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Just read all 5 of the "Levels" books. Luckily, only 99 cents each. Very frustrating reading, due to the constant incompetence of the heroine! She forgets to carry her police radio most of the time; drops or loses her mobile phone frequently; goes into dark and dangerous places on a whim, and without backup; always spilling her red wine, and gets cramps in her legs whenever she's on secret surveillance. Very annoying. Was hoping she'd get killed by the crims. in the end! Basically, not-believable, not competent, not interesting and not likeable. Found myself skimming multiple pages, the books were so boring and ridiculous!
The third in this particular series and I found it very hard to put down. I like the main character even though she does tend to get herself into all sorts of strife. A very good read.
Can’t understand how this woman can be a police sergeant. In each book she manages to forget her radio or some other piece of equipment when pursuing some critical lead. How she also is allowed to continually not keep others informed of her doings should have her demoted in a real police force.
Having read all nine in this series, I'd have to say that I have enjoyed every single one. They are very authentic regarding police procedures and the descriptions of the scenery makes you feel as if you are there. Excellent writing!
I'm sorry - living near this part of the country I would have liked to say I enjoyed this author, other readers seem to, but I've worked my way through several of his "..on the levels" books now, and the characters still remain unconvincing 2-dimensional stereotypes. The heroine has risen in the ranks and married her unconventional partner, but apparently learnt nothing, as the plot again requires her to rush into perilous situations and be rescued by her husband, because she cannot make her superiors accept her ideas, and he knows when she is in peril. Their livers are seriously endangered if they continue to drink the amounts of red wine flowing across these pages . The creation of place with landscape and weather was quite effective, and there was some effort to make visible the constraints and pressures of budgets and structures in the police force.
I mainly bought this as I live near where it's set, so I recognise the locations. An apparent haunting by a scarecrow features in this one, and it is true that every year, the villagers put scarecrows outside their properties for everyone to admire. The story keeps moving, but I'm slightly surprised that it's an ex-police officer who wrote it as most of the police in it are useless or horrible! This time we have a murder in Mark (local village) and I must ask in the village shop when the last one was. The book is entertaining and easy to read. I will continue to work through the series.
I read the third book in this series in the faint hope that it would become more believable than the first two. It didn't. Full of clichés, usual format of plucky female officer who always ends up needing to be rescued, superior officers all against her. Weak plot. Need I say more? Well, yes, if you want good detective novels set in Somerset read Damien Boyd.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 September 2019
Verified Purchase
Well the title says it all, fear indeed. The unique layout of the country side with bogs and streams leading to increased difficulty for first responders and witnesses makes for a compelling read. Then the qualities of Detective Kate Hamblin herself enhance the readers enjoyment.
David Hodges has managed to create another story that I couldn't put down until I'd finished reading it. Kate puts herself in front of danger to prove a point, but mostly to get one over on her boss! I love the foolhardiness of Kate's character. Can't wait to read No. 4. Well deserved 5stars.
![FEAR ON THE LEVELS a gripping crime thriller full of suspense (Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery Book 3) by [DAVID HODGES]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417DsqbxEBL._SY346_.jpg)
