Customer Reviews

Crossing Lines (Gabe Quinn Thriller #2)

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

An excellent sequel to the Quinn saga. Houghton keeps the action moving fast while reserving enough time to fill out the characters nicely. Some were seen in the prequel, Killing Hope, but gain more depth here along with the new players. The storyline keeps you guessing all the way up to the end (with another amazing ending) and sets up for the next book in the Quinn line. I don't often read thriller detective stories, but I found I couldn't stop reading this one once I started.
I would recommend reading Killing Hope first, there are one or two parts in Crossing Lines that will leave you wondering otherwise. It's not required but if you read them out of order you may spoil the ending of Killing Hope (fair warning!)

Superb! I expected a follow on from the first novel, Killing Hope, whose ending left you desperate for the follow up. Crossing Lines did not disappoint - excellent thriller with twists and turns and another great ending. The fact that it did not directly pick up from the ending of the first book leaves the door wide open for book number three - can't wait!!

...What can I say? You've done it again. A masterpiece of crime fiction, yet again! A very worthy successor to the wonderful Killing Hope. Again, the tension is palpable. The sights, smells and sounds assault the senses on every page. Another remarkable novel that everyone should experience. Congratulations. PS: I would have given it more than 5* if I could!!

I read the first book Killing Hope and loved it so much I had to read the second book. However as the first was so amazing, with such a great twist and original story I was a bit worried if the second could live up to the first. I really needn't have worried and won't in the future, Crossing Lines is superb.
You know with some films that have a twist at the end you instantly want to re-watch it with the knowledge of the twist, well both Killing Hope and Crossing Lines are like that! I finished Crossing Lines a few days ago and keep thinking about it. I don't want to start a new book whilst still bathing in the afterglow of this one.
The character of Gabe Quinn is very realistic, likeable and deep. The other characters are similarly written with real personalities and dialogue. I love the author's style of writing. He has a unique voice in a crowded genre.
I also love the humour and British wit. You really won't regret either of the Gabe Quinn thrillers, if you are new to them start with Killing Hope and if you've read Killing Hope -what are you waiting for?? ;)
I just can't wait for the third installment!

This is the third novel by Keith Houghton that I've read. The first two were "Uth" and "Killing Hope". This is an author who has a remarkable ability to write very concisely and digestibly, while still presenting a story that is brimming with scenes for the mind's eye. I feel this to be something that stands out, because it strikes a chord somewhat similar to the kind of visual and contextual stories that David Weber and Tom Clancy are known for creating; yet where either of those authors would take ten pages to describe a pencil, Keith Houghton uses a paragraph or two to accomplish the same effect and the story is just as good for it.

"Crossing Lines" is Gabe Quinn's second outing, and it is, in a lot of ways, the followup that "Killing Hope" deserves. Quinn is relatable, wounded, and resilient, his adversaries elusive yet only human. While his colleagues, friends and family this time around are just as thought out as they were in Killing Hope, Quinn's relationship to them has evolved, much as he has evolved, much as the nature of the book has evolved. "Killing Hope" was a story about pain and destruction but, "Crossing Lines" has a slightly shifted focus towards absolution and resilience. It is a very slight change that reflects Quinn's growth and adaptation. He is older, questionably wiser, leaner, and just a little bit meaner. He has gotten to know himself and life just a bit better. What he hasn't done is put his demons behind him, and those same demons are just as willing to keep up with him.

This is really a novel where everything hits the right notes. The pacing is relentless but comfortable, the scenes memorable, the twists predicatably unpredictable yet unpredictably surprising. The plot goes winds its way amongst the chapters, sometimes abruptly shifting gears, and sometimes going sideways. Characters come and go, but this time around the whole package is neatly integrated and tied together in a way that is satisfying, yet surprising. Even the title, which I found a little kitschy at first, is actually well chosen.

All in all: Killing Hope by itself wasn't necessarily a novel I would recommend to someone looking for a fresh crime thriller. With the addition of Crossing Lines, I would absolutely recommend the duology without hesitation. I am really looking forward to seeing what Gabe (and Keith for that matter) have in store for us next time.

This book totally outperforms the first book. It's difficult to get a sequel to be so much better but that's exactly what this book does. From the characters and location to the writing and the story this book is fantastic. I went through all the emotions while reading it and the author has made the story much more realistic unlike Killing Hope which in my opinion was very unrealistic. It's a shame that you have to actually read the first book to follow on the story but this totally excels and is a fantastic read. Well done to Mr Houghton.

Superb book, can't wait to get into the next book. Keith Houghton is so good I only came across him by chance ( one of Amazon's offers ) so glad I did but then again I have not
had much sleep since, I just can't put the . Kindle down once I start to read his book. So here's to more sleepless nights , cheers Keith x

What a great read this book was I would recommend it wholeheartedly, first grab the first book "Killing Hope" which starts the story of our sort of hero Detective then read this follow up. Well written and difficult to put down I will be looking out for the next book from this author.

Brilliant storyline with unexpected twist after twist. Very well written. Fast paced good descriptive action. Would highly recommend. Just brilliant.

I'm so upset I've finished book 2 how long until the next one!!!! Twists and turns I didn't see coming, a full array of emotions suspense is an understatement love love love