I am grateful to Canelo and netgalley.com for an advance review copy of this book in return for an honest review. Gillard is a character I have read quite a bit of recently, this book was, like all the other an engaging read, each chapter left you wanting to read into the next one to see what was going to happen.

A body is dumped in the Thames with strange markings no one can quite identify, at the same time a peadophile is about to be released after 30 years in prison. The two stories seem so far apart but in reality end up intertwined. The best thing I can say about this book is that I thought I had the end figured out from about half way through but the person I thought had committed the two murders had nothing to do with them, the twist at the end of the plot is quite good.

There was a couple of things that stood out to me when reading the book, the first is that Wright's new age is given as three different ages in the opening chapter of the book, not a huge deal but something that could have been picked up.

Secondly part of the skill in writing series like Rebus or Gillard is getting each story to stand alone but also building on the body of work which has gone before. I think this book stands alone perfectly well but I am not so sure how it builds on the previous ones the characters are all there and the references to the previous books all check out but im not sure that any of that was built upon.

All in all a good read, an easy read and one you will enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

This is the 3rd book I’ve read in this series and it’s fair to say I’m hooked. I really like the main character, he has slowly grown on me and I love the little glimpses into his personal life outside work. DCI Gillard and his team investigate a murder not knowing who the victim is, and a prisoner is released on parole who wants revenge. This is a very well written book that held my attention and kept me guessing all the way through. I thought it had great plot line, which was just that little bit unusual, lots of twists and mostly likeable and believable characters and a fab writing style. Can’t wait for the next book, and catch up with books 1, 2 and 3 when I can.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this book, as with the previous books. I love the way you get to know the characters and their traits and its an easy book to get into. The overweight protaganist was a bit of a odd one though I must admit. But overall a good story that I really enjoyed reading

5 well that was a most interesting killing method stars!

I’m feeling generous today, plus I felt that this is probably the best book in the series so far although the previous book was also excellent. One thing is for certain, Nick Louth is getting better and better at his craft. A man’s body is fished out of the Thames after a number of witnesses report hearing a big splash from one of the bridges one night. But this body is unlike anything anyone has ever seen before. His upper body is very red, almost purple, his eyes are bulging and he seems all puffed up. It looks like he was badly crushed (but by what?) and there is a strange mesh pattern embedded all over him. This is one of the most baffling cases that DCI Craig Gillard has ever faced. If you can guess what’s going on here you’re Sherlock Holmes’ love child!

Meanwhile (there’s always a meanwhile), a man who viciously raped and murdered 5 teenage boys, and has been in prison for around 30 years, is about to be released on parole. Nobody is happy about this apart from the man himself who has fooled everyone and who can’t wait to get revenge on those who put him away - including a newly minted PC Craig Gillard. But when his parole officer visits him on release day to see how he has settled in to his new home there is no sign of him. I can’t say more without spoilers.

This was a terrific mystery with some great twists and a very suspenseful ending that will have wide appeal to thriller and crime mystery readers. The author was certainly very creative this time around and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next time. Thanks to Netgalley, Canelo and Nick Louth for the review copy. My opinions are my own.

A solid four star read. Good premise. Great characters. Enjoyed the style of writing. Plenty of mystery to keep me interested. I guessed the culprit hence the four star review. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it

I have read the previous five books in this excellent series from Nick Louth. I didnt enjoy this one quite so much but it is still very readable and different. The ending was a bit gross and raised the question of the morality of releasing child killers against the ongoing grief of families. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review.

Another excellent novel by Nick Louth, this one is about the release of a notorious child killer. Neville Rollason has spent 30 years in jail and in return for the location of two children whose remains were never found he was promised a release date. A few days prior to his release, a body was found in the Thames crushed to death, DCI Craig Gillard and his team are trying identify the victim and the cause of death when Neville Rollason disappears on the day of his release. Follow the story and it’s gruesome ending.

DCI Craig Gillard has a lot on his plate. A body with strange markings and no ID has been found on an island in the Thames. With little to go on and reticent witnesses, Gillard has his work cut out for him. And then, one of the country’s most vicious serial killers is released in exchange for revealing the location of some of his victims. And when he’s out, he plans to exact revenge on the people who got him arrested and locked up, and guess who’s at the top of his list?

Another fantastic book from the DCI Craig Gillard series. This book had me on the edge of my seat it was atmospheric and thrilling. I am always amazed at the research and detail Nick puts into his books. Craig and his team are called to investigate a body found in the Thames. The body has very unusual markings on it leading to an intricate investigation into the cause of death. While investigation a convicted child killer is released from a 30 year prison sentence under a new identity. Both of these characters stories are linked leading to en exciting and thrilling read. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more from Nick. Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to read this.

The body of a 'chinese' man is found in the River Thames. Sit back & wait for this incredible story to unfold. An excellent book, full of intrigue, detail & imagination. If you enjoy crime & detective work, then you will enjoy this book. So much research must have gone into this book, which makes it such a good read.

I love all of Nick Louth’s work, and this book in his DCI Gillard series, did not disappoint one iota. I love the way the threads of seemingly unrelated threads all connect together in the end, and solved by the dogged Gillard. Already awaiting the next instalment.

An Intriguing Case....
Book six in the DCI Craig Gillard series. An intriguing case for DCI Craig Gillard when a mutilated body is discovered on an island. An engaging plot and an even more engaging murder method. Well written with solid characterisation, a credible protagonist and a colourful cast of supporting characters. A worthy entry to the series.

This book was a bit different and a good mystery that kept me guessing for a while. It was an interesting location and I enjoyed the idea of life on an island in the middle of the Thames.
I have to say that some parts of this were a little bit on the gross side of things for anyone of a delicate disposition, but it is part of the story, just be warned.
All in all a good book that I enjoyed.

I never repeat the blurb. Another superb story from this author with a bizarre, unusual and somewhat disturbing reveal and conclusion. Well written and sympathetic to all who deserved our compassion and understanding. Just great.

In the Thames, amid the houseboats and the islands, there's a body which didn't drown. Who is the man, how did he die and who put him there?

Meanwhile, a notorious child killer is about to be released from prison with a new identity. There's a lot of people out to get him.

Just what DCI Craig Gillard needs....

Another brilliant addition to the series

Enjoyable tale...of particular interest to me are the police and judicial systems of the UK compared to what we have in the USA, they're so civilized compared to what goes on here. Still, in the end, the guilty are dealt with and in "The Body on the Island" life goes on the for rest.

Late on midsummer’s night there is a splash in the river Thames. A body is found on an island, asphyxiated and laced with strange markings. For DCI Craig Gillard it’s a baffling case. The victim’s identity is elusive, clues are scarce and every witness has something to hide. This is another fascinating case involving DCI Gillard and I have to admit there were some really unique methods of murder in this book. Incredibly suspenseful and it kept my interest from the beginning....in fact, I stayed up much of the night reading this because I just couldn't put it down. I really love this author and this character. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

The Body on the Island is another brilliant crime story involving D.I. Craig Gillard.
A body is found after being dumped in the river, identity unknown, cause of death asphyxia with a weird net like pattern on the body.
A serial killer is about to be released from a long term prison sentence for killing young boys and is out to get those he blames for his incarceration and has made many plans to kill again.
As these two events merge due to the involvement of certain characters Gillard has much to solve, but with his great detective skills and a cracking loyal team behind him they start slotting all the missing pieces into place.
Not so much of Gillard’s personal life this time, a breather after all he and his wife went through in the previous book.
This story romped along at a wonderful page turning pace, surprises galore and well rounded characters both good and bad.
The descriptive writing is second to none and the murder method will leave you open mouthed. A great crime thriller, entertaining, eye popping and basically a damn good read. Roll on the next case from this supremely talented author.
My thanks to net galley and publisher Canelo for the opportunity to review this book honestly .

A fascinating story, keeps the reader guessing from beginning to end. I didn’t think anyone could ever come up with a new way of victims being murdered. Congratulations to Nick Louth on coming up with a totally unique format for murder. A must read for anyone in to crime thrillers.

By far the most unique crime novel I've read this year!
There is a large cast of characters and at times it is difficult to keep track of who is who.
Ultimately a very sad case