The Telephone Call
By Michael Pakenham
Format: Paperback
(11 customer reviews)
Publication Date: 28 Jan 2020
£9.95
Want to buy as an ebook? Click hereCategories: Crime and Thrillers
ISBN: 9781913208134Description
When Rosemary Sherwood overhears a disturbing conversation between her husband, Harry Sherwood and an unknown caller, she has no idea that her life’s about to change forever. Fleeing to France for fear of her own safety, Harry threatens to kill their son if she ever dares to breathe a word of anything she overheard.
Torn between hiding out in France and re-connecting with her estranged son, Rosemary returns to England twelve years later believing that she and her son are now out of danger...
A web of deceit and lies has been woven over the years to cover up the antics of Harry and his friends, who are no strangers to violence and murder and who will stop at nothing to ensure they aren’t exposed.
Private Detective Daniel Appleman takes on the case, but can he track down these men before they wreak havoc on the Sherwood family?
Michael Pakenham is part of a well-known Irish Literary family. Generations of his family lived at Langford Lodge on Loch Neagh outside Belfast. His father was killed in the Second World War and the Estate was sold. His mother then took Michael and his sister to Tucson Arizona until the end of the war. On returning to England his mother bought a farm in Hampshire and Michael has lived in the county ever since. Having served in the Grenadier Guards – the fourth generation to do so – Michael returned to take over his mother’s farming enterprises until he sold his farming interests in 1990 and started his writing career. This will be his eighth book and the second in the Daniel Appleman series. He lives outside Winchester with his wife.
Reviews
Gillian M (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
A dark and creepy tale of a woman on the run and what it is she’s hiding from. Truly amazing story. Tense and claustrophobic
Erin S (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
This was my first book by Michael and I thought it was good. Some parts had me a little confused but the more I read the more I liked it. I will be looking for more from Michael and hoping they are as good as this one.
Book Lover Walter (Blog) (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
This is a book I’ve enjoyed, I found it caught my attention fairly quickly and has been an enjoyable read with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.
This is filled with a number of likeable and shady characters. I feel that this definitely has a believable plot and is a really good read for anyone who enjoys a police detective book.
This is my first read by this author, I don’t think it will be the last. Pakenham has a writing style that is easy to read and descriptive enough to keep the reader guessing.
Jessica Belmont (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
The Telephone Call is full of mystery, lies, and deception. Everything I look for in a thriller like this was wrapped up into this book. My first read from Michael Pakenham, and I’m excited to say it won’t be my last.
This is a cleverly crafted novel that had me hooked. I didn’t know what was going to happen with every page turn. It is hard-hitting, gruesome, and gritty, and I loved it.
This works perfectly as a standalone novel, however, I really enjoyed the writing and would like to read more from Michael Pakenham. Check this one out.
Babydolls and Razorblades (Blog) (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
I love a good crime book and The Telephone Call certainly ticks all the right boxes. This was a wonderfully crafted read that had me gripped from the start. It was the first time I had read a Michael Pakenham so I didn’t really know what to expect but this was simply outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Telephone Call and look forward to reading more from Pakenham
Cristie U (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
This was a great read. I didn’t realize that it was the 2nd book in a series until I started reading it and saw it on Goodreads. I do not think not having read the first book affected my enjoyment of this book at all It was a great mystery/thriller that was well-written.
Brianne's Book Reviews (Blog) (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
Combine a good sprinkling of mystery, heinous crimes, long-held secrets, despicable acts, and lies and you end up with The Telephone Call by Michael Pakenham.
Not having read the first book in this series (Fatal Obsession) I had no real expectations beyond the description outline. I am pleased to say that I found it completely intriguing and compelling!
Cleverly crafted, the air of foreboding deepened with every chapter and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I loved the unfolding of the long-held secrets and lies in this gritty, gruesome detective thriller.
The plot is self-contained, making The Telephone Call an ideal standalone read. The ending was surprising and fulfilling. Private Detective Daniel Appleman was a thoroughly likeable character and I’m curious to see what Michael Pakenham has in store for him, next. I have no hesitation in recommending The Telephone Call to fans of the genre, although it is not a book for the faint-hearted.
Baker's Not So Secret Blog (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
The Telephone Call is a dark and twisty story and utterly addictive, I read this book in one sitting! The are plenty of OMG moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I am excited that I have found a new author a detective series to read.
If you are looking for a new crime thriller to read then this is the book for you.
Like Herding Cats (Blog) (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
Every chapter is dripping with a sense of dread and I found myself holding my breath from one page to the next. I was terrified for Rosemary, shocked by Harry and his friends and rooting for Daniel throughout the whole book.
An excellent crime novel with chilling themes. I’m looking forward to more from this author and I will definitely be paying a visit to Daniel’s first outing – Fatal Obsession.
Kendal (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
Really enjoyable read, will not be the last book I shall read by this author. It was everything I expected and fast paced story kept me interested.
Cal Turner Reviews (Guest Review) - 11 Apr, 2021
The Telephone Call is a dark and often disturbing story that took me on a rollercoaster of a read that I did not want to put down. There are twists, turns, shocks and surprises every step of the way as the intricate plot slowly and cleverly draws all of the threads of the tale together.
A dark and gritty detective thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed, this is a highly entertaining read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. And now I’ve found him, I will definitely read more by Michael Pakenham in the future!
