Watching The Bodies: Blog Tour & Review

?? Happy Publication Day, Graham Smith!! ??

Eeeeeeek!  December 19th 2015 I got my hands on Jake Boulder and what is now called Watching the Bodies for the very first time as a beta read, so I am incredibly excited, thrilled, and over-the-friggin moon to finally be able to take part in this blog tour and assist in #UnleashingBoulder into the book world with a review of this fantastic new series by one of my all time faves: Mr Graham Smith!! Phew…had to say that all in one breath!

A massive thanks to Sarah Hardy, Publicist extraordinaire & Bloodhound Books for an ARC and for asking me to take part….not sure Sarah had much of a choice with all my harassment! ?? #NotAStalker

So let’s get to know a little bit about the author and how to contact him and then I’ll share my review!! Plus, don’t forget to stop by Bibliophile Book Club too as Ellen (guest reviewer) shares her thoughts as the second stop on the blog tour today!

About The Author

Graham Smith, a family man and a time served joiner he has built bridges, houses, dug drains and slated roofs to make ends meet. Since Christmas 2000 he has been manager of a busy hotel and wedding venue near Gretna Green, Scotland.

An avid fan of crime fiction since being given one of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books at the age of eight, he has also been a regular reviewer and interviewer for the well-respected website Crimesquad.com since 2009

He is the author of four books featuring DI Harry Evans and the Cumbrian Major Crimes Team and one book, WATCHING THE BODIES in a new series featuring Utah doorman, Jake Boulder.

Contact Graham Smith through the following links: Facebook Author Page ; Website ; Twitter ; Amazon

Synopsis:

When Jake Boulder is asked by his PI friend to help investigate the vicious murder of Kira Niemeyer, he soon finds himself tracking a serial killer who selects his next victim in a most unusual manner.

As the body count rises, Boulder has to work with the police to identify the heinous killer before more lives are taken. What ensues is a twisted game of cat and mouse, that only Boulder or the Watcher can survive.

My Rating: #AllTheStars 5/5  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Review:

The excitement I feel at this very moment in time is absolutely unexplainable! I have been a massive fan of Graham Smith right from the very start, the #LeaderOfHisCheer, so when I got my hands on this badboy…OMFG…I could not wait for it to be published!  If I am feeling this way, I can only imagine how the author feels – but Mr Smith, I don’t think you have anything to worry about as this is one superb, kick-ass series that I think will go from strength to strength!

Set in Casperton, Utah this book is filled with such things as fear, loss, regret, revenge, abandonment, a power over others – the hunter and the hunted.  Eeeeek!  The pages were dripping with this almost eery, paranoia feel – the constant fear of having to look over your shoulder, hoping and praying that you don’t stumble across something you shouldn’t and wondering which of the characters could be next!  LOVED it!!

This was a fast paced plot with punch-in-the-gut action around every corner.  We know, in a sense, from the start who the killer is and we look through his eyes at the victims he litters across Casperton.  The reader is left gasping…yes GASPING for breath as they turn each page – who is The Watcher’s next victim? Why is he doing this?  Needless to say, the #Killerhook lured me in and drove me through this book at a pace that left my mind reeling!  What a bloody rush!

Hang on tight peeps, as now I am going to talk about the characters – something Mr Smith has mastered in my honest opinion!  And who better to start with than my #FictionalBoyfriend – oh yes….Jake Boulder! ♥️? *Swoon*.  ?♥️ This guy is DELICIOUS!  Finally unleashed into the fictional world, Jake Boulder is a bouncer/doorman in a bar called The Joshua Tree and from the get go, you know that he can handle himself.  The ultimate #badboy with a likeable cockiness that immediately draws you to him. Intelligent, fit, ready for action – god this guy is #Boulderlicious!  What I loved about him is that fact that he is loyal, introspective, oozes courage under pressure and is determined.  I could go on….but I may forget I am writing a review!  ?

Alfonse is another character that drew me in.  He is effectively Boulder’s BFF- having known him for years.  Alfonse is the brains while Boulder is the brawn (though Boulder is no dummy!).  As a private investigator, Alfonse uses his IT/skills to assist Boulder in the hunt for The Watcher.  I love the banter between Boulder and Alfonse – their friendship is clear from the start.  And in tough times, you just KNOW that Alfonse has got his back. Adore him!

Ms Rosenberg- ?? This lady rocks!!  There is definitely more to this woman than meets the eye.  She is bold, brash and will do what it takes to expose a story! Persistent, confident and totally in your face – Ms Rosenberg says it how she sees it and I absolutely thought she was fantastic!

Chief Watson, Dr Edwards and Boulder’s mother are also characters that got under my skin – each for different reasons but all positive!  Chief Watson knows his team of police are…well…probably not the brightest bunch.  Recognising Boulder’s skills, a mutual respect exists between this pair and I can see a firm friendship in the making.  Dr Edwards is brilliant!  I totally love him and could spend hours reading chapters where he psychoanalyses people.  Quid pro quo – He is clever but not an arse and really helps to show the reader a different side to Boulder.  One where the total tough guy image is stripped back and we learn more about who Boulder is whilst also seeing how the case progresses.  I could go on about this character, but where is the fun in that!  Read about him yourself when you buy this book….. #JustSaying – Finally, Boulder’s mother.  What a character she is!  I love the dynamics between her and Boulder.  She is so narcissitic but Boulder really loves her and despite her overbearing ways- she utterly loves him too. Awwww….

The last character I am going to talk about (promise…though there are so many more!) is The Watcher.  WTAF is going on with this guy!? He has strict guidelines in terms of his MO and he will not stray from these.  He is focussed on the end result and seems to relish the destruction he is reaping on others.  Calculating, cunning and totally conniving- you just had better hope you are not his next victim!  Friggin loved it!!!

Damn!  My review has turned into a novella, so I will just say this!  If you are looking for a high octane, action packed, crime thriller that will leave you begging…yes BEGGING for more – then look no further!  A massive HELL FRIGGIN YEAH recommendation from me…click the book below and join #TeamBoulder!!  *High Five* Mr Smith, you have totally nailed this!       #BOOM! ?? Another #TopRead2017