Sons of Brutality by Daniel Jeudy

Sons of Brutality #1 by Daniel Jeudy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages -

Publisher - Vivid Publishing

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads/back cover

When Detective Addison Mowbray begins investigating the murders of two young women in the Hollywood Hills, he can't imagine where the case will lead. He suspects the crimes were inspired by an occult fascination, due to some missing body parts and the inverted Christian cross branded on the victims' breasts. But apart from Addison's temperamental partner, Jed, the only other person keen on them pursuing that line of investigation is Lilly Coniglio, a medical examiner from the Coroner's Department. The LAPD is already under immense public pressure due to all the bad press another killer – a vigilante – has brought to their door: it's been over a year since the first organized-crime figure showed up full of holes, with a plastic police badge beside his body.

As Addison and Jed navigate a murky, disturbing occult landscape in search of answers, they uncover something even more terrifying than a killer hiding in the shadows: an organization so vile and powerful that it changes their lives forever. These two troubled detectives are all that stand between this organization and a spectacular season of carnage.

Set against a backdrop of urban bleakness and social inequality, 'Sons of Brutality' combines deeply flawed protagonists with human monsters, integrating strong dialogue, violent action and gripping suspense.



My Review

Detective Addison Mowbray is investigating the brutal murders of two young women in Hollywood Hills, the bodies have been mutilated. As the case progresses, Mowbray feels more and more the murders have more than a little nod to the Occult. Add into that LAPD are already under fire as another serial killer is operating in the area, killing bad guys and leaving plastic badges by the bodies. If that isn't enough for you dear reader we have a third player, Narek, high ranking in the Mafia, ruthless, racist, misogynistic, foul mouthed villain, it is a busy book!

It is a lot crammed into 328 pages, Mowbray has a lot of issues/baggage, issues with the bottle but is a good dude. We follow his investigation, hear from the killer and their views, the vigilante and the Mafia bad guy. Despite multiple storylines I didn't feel too disjointed bouncing from person to person.

This isn't for the faint hearted, there are so many dark, brutal, graphic, horrific elements, some of the characters are really sick, twisted individuals. Narek really brings up the bile, the way he speaks to, thinks about and treats women, the C word is bandied about frequently and that isn't close to being the worst, he is a racist scumbag. I found his parts quite hard going and remember there is an occult/sadist/horror individual, also dark reading but Narek really got under my skin. I think because there is so much hate/bile/abuse in reality it just touched a nerve, I was rooting for someone, anyone to pan his melt in!

I would love to see the vigilante get more *air time* - I got echoes of a bit of Jack Reacher code from him. We always love to see someone bring justice to bad people so yeah I would like the next book to be theirs or heavily featured if there is a book two. I think if there is a series then there has been good foundations laid down. I would like to read more from this author but definitely prepare yourself to step into a very dark, nasty world, 3/5 for me.

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Review - Filth by Irvine Welsh

Filth by Irvine Welsh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 6 days

Publisher - Jonathan Cape

Blurb from Goodreads

With the festive season almost upon him, Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson is winding down at work and gearing up socially -- kicking off Christmas with a week of sex and drugs in Amsterdam. There are irritating flies in the ointment, though, including a missing wife, a nagging cocaine habit, a dramatic deterioration in his genital health, a string of increasingly demanding extra-marital affairs. The last thing he needs is a messy murder to solve. Still it will mean plenty of overtime, a chance to stitch up some colleagues and finally clinch the promotion he craves.

But as Bruce spirals through the lower reaches of degradation and evil, he encounters opposition -- in the form of truth and ethical conscience -- from the most unexpected quarter of all: his anus. In Bruce Robertson, Welsh has created one of the most corrupt, misanthropic characters in contemporary fiction and has written a dark, disturbing and very funny novel about sleaze, power, and the abuse of everything. At last, a novel that lives up to its name.



My review

Oh dear Lord what on earth can I say about this book! I have read some of Irvine Welsh before, it was years ago but I remember it being rude, naughty, disgusting and this one is no different unless it is to say it is bigger and badder on each level. Our "star" of the book is Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson and one of the vilest human beings to ever walk the earth. He is a corrupt police officer, nasty, vile, a sexual deviant and those are probably his better points!

There has been a murder with possible racist motives which Bruce has to try and solve in between going on vacation to Amsterdam, take illegal drugs, battle intestinal issues, a skin condition and women troubles. As the case goes on, Bruce gets drawn into darker ventures as his fight for power and his grip on sanity hangs in the balance.

I can honestly say this book would offend just about, if not every single person, I know! Racist, sexist, bestiality, prostitution, sexual deviancy are just a few things touched on. I picked this book up as the movie is due to be released soon and I am worried I may hate James McAvoy as he is playing Bruce. The story pushes all the pc boundaries and through certain bits of the book there would be text covering the story underneath with text within bracket like illustrations, as the book goes on this becomes clear what it is but it irritated me as you had to guess the words underneath.

I can't say I enjoyed this book as I was offended far to much by it but it has to be said Irvine Welsh is a genius for bringing characters to life and making your skin crawl with their vileness. You can see the character and the picture is painted so well it is as clear as a movie playing in your head. Please note this is a Scottish novel and the speech is written in slang for large parts which some people may struggle to get through. 3/5 for me this time and as before I would read Irvine Welsh again but I think I would need a drink or three to blunt the offensiveness.

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