death is anything, and it’s down to Emma’s team to find her murderer.
Before too long, the dedicated team learn that this is just the latest in several deaths, and they begin to consider that they are looking for a serial killer. Unfortunately, as they get closer to uncovering the answers, their lead suspect is already planning their escape, and by the time they catch up with him, justice cannot be served.
At the same time, Paul, whilst unconscious, provides the reader with a monologue of his younger life, reflecting on his highs and lows. Jack, Emma’s brother, is also up to no good, which will impact her team far more than anyone first expects.
My Thoughts of The Black Rock Killings
The Black Rock Killings is the 6th book in the Yorkshire Murders series by Wes Markin, but it can easily be read as a standalone without any prior knowledge of the characters.
At the heart of the story is DCI Emma Gardner, a character who immediately commands attention. Gardner shows an element of emotional depth, struggling with personal issues, distracting thoughts, and difficult situations. Her internal conflicts show readers that she is both resilient and fragile.
What sets the plot apart from some other crime thrillers I have read is the psychological complexity of the crime itself. The killings are not random acts of violence—they are intricately planned and thought out, showing how callous the killer really is.
As the narrative unravels, several themes are explored, including varying family dynamics, cold-blooded revenge, and self-hatred, and I am sure readers will be hooked from the opening pages, as the narrative is tightly structured, and each chapter adds a layer of intrigue.
The Black Rock Killings is a brilliant crime thriller that combines a gripping plot and complex characters, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys a fast-paced, intelligent narrative.
About Wes Markin
Wes Markin currently lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury, the Jake Pettman series set in New England and the Yorkshire Murders featuring DCI Emma Gardner. You can keep up to date with feature releases and events by following Wes on Facebook and Instagram as well as signing up for his newsletter.
Have you read any of the Yorkshire Murders series or any other novels by Wes Markin?
I was gifted a copy of this novel as part of a ‘Rachel’s Random Resources‘ book blog tour, but as always, all views are my own.
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