#BlogTour Put Out The Light by Guy Hale

 

Oliver Lawrence has dispatched some of the people he considers responsible for his father's suicide and his own failure as an actor, but his list isn't complete. Revenge still festers inside as he targets more people he feels are culpable.

Put Out The Light by Guy Hale is the third book in the Shakespeare Murders series. I heartily recommend reading the first book in the series, The Croaking Raven, in order to fully understand the story leading up to the events in this book. 

Set in 1962, it is six weeks since Oliver Lawrence's murder spree ended. Having gone to ground, the police are no nearer catching their suspect. DC Marlowe and DS Williams are convinced they know who the murderer is, but are struggling to convince those above them, as Oliver has left no physical evidence.

I loved the way the relationship between Marlowe and Williams has developed. Initially, they were both skeptical about their new partner, but they've developed a level of respect and understanding over the course of the investigation. The humour continues in the same vein, with DS Williams showing little respect for authority. We do discover that Williams can show compassion and sympathy when needed, but this is a rarity.

Lawrence's descent into madness continues, and the fact that he's managed to go undetected in the heart of Stratford-Upon-Avon makes him reckless, leading to an unexpected death which has far-reaching consequences. What little sympathy the reader may have had for Oliver in book 1 disappears following the events in this book. Felix Richards, Oliver's only remaining friend and the catalyst for events, becomes even more of a sycophant. However, he's well aware that Oliver could turn on him at any moment.

After the deaths in the first book, the narrative is a little slower this time around, taking a while before the murder spree continues. The literary references continue, building up to a shocking and surprising conclusion. I'm excited to read the conclusion of the series in Sleep No More.

Put Out The Light by Guy Hale is available in paperback and ebook format. My thanks to The Bullington Press and Love Books Tours for a review copy.

You can purchase copies of the book direct from the author here, from Amazon UK here, or from Amazon US here.

Author Details

Guy Hale was born in Worcestershire, England. His first job was as a Professional Golfer. He also played Rugby and raced motorcycles until his mid-twenties. When this failed to kill him he started writing plays, mostly two handers which he performed in pubs and assorted venues with his mate, Andy.