Book Review

The story is set in the picturesque city of Tours, France, the story covers topics of biomedical research, eco terrorism, and some hidden facets of French aristocracy.

Procureur D’Archambeau has been trying to get rid of Juge Matthieu Lombard, with trumped up charges of tampering with evidence, early retirement, forced grief counselling, after the death of Madeleine, Lombards wife, but nothing had worked. A lot of this because Lombard didn’t do politics, he had no ambition to go higher than his current role, add to the fact he is half English and half French.But Lombard wasn’t going to resign no matter how hard he was pushed, even if it meant doing mind numbing work.

But when a gruesome discovery of a body is found with no head on the banks of the river Loire, with Procureur D’Archambeau out of town, it means the investigation goes to Juge d’instruction Lombard.

Back working with his long time colleague Commissaire Guy Aubret and his team, the pair begin to unearth background of the dead man, a loner with no friends or family. Lombard recognises some of himself in the dead man, since losing his wife he had shut himself off. Lombard is determined to get justice for the dead man. Then a high profile missing person case comes in and threatens to put the case of the dead man on the back shelf.

But then the cases show signs of intersecting, and Lombard is attacked, he has to fight to stay on the case.

This makes for a well paced, mystery read, I like Lombard, he is still struggling to come to terms with the death of his wife. But his work helps him, especially when it comes to the crime he has in this book. With the dead man seeming to have gone from being a bit of a slob to someone who has tidied up his life, had he met a woman? Had the relationship ended? All that made sense but the missing head didn’t.

All of the main characters are solid in this, Lombard trusts the team that he works with, although he still has to regain the trust of Commissaire Aubret, despite the fact that he can prove that he didn’t do what he was accused of, he doesn’t show that proof. There are plenty of red herrings, and some very complex characters within the story to keep you guessing.

But as the story progresses gradually each step leads to the next clue, will you be able to guess who is behind everything before you finish the book?

Thank you to #Netgalley and @duckworthpress for an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair, and honest review.

Another great murder mystery from Ian Moore; fresh for me having also recently read “The Man Who Didn’t Burn”.
There are a number of factors that enable this series to stand out and ooze quality in the cramped field of crime fiction.

These books are set in France, centred on Tours.
Secondly, their legal system is slightly different to many other police services in the U.K. The role of the detectives investigating a case is subservient to the presiding judicial authorities who appoint an overseeing magistrate figure. Here, it is Judge Lombard who takes centre stage. Not one to stay in the background and sign search warrants from his desk he is like an additional investigator, getting up close and personal with witnesses and suspects.
It is this tension and Lombard’s personal background that make these such interesting reads.

The author writes convincing plots full of intricate details and packed with interesting characters. Indeed it is the writer’s ear for dialogue; and understanding of the being both French and English as in the Judge’s family history couple all together with a span of language to pick out detail even from among the familiar and the everyday.

His writing style is broad and inviting, building tension both in action and among the characters themselves.
I particularly enjoyed the growth in character development among the police team and that the second case back Lombard seems to be enjoying himself. There is so much scope for this journey to continue and relationships to develop I trust this series has a long future with several books planned.

Starting reading this without reading the first. Didn't feel like I had to have read the 1st to understand the book and characters, so that was a good plus.

Overall I found the book kinda slow moving for my liking.

I did like the details with the hints and clues that helped you follow along. The characters were strong. The plot had nice twists and action as well.

Would probably go back and read book 1 at a later time.

Thank you Netgalley for the copy.

Dead Behind The Eyes by Ian Moore is an interesting detective story. Set in France, we find the Judge Matthieu Lombard investigating the finding of a decapitated body of a lonely man in the River Loire.
A fairly laid back story that gets quite complicated. Lots of interesting characters and twisty developments.

Recommended read.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from Duckworth Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#DeadBehindTheEyes #NetGalley

Well written, gripping, and intriguing. A good novel that kept me hooked and guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Having read the first Judge Lombard title, I had eagerly anticipated more from this intelligent and contemplative character. The story is again very engrossing and I felt that the characters were easier to keep track of, this is possibly because the reader already knows the detective team. I didn't enjoy the settings quite as much as the first as they were more urban, with less emphasis on and description of the Loire. This is purely a personal preference for the more scenic though. The denouement was a little confusing and didn't feel tight but there is a nice twist which is enough to keep the reader turning the page. I also particularly liked the concluding sentences regarding Lombard, which hints at a change of perspective and hopefully, book three.
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced review copy in return for an honest opinion.

An excellent page turning crime thriller. Strong characters, including one very dysfunctional family and the plot fizzes with twists and action. Highly recommended.

I love these Juge Lombard books, and this story was great!
I like the setting, and the research is obviously done carefully. Having the main protagonist half-English makes for an interesting spin. But best of all, is his character, grumpy, idiosyncratic and bolshie! Excellent.
I also like action, a good plot, and twists, and there was plenty to keep me happy. Some of the twists were great! And not all unexpected answers were kept for the end, so it was a satisfying read throughout.
I’ve read the previous books, but I think it would be easy to read this one without having read the others, as characters are explained and background is given, yet without detracting from the story.

This is the second book in the Judge Lombard series, and it follows on seamlessly. Matthieu Lombard is a magnificent, thorough, pain in the derrière investigating judge, and in this book is starting to realise that his period of mourning for his late wife Madeleine must come to an end. His colleagues want his expertise and radical views on police work, although he still has to prove himself as honest and reliable. He enjoys annoying people.
A dead body has been fished out of the River Loire, headless, but has identification in the form of a driving licence in his pocket. Lombard wonders why the head was removed but documents left behind?
The dead man appears to have been a loner, not missed by his work mates, and Lombard has this dread of ending up alone , unless he makes a greater effort to get back into society and make friends.
This story is set in Tours and introduces themes of illegal bio medical research and the power of the French Aristocracy. There are plenty of red herrings , complexities and characters to contend with. This is a well imagined piece of murder and deception, that flows like good French wine. Each step leads to another clue, the armchair detectives will be delighted with this chaotic, overly involved, foot- in- the- mouth, impetuous, comedic, accident prone and very stubborn judge.
Even though the English and French law is so different, and the French Gendarmes do not enjoy a good reputation for hard work, there is much to delight and enjoy in this read. I have also learnt a new word, Thanatological, but haven’t managed to work it into any conversations yet!!
Love and highly recommend this book, it’s a real treat. A five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Duckworth Books for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

The latest mystery with Juge Lombard investigating the discovery of a headless corpse in the River Loire doesn’t let one down. Lots of characters from the previous tale assist in what begins as one investigation but becomes two with the disappearance of a young girl from a prominent local family. Of course both investigations become one as connections are revealed. The threat of being removed from the case by the chief prosecutor is neatly avoided by Lombard’s discovery of secrets that the prosecutor would hate to be revealed. An entertaining twisting tale with a clever denouement and one hopes for more from this enigmatic Juge.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Ian Moore’s Dead Behind the Eyes is a captivating addition to the Juge Lombard Mystery series, blending intricate plotting with rich character development. Set in the picturesque yet shadowy city of Tours, France, this novel delves into the complexities of eco-terrorism, biomedical research, and the hidden facets of French aristocracy.

The story begins with the gruesome discovery of a decapitated body on the banks of the River Loire. The victim, a lonely and unclaimed man, becomes the focal point of an investigation led by the reluctant yet determined Juge Lombard. As Lombard digs deeper, he is drawn into a web of conspiracy that not only threatens his career but also his personal life.

Moore’s portrayal of Juge Lombard is both nuanced and compelling. Lombard, a character with a foot in both English and French cultures, navigates the bureaucratic intricacies of the French legal system with a blend of skepticism and dedication. His relationship with his young niece, who unexpectedly appears in his life, adds a touching and humanizing element to the narrative.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to weave together multiple threads of intrigue. From the murky world of eco-terrorism to the ethical dilemmas of biomedical research, Moore keeps the reader guessing with each twist and turn. This story is meticulously crafted, ensuring that every revelation feels surprising and inevitable.

Moore’s writing is evocative, capturing the essence of the Loire Valley with its historical charm and underlying menace. The setting serves as almost a character in its own right, influencing the mood and direction of the story.

The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with characters that are memorable and integral to the plot. From the enigmatic eco-terrorists to the morally ambiguous scientists, each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Dead Behind the Eyes is a masterfully written thriller that will appeal to fans of classic and contemporary crime fiction. Ian Moore has crafted a story as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-plotted mystery with rich character development.

This novel cements Moore’s place in the crime fiction genre and also leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Juge Lombard series.

When a headless body is found in the Loire, reported by an anonymous caller, Juge Lombard's antenna are twitching. When he literally stumbles over another body, his spidey senses are really working themselves into a frenzy. Several red herrings and dead ends later, with a bit of blackmail, he is on the right track and able to work out the who and why.
An enjoyable read.

DEAD BEHIND THE EYES - Interesting story lines and good characters but sometimes it was too easy to put the book down. I laughed when I read chapter 48, I saw a movie the night before with similar crimes. Source: Netgallet. 4*

This is the first Juge Lombard book I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Set in Tours where Lombard is a Juge d’Instruction, but one who like to get involved in the investigations.
A headless body is found in the river Loire, luckily he has a drivers licence in his pocket which gives his identity, this does not help though as he seems to have been a loner.
A young woman, a member of a powerful family is reported missing and although she is 18 Lombard is tasked to investigate. Are the two cases linked?
Well written and a very good read.

This is the second book in the Judge Lombard series. I have not read the first book but have really enjoyed Dead behind the Eyes. That being said I did not feel that I needed to read the first one to enjoy this but will definitely be picking myself up a copy. I did not want to put this book down, it is a real page-turner. I felt all of the characters kept you gripped and the plot is so fast paced. I look forward to reading more in this series.

This is a very enjoyable second entry in the Judge Lombard series. While Lombard is still trying to regain good standing in his department, he assumes the case of a headless body found in the river. Aside from a complicated case with very few clues, he is also hampered by the political realities of the community when he is tasked with finding the missing daughter of the wealthiest family in town. I couldn't put this book down, the writing is wonderful and the characters are complex and fascinating. I admit I got lost in the plot a bit about three-quarters of the way through, but it all comes together in the end. I anxiously await the next in the series. Thanks for NetGalley and Duckworth Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Juge Matthieu Lombard (half English and half French) series set in historic Tours, France! The story begins with the discover of a headless body in the river Loire. Meanwhile, a young lady from a rich family has disappeared from her home! Juge Lombard has to investigate both crimes whilst navigating relationships with his colleagues, especially his boss. Juge Lombard is a complex character still coming to terms with the loss of his wife, Marianne. I was glued to the book and it was unputdownable. It was a gripping and riveting book, full of twists and turns with an explosive conclusion.

This second book in the (hopefully extensive) series is even better than the first. I loved the strong sense of place, in the historic town of Tours, and the differences between the French and English detective procedures. M Juge is a lonely figure since the death of his wife, and is aware that his character quirks can be annoying to his colleagues. He is a fascinating lead character as he directs the investigations of the headless corpse and missing teenager. I thoroughly recommend this book.

The second in the Juge Lombard series, sees our protagonist overseeing the case of a dead.man decapitated whilst the disappearance of a young woman from a family of medical researchers keeps him busy. I like the charismatic character of the Anglo French judge and the French criminal investigation culture is interesting and a huge difference to a British or American police procedural. Fast paced and a very enjoyable read.