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Taken to the Hills: A Fast-paced British Crime Thriller (Luke Sackville Crime Thrillers Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,883 ratings

Abductions and murder are not what ex-DCI Luke Sackville expected when he left the police after tragedy struck his family.

Luke’s return to the workplace was meant to be a soft landing but when a woman vanishes after being accused of taking bribes, he is assigned a disparate team and tasked with tracking her down.

Their search becomes more urgent when her disappearance is linked to the death of a second woman. When a third goes missing the hunt becomes a race against time. Luke’s return to work presents him with the most challenging case of his career as the murder victims mount.

Murder and intrigue are peppered with humour in this fast-paced crime thriller set in and around the beautiful city of Bath in the southwest of England.

Taken to the Hills is the first in the Luke Sackville crime series. If you like a team you can root for then you’ll love this page-turner. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, LJ Ross, JM Dalgleish and David J Gatward.

What people are saying about Taken to the Hills

“It was a great read full of twists I honestly did not see coming and I don’t want to give anything away but definitely GO READ THIS!!!”

“Absolutely fantastic. So easy to read. Intriguing characters brought together to try and unravel one situation that quickly turns into missing persons and murder. Twists that keep you hooked and guessing! All at a quick pace that leaves you wanting more.”

“The characters are superbly brought to life while investigating the disappearance of 3 women and the death of another. The plot is fast paced and twisty, and I couldn't put it down.”

“People, you have to read this book. The first for new author S J Richards, it has lovable characters, a steady page turning storyline and a twist that will make your jaw drop and think wait what...”

“A fantastic debut novel set in and around Bath. A very easy read with well formed characters, a little humour and of course murder and intrigue.”

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From the Publisher

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C62NNFTP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Apple Loft Press (October 3, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 3, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3843 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 329 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,883 ratings

About the author

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S J Richards
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Let's get one thing straight: my name's Steve. I've never been called 'SJ' but Steve Richards is a political writer hence the pen name.

​I was born in Bath and have lived at various times on an irregular clockwise circle around England. After university in Manchester my wife and I settled in Macclesfield before moving to Bedfordshire then a few years ago back to Somerset. We now live in Croscombe, a lovely village just outside Wells, with our 2 sprightly cocker spaniels.

​I've always loved writing but have only really had the time to indulge myself since taking early retirement. My daughter is a brilliant author (I'm not biased of course) which is both an inspiration and - because she's so good - a challenge. After a few experiments, and a couple of completed but unsatisfactory and never published novels, I decided to write a crime fiction series as it's one of the genres I most enjoy.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,883 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the fast-paced plot and interesting characters. They find the story engaging, with a good thriller without being violent. Readers describe the book as a great read that they don't want to put down. However, some find the beginning confusing and lacking in explanation.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

26 customers mention "Plot twists"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot twists and intrigue in the book. They find the storyline fast-paced with interesting characters. The book is described as an exciting thriller without being overly violent. The story settles down and attempts to make sense, while still keeping readers guessing who the villain is. Readers appreciate the action and close calls.

"This book was exciting all the way through. The different personalities at Filcher’s provided a lot of intrigue...." Read more

"...This first book in the series held my attention from the outset, with a pretty fast-paced plot and plenty of interesting characters ...." Read more

"...Along with a well written story, the narration of the audiobook by Aubrey Parsons brings the story to life by giving voice to each character and his..." Read more

"What a great investigative thriller. Getting into the story, you’re immediately in it...." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find the characters interesting and likeable, with the author giving voice to each of them. The plot is paced well, slowly introducing new characters and events that clash with their personalities.

"...it to anyone who wants a book with many plot twists and likeable characters." Read more

"...If you enjoy a fast paced crime story with good characters, I recommend Taken to the Hills." Read more

"...audiobook by Aubrey Parsons brings the story to life by giving voice to each character and his delivery reinforces the excellent pacing of the story." Read more

"...Each character has their place and has a point to the plot. When it comes to the mystery, Richards tricked me!..." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it an engaging and enjoyable read that they don't want to put down.

"...Great writing. Great reading." Read more

"I enjoyed this book. I liked the character billed up. It was also easy to read and follow. Kept you guessing till the end...." Read more

"...’ll tell you, between the storyline, and cast of characters I really enjoyed this book...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book immensely. A good thriller without being over the top violent...." Read more

3 customers mention "Confusion"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the beginning confusing and lacking in character development. They also mention the lackluster reasoning.

"...a little further than I like, and because I thought the reasoning was lackluster...." Read more

"The beginning was confusing because not of the characters seemed to be in the same story. But I continued reading and could not stop...." Read more

"Very slow start, too many loose ends from the beginning, confusing to me. I did not even get through half the book." Read more

So good!!!
5 out of 5 stars
So good!!!
Thank you @lovebookstours and @SJRICHARDSAUTHOR for this audiobook!The cover on this book grabbed my attention immediately and I’m definitely a girl who judges a book by its cover! 🤷🏼‍♀️ I wasn’t sure if this book would be a good fit for me because I’m not a big fan of crime/mysteries BUT this book was so well done. The minute I started listening I was hooked! This narrator is soo good! It was hard not to root for Luke…he is so charming and I love how he gets what he wants and makes you think it was your idea!!! I’m ready for book 2!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024
    This book was exciting all the way through. The different personalities at Filcher’s provided a lot of intrigue. And best of all, it was well written without grammatical and spelling mistakes. I recommend it to anyone who wants a book with many plot twists and likeable characters.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
    I thought I'd give this series a try because I've been reading many Michael Connelly and Elizabeth George books lately and the reviews I read on S. J. Richards new series seemed positive. This first book in the series held my attention from the outset, with a pretty fast-paced plot and plenty of interesting characters . The author doesn't get bogged down in too many subplots and has an effective way of keeping you guessing. He also has inserted humor, but just enough.
    I did not give it 5 stars because that's perfection and I need to read more of Mr. Richard's books before I do that. If you enjoy a fast paced crime story with good characters, I recommend Taken to the Hills.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2024
    Have you ever watched a team where every member had their own strengths yet pulled together creating a synergistic effect? Having witnessed the team, did you wonder what they were like as the formed? I discovered just such a team recently as I listened to Lethal Odds, the fifth book in the Luke Sackville thriller series. Since I hadn’t read or listened to the first four books, I had that question about how Luke’s team came about.

    Today I finished listening to a review copy of Taken to the Hills, book one of the Luke Sackville series, expertly narrated by Aubrey Parsons. Not only did Taken to the Hills answer my questions about Luke’s team and how he came to head the ethics team, but this story also kept me glued to the edge of my chair. Along with plenty of character interaction and development over the course of the story, the action and suspense drive the story in a way that makes putting the book down nearly impossible.

    Along with a well written story, the narration of the audiobook by Aubrey Parsons brings the story to life by giving voice to each character and his delivery reinforces the excellent pacing of the story.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2024
    I enjoyed the book & the story. I love a good police drama which I thought this was going to be but the main character is in a security job at a large company. He used to be a cop but not anymore. But he isnores the rules, uses his friends & throws his weight around like he's still a cop. It's a little annoying. There are later books so I guess this company is a little Midsomer Murders in corporate mode. Are they going to have a big mystery every other week? I don't like the premise & probably won't read further.

    Book has too many characters. Why do we care about Luke's kids & parents when they just show up out of nowhere & leave just as they are...pointless? Lets not even mention the partners & parents & friends that show up once only to never be heard from again.

    I use Kindle & Libby and one feature Libby has over Kindle is I can highlight a word (or character here) & it shows me what page they were first mentioned on so when I have no clue who they are I can go back & look. This book needs that feature big time!

    So basically, lose the parents,kids,spouses, mention of dead wife. That would cut out 1/3 of the book.

    And let's mention that most of the women do stupid, unsafe, secret things even if they know there is stranger danger & then the men are forced to rescue them. They don't have to be Emma Peel but a smidge of common sense would serve them well.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2023
    What a great investigative thriller. Getting into the story, you’re immediately in it. There is no fluff or background at the beginning in order to set it up. You do get the explanations that you need throughout the book, but I appreciate being dropped right into the plot.

    The team that comes together to figure out what was happening within the company, and the numerous disappearances, is a team that you can root for. Each character has their place and has a point to the plot.

    When it comes to the mystery, Richards tricked me! And the thing is, I know he did it on purpose! I thought that I was SO smart (and I was slightly annoyed) that I had “figured it out” early on. Well, jokes on me because I was dead wrong!

    The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star for me was because it wasn’t as fast paced for me, I had to suspend my belief a little further than I like, and because I thought the reasoning was lackluster. However, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book at all. As this will be a series I’ll be sure to read the next one!
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
    Lots of twists and turns and fun to read. Would recommend it to anyone. Looking forward to reading another one by this author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2024
    I thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace, continual insights into the characters and their development, and all the twists of the plot. Just as I thought I had things figured out, another possibility cropped up. I enjoyed the intrigue and especially Luke Sackville. I think he and his team will keep me returning for more adventures and crime solving!
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
    For whatever reason, I enjoy reading novels set in the UK. This one takes place in England. The main character is easy to like and there is a nice mix of supporting characters. It has some interesting turns in the plot that I didn’t expect. I would read the next one.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Cathie M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read
    Reviewed in Canada on August 21, 2024
    This one heck of a mystery! In just 2 nights I finished it. So many characters to keep track of. Just when you think you have them figured out - wrong! lol. Sometimes, so fast paced, I felt I was running with them. I have books 2, 3, &4. I am very excited what they will bring. Great job S J Richards! I look forward to more of Luke Sackville and his team…🇨🇦✌️
  • Flower12
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2024
    Excellent. Great mystery story with so many twists and turns. Loved all the characters in the so called team especially Luke with his special mind. Real page turner! Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
  • Aparna J
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Masterpiece
    Reviewed in India on February 28, 2024
    Today, I completed the riveting British crime thriller "Taken To The Hills" by SJ Richards. This enthralling, seat-edge thriller is so captivating that it will keep you absorbed for hours on end.

    I have been reading cozy mysteries for too long. I thought I would read a crime thriller for a change. I am glad I did! This is one of the best books that I have read so far.

    Luke Sackville is an ex-DCI who's got a new job as the Head of Ethics in an outsourcing company dealing with finance and human resources. He gets involved in a mind-boggling case that involves the mysterious disappearance of a female employee accused of exchanging confidential information for money. He is entrusted with the task of finding her with the help of a special team assigned to him.

    The investigation takes a sinister twist when another female employee from the same company he works for is found dead, followed by yet another disappearance and another murder. Will Luke and his team be able to stop the killing spree and find out what happened to the women before it's too late?
    There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns to keep you hooked. Just when you think that the story is over, you have more surprises coming your way. This book is brilliant! If you enjoy reading fascinating crime thrillers, do read this book.

    I am now looking forward to reading other books in this series.
  • LW
    5.0 out of 5 stars cracking first novel
    Reviewed in Australia on May 18, 2024
    I’m looking forward to the rest of the series, well written. Good plot and some humour, very entertaining, I had to finish it in a day!
  • Patricia S.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
    Reviewed in Canada on March 20, 2024
    Good read. The conclusion is a bit predictable but full of strange and violent characters and interesting twists and turns.

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