Cover Image: Dead End Street

Dead End Street

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Member Reviews

Just brilliant, a really compelling thriller. Third in the series, they are best read in order as you find out the histories of the other characters. The city of Newcastle is a character in it's own right in these stories as well as the people being well drawn. Brutal and bloody at times, another excellent fast-paced thriller. Highly recommend!

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Mixed emotions here as I was keen to read book 3 of the trilogy but didn’t really want the journey with Jimmy and friends to be over. When Gadge is found unconscious close to a murder victim and get the blame, Jimmy sets out to clear him. Trevor Wood can definitely write a convincing character and in this book we learn more of the back story of Gadge. This is another really good instalment is what has been a great trilogy. We leave Jimmy in much better shape than when we first met him with a future that you’ll have to imagine but it feels to me like he’ll stay on the up and up (well in Jimmy style anyway). Highly recommended to be read as part of the trilogy.

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This series became a favorite and I'm a bit sad to let Jimmy go.
This is the best instalment, a brilliant book that balance gritty moments with some funny moments.
The plot is gripping, twisty and kept me reading.
There's a lot going on and we get to know Jimmy's story.
I loved this series and love d this book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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The third and (sadly) final part in the brilliant 'Sherlock Homeless' trilogy, Dead End Street completes the series in triumphant fashion.

While the main character is Jimmy, he would be nothing without his best mates and partners in not-so-much-crime anymore, Deano and Gadge.
The first book focused on Jimmy, book 2 on Deano and in this one we learn all about Gadge. Throughout the story, we are shown flashbacks to an emotional and eye opening story about this brilliant character and how he ended up on the streets, while in realtime, he is in trouble after finding himself arrested on suspicion of murder.
Jimmy has got right back on his feet since the last book. Employed and with a roof over his head, he has decided that the amateur investigating is behind him now, until he gets a phone call telling him where Gadge is. Ably assisted by Deano (and Dog!) he goes on one last hunt for answers to clear his friends name.

A very fitting and emotional end to this brilliant series.

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The third in a series of books by Trevor Wood, Dead End Street starts with a vicious assault on a homeless man, the latest in a series of similar style vigilante attacks that has both the police and the homeless population concerned.

Jimmy has his life back on track. He's got a roof over his head, a job and is keeping on the right side of the law, Deano's also coming on in leaps and bounds but their friend Gadge is still out there. Keeping tabs on him isn't easy but the three are friends and when Gadge is arrested on susicion of murder keeping out of it isn't something the Jimmy and Deano are willing to do.

I hadn't read the first two in the series and was intending to read this as a standalone novel but only pages in I found myself invested enough in the characters and liking it so much that I put book three on hold, purchased the first two and read all three in a week.

This trilogy of books has the perfect mix of great characterisation, drama and wit. Whilst highlighting the grim reality of life on the streets it also shows a community spirit and loyalty amongst the characters that made it a compelling read. I totally recommend not just this book but all three in the series.

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In this final novel in Trevor Wood's excellent trilogy, we find ex-navy Falklands veteran Jimmy Mullen in a better place. He's coping better with his PTSD and nightmares and is no longer living on the streets, with a job at the homeless hostel for 18-25 year olds and accommodation that goes with it, where his beloved dog Dog can also stay. His daughter is getting married and has asked him to give her away and even his ex-wife Bev is thawing a little. However, as his parole officer keeps reminding he's still on probation, following prison time for an accidental killing, and needs to keep out of trouble.

Jimmy together with his two homeless friends Gadge and Deano have earned the nickname 'the three musketeers' following their adventures investigating a murder and then stopping a drug dealer supplying deadly drugs. Now Jimmy has heard that homeless men are being beaten up indiscriminately by two unknown men. When Gadge is beaten up by two men in an alley, the police find him unconscious, lying next to the body of one of the men, covered in his blood, they arrest him for murder. It's now up to Jimmy to find whoever murdered the man and left Gadge to take the blame.

As Jimmy investigates who set Gadge up, he find's out more about Gadge's life and how he spiralled from a business man with a loving wife to become a drunk, homeless man living on the streets. As with the previous two books, this is a compelling look at why people can end up destitute through no fault of their own and no safety net to catch them. The novel, set in the underworld of Newcastle is dark and gritty, especially when Jimmy comes to the attention of local gang leader and hard man Stevie Connors. However, Jimmy is not on his own with old friends policeman Andy Burns, his tolerant parole officer Sandy and librarian Aiofe, as well as lawyer Charlie Gascoigne there to help him. This is an excellent ending to the trilogy and although Jimmy's story is not yet over, he is well set up for a better life in the future.

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This is the third and final part of Trevor Wood's excellent trilogy, set in and around Newcastle and focusing on the homeless of the North East. This instalment is the best of the three, explaining as it does what has caused the principal characters to end up in their current situation. It is written with compassion and insight and makes the protagonists very likeable. When several rough sleepers are murdered Jimmy Mullen is determined to work out who is responsible and why. A tremendous read

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Fabulous story that I could not put down. Would highly recommend to fans of this genre. Great writing, and I will look for more from this author.

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This is the third and, sadly, final book in this series (trilogy). All of which have been brilliant books, please go back and start from the beginning. I will really miss the characters - Jimmy, Gadge and Deano - who I have actually grown quite fond of along the way. Book one concentrated on Jimmy, book two on Deano, so it is Gadge's turn herein. I won't spoil things but it's a real eye opener to see how he got to where he is today, sadly a homeless alcoholic with major health issues.
Anyway... there's been a spate of physical attacks on the homeless, who have also come under verbal attack from those who don't believe they are really homeless. Gadge is worried enough to try and do something about it so he goes on a stake out at a place he believes could harbour those responsible. Sadly he is attacked himself. Worse still, he is found covered in someone else's blood, lying next to a body, a baseball bat in his hands. Long story short, he is arrested and Jimmy and Deano then start to investigate the circumstances, believing their friend to be innocent. They are able supported by the cast of usual suspects we have also got to know over the previous three books. Including Jimmy's own family who he has reconnected with recently.
I'm not going to lie. At times it is a harrowing read. Very dark in places. But there are also some wonderful lighter moments which help to keep the book balanced and prevent it from going too dark. But the homeless life is grim and it would be doing the characters and indeed that world an injustice if it wasn't realistic. Gadge's backstory is also very sad and wholly credible. How he slipped through the cracks of society with little resistance. I would imagine parts of it are echoed all across the country, all too easily.
I've said that the trilogy is ended but I really hope that this isn't the last we see of Jimmy and his friends. I already said I am going to miss them and I really am. Even if just as bit players in a future books, it would be nice to catch up. That said, I wonder what the author is planning for his next book. I'm really quite excited to find out.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

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Another excellent book in the series. Pleased to find out more about why Gadge ended up homeless. This series had had the right mix of crime, and dark humour.

I will do a proper review for my book blog too. Thanks for the opportunity for an early read.

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I had enjoyed the first two Jimmy Mullen books and this was as satisfying and enjoyable a rad as the first two in this trilogy.

The only disappointment is that the series has now ended but the ending was well thought through , fitting and credible.

Tough, gritty, and as evocative as ever this excellent thriller marks the end of the first part of Trevor Wood's writing career but surely it is simply the end of the beginning as there will undoubtedly be much more from him in the future and I for one look forward to his next offering as he is a talented author.

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5/5 - Outstanding

Dead End Street brings a fitting close to a quite magnificent trilogy from Trevor Wood.

The story of Jimmy, Gadge and Deano has kept me entertained this past couple of years, and this final, touching, heart breaking yet humour filled crime caper and tale of the homeless crime fighter in Newcastle is going to be one of my favourite reads of the year.

With Gadge in a world of trouble, and Jimmy trying to stay on the straight and narrow, Trevor Wood writes an encapsulating drama that serves to entertain and thrill any and all crime fans.

With such an inviting writing style, short, snappy chapters and characters that stand out like sirens, so strong and appealing that they all are, Trevor Wood has created something, different, unique and just a little bit special and while I’m gutted there won’t be more, he’s closed it so very well, that I’m left happy and extra satisfied with the finale.

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A thoroughly enjoyable 4.5* and fitting end to the Jimmy Mullen trilogy.

Trevor Wood’s Dead End Street is the third and final instalment with Jimmy Mullen and his friends from the Pit Stop.

We rejoin Jimmy in a sweet spot. He has a job, a flat and a good relationship with his daughter. However, the homeless in Newcastle are under threat from vigilantes who are whipping up support on social media. When Gadge gets caught in a melee, he lands in Durham Prison, reliant on Jimmy to unfurl what has happened and to take on the grittier side of the city.

A good trilogy brings a satisfying end but always leaves you slightly bereft. This is no exception. Jimmy, Gadge, Deano and the wider characters are a delight. The plot zips along and everything is held together tightly by the relationships and the dialogue. That many of the characters have difficult back stories and have spent time on the streets is not a trite hook, it is weaved sympathetically throughout the series, no doubt as this is a cause close to the author’s heart (as noted in the acknowledgements). There is also the added bonus of the Newcastle setting for anyone familiar with the North East. It would work well as a stand-alone but inevitably starting at the end will reveal plot lines from earlier books.

Thanks to Quercus and Netgalley for an ARC. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book (and series). I’ve already persuaded someone to pre-order!

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Dead End Street is the third book in the excellent series from Trevor Wood starring Jimmy Mullen, Deano, Gadge and of course Dog and it is another outstanding, page turning novel that will keep a reader hooked from the first to the last page.

Mullen has now managed to get a job and is not living on the streets but when Gadge is beaten up he has to help his friend.

The author has created a tremendous cast of characters and if Dead End Street ends up being the last book in the series then all concerned go out on a high.

Definitely recommended.

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I can’t believe this is the last book in the series which the author envisaged as a trilogy. I love the characters and the plots and I am now feeling bereft that I can no longer catch up with Jimmy, Gadge and Deano.
In this final episode “ Sherlock Homeless” Jimmy now has a job and a place to live but when his friend Gadge is found unconscious, covered in blood, next to a murder victim, Jimmy resolves to investigate and clear his friend who is locked up in prison.
Dead End Street gives more of Gadge’s background, explaining why he ended up a homeless alcoholic.
I enjoyed learning about this and it fitted in perfectly when I thought about where Gadge’s strengths lay.
This has been a wonderful series which not only contained some great mysteries but also humanised homeless people and made the reader really think about their sad situation and how easy it is for people to spiral downwards until there is nowhere else to go.
I am secretly hoping that the author will relent and give us readers a few more instalments in this excellent series. This is definitely a five star read for me and I highly recommend the whole series to readers who enjoy a detective series with a difference. I will certainly be looking out for any future books which Trevor Wood writes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus books for my arc.

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Dead End Street is,tragically,the last book in Trevor Wood's excellent Jimmy Mullen series. Mullen is a homeless Naval veteran of the Falklands War suffering from PTSD becuase of his experiences. Along with a couple of mates, the less than dynamic duo of Deano and Gadge, Mullen finds himself investigating crimes that generally start out under the police's radar and earning himself the nickname "Sherlock Homeless"

The first book in the trilogy,The Man on the Street, was mostly Mullen's story,and rightly won a sackful of awards, the second, One Way Street,was Deano's tale and this one is Gadge's turn.

The book begins with one of a series of vigilante attacks against Newcastle's homeless. Gadge determines to hunt down the villains, Mullen now with a job and being on licence from prison doesn't want to get involved. That lasts as long as it takes Gadge to be found unconscious and covered in blood in an alley. With a Baseball bat and a dead body next to him making it look obvious what has happened,not least as the blood he's covered is that of the deceased. things look very bad for Gadge. Mullen suspects a set up and reluctantly,and against all advice,sets out to discover the truth.

This is a great read,Gadge's former life will surprise most regular readers of the series, it certainly does Mullen,as will the number of people with a possible motive to wish him harm. There are plenty of twists, plenty of memorable characters and constant suspense as Mullen risks the life he has fought hard to make for himself and his freedom to clear his friend's name.

The great thing about this trilogy is that a lot of it's characters are life's unfortunates,the homeless,the addicts,the mentally ill etc but it never patronises or ridicules them. Far from that,by telling the stories of the "3 Musketeers" in detail we see how they got to the place in life they are in the books and realise that "there but for the grace of God................". These are people with many qualities,not least loyalty and a willingness to put themselves at risk to do the right thing,they are not lesser people just because life has dealt them a bad hand.

The whole trilogy is a fantastic read and I'd strongly advise anyone who hasn't read the previous 2 books to do so before reading this one. You can read it as a standalone but to get the most out of it,and of course to treat yourself to a couple of outstanding books it's much better to start at the beginning.

I can still see plenty of mileage in Jimmy Mullen ,Trevor Wood has stated that there will be no more but it seemed to me that he's left the door open.
Great stuff.

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I really tried to read this book slowly knowing it is the last in a brilliant series.
I loved everything about this book; the return of several fantastic characters, clever plotting and the respect shown to the homeless population.
It's almost sad to know there will be no more "3 musketeers" adventures .

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Sherlock Homeless hangs up his hat in style

#3 in the Jimmy Mullen trilogy

Jimmy’s nick name is Sherlock Homeless given to him by the forces self help group. Sadly this is the last one.

Jimmy takes a leave of absence from his job to help clear Gadget who has been charged with murder after being beaten himself, he is left in close proximity of a badly beaten body with the murder weapon in his hand and the victims blood on him
Jimmy seeks out answers from talking to the homeless community trying to track down others who have been victims of recent beatings. He also gets involved with a notorious gangster, putting his freedom at risk.
In this book we find out more about Gadge’s back story.

The main characters are just so likeable, and very engaging. I was invested in their lives. They are fiercely loyal to each other.
I had to smile when Deano mixed up 2 rhetorical questions. He comes out with some humorous quips.

There are several threads which gives a constant stream of interest. It’s moving too.
Jimmy goes out on a high! I think this is the strongest of the 3 books, I highly recommend it. It’s in my books of the year selection.

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4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Jimmy Mullens #3

A group of vigilantes are carrying out a campaign of harassment against the homeless, hounding them both verbally and physically to get them off the streets. Jimmy Mullen is approached by his friend Gadge, who wants to confront the people behind it but Jimmy has got his life back on track. He's working at a hostel for 18-25 year olds and he's reluctant to get involved in anything dodgy. Gadge decides to go it alone but is attacked by two of the vigilantes. The police find him unconscious in an alley, covered in blood. Problem is, there's a dead body in the alley too, and it's his blood Gadge is covered in. He's also got the murder weapon in his hand.

This is the last book in the Jimmy Mullen series. Gadge is in trouble and Jimmy, Deano and Dog will do everything they can to find out what happened in the alley that night. you can't help but like the main characters in this book. They are all loyal to their friends and they all have their own troubles. this series is set in Newcastle and this story focuses on Gadge. We learn in this series what it's like to be homeless. This is a dark, intense and well written book. I was hooked from the beginning, knowing I was in for a thrilling read. I will be looking forward to reading what's in store form the author next.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #QuercusBooks and the author #TrevorWood for my ARC of #DeadEndStreet in exchange for an honest review.

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The third part of this consistently great and gritty trilogy featuring Jimmy Mullen.

Jimmy is a PTSD-suffering veteran with a nose for investigation, nicknamed Sherlock Homeless, together with his good pals Deano and Gadge, they can't help but get drawn into trouble on the streets of Newcastle.

There have been a spate of violent attacks on homeless people, and when Gadge is found bloodied and bruised, holding a baseball bat, next to a dead body, Jimmy is drawn into the investigation to try to help his friend.

The strength of this book and the trilogy, is the depth of character combined with a unique perspective of life on the streets in tightly plotted and involving crime stories. Once again Trevor delivers a perfect blend of character, humour, twists and tension.

Each book has focussed on the backstory of one of the 'three musketeers' and this time we learn all about Gadge's past. You can't help but be drawn to these characters, decent men drawn together through trying to survive on the streets.

On top of the depth of character and relationships the plotting is intricate and involved. The tension ramps up brilliantly as the story progresses. It is a good while since I've felt so invested in a British crime thriller.

This book is a must read and trilogy should be read in order. This book is the perfect conclusion to a very solid and unique trilogy. I will miss Jimmy and his friends but can't wait to see what Trevor Wood writes next.

Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books

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