What do you think?
Rate this book
Paterson & Clocks #10
Thrown Under the Bus
Monday morning. 8.30 a.m. Chris Striker has seen it all. But nothing like this. He’s in charge of London’s Traffic Management System. Now he stares at his screen in horror. A woman deliberately steps into the path of an oncoming lorry at Tower Bridge. Killed on impact.
At the same moment, a man steps in front of a bus on London Bridge. Two other people stare at their phones, then launch themselves into the rush hour traffic.
Just who — or what — is controlling them?
Something about Striker’s account doesn’t add up. Detectives Paterson and Clocks race to his flat — and find the place ransacked. A note is taped to the kitchen door. One word: Retribution.
Paterson and Clocks are about to encounter their most powerful enemy yet. A sinister mastermind with a frighteningly long reach. Are they about to be thrown under the proverbial bus?
At the same moment, a man steps in front of a bus on London Bridge. Two other people stare at their phones, then launch themselves into the rush hour traffic.
Just who — or what — is controlling them?
Something about Striker’s account doesn’t add up. Detectives Paterson and Clocks race to his flat — and find the place ransacked. A note is taped to the kitchen door. One word: Retribution.
Paterson and Clocks are about to encounter their most powerful enemy yet. A sinister mastermind with a frighteningly long reach. Are they about to be thrown under the proverbial bus?
- GenresFiction
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2024
158 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Steve Parker
1,334 books83 followersSteve Parker is a British science writer of children's and adult's books. He has written more than 300 titles and contributed to or edited another 150.
Born in Warrington, Lancashire, in 1952, Parker attended Strodes College, Egham and gained a BSc First Class Honours in Zoology at the University of Wales, Bangor. He worked as an exhibition scientist at the Natural History Museum, and as editor and managing editor at Dorling Kindersley Publishers, and commissioning editor at medical periodical GP, before becoming a freelance writer in the late 1980s. He is a Senior Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. Parker is based in Suffolk with his family.
Parker's writing career began with 10 early titles in Dorling Kindersley's multi-award-winning Eyewitness series, from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. He has since worked for more than a dozen children's book publishers and been shortlisted for, among others, the Rhone-Poulenc Science Book Prize, Times Educational Information Book of the Year, and Blue Peter Book Award.
Born in Warrington, Lancashire, in 1952, Parker attended Strodes College, Egham and gained a BSc First Class Honours in Zoology at the University of Wales, Bangor. He worked as an exhibition scientist at the Natural History Museum, and as editor and managing editor at Dorling Kindersley Publishers, and commissioning editor at medical periodical GP, before becoming a freelance writer in the late 1980s. He is a Senior Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. Parker is based in Suffolk with his family.
Parker's writing career began with 10 early titles in Dorling Kindersley's multi-award-winning Eyewitness series, from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. He has since worked for more than a dozen children's book publishers and been shortlisted for, among others, the Rhone-Poulenc Science Book Prize, Times Educational Information Book of the Year, and Blue Peter Book Award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 3, 2024
Round ten and here we go again. I love this series and characters.
Ray Patterson and Johnny Clocks are back with thrown under the bus, a crime thriller that's gripping twisty with lots of added banter and fun from these two at Southwark police station London.
After a terrorist situation at four locations, the traffic team have just watched four people die stepping out into a lorry, car, fire engine and a bus.
This book will send so many mix feelings as you read including a lot of sadness, these guys are chalk and cheese but they care and trust each other and know their job's they would die for each other.
Totally hooked.
Unputdownable.
Deadly twisted.
The most powerful book in the series.
Right through till the end.
Ray Patterson and Johnny Clocks are back with thrown under the bus, a crime thriller that's gripping twisty with lots of added banter and fun from these two at Southwark police station London.
After a terrorist situation at four locations, the traffic team have just watched four people die stepping out into a lorry, car, fire engine and a bus.
This book will send so many mix feelings as you read including a lot of sadness, these guys are chalk and cheese but they care and trust each other and know their job's they would die for each other.
Totally hooked.
Unputdownable.
Deadly twisted.
The most powerful book in the series.
Right through till the end.
December 6, 2024
Thrown under the bus by Steve Parker.
Detectives Paterson and Clocks Book 10.
I did love the cover and blurb of this book. My word what an opening. I was hooked from page one. I couldn't put it down. I read this book in two sittings. I did like Ray and Johnny. I did love how everyone was looking out to help each other. Oh my days. What an ending. Why steve? Why?
Detectives Paterson and Clocks Book 10.
I did love the cover and blurb of this book. My word what an opening. I was hooked from page one. I couldn't put it down. I read this book in two sittings. I did like Ray and Johnny. I did love how everyone was looking out to help each other. Oh my days. What an ending. Why steve? Why?
December 16, 2024
So this is actually book 10 in the Paterson and Clocks detective series - but I was so taken by the front cover, that I thought I'd give this one a go anyway - I'm a bit partial to anything to do with London ...no clue why? ...But I loved the image of Tower Bridge and the iconic red bus ....and the blue of the sky ....it all just worked so well and stood out to me.
However, as soon as I started reading, I realised the error in my ways!
This was the first book that I'd read in the series and as such, I definitely felt as though I had missed out on a lot.
These characters clearly have a lot of backstory, both together and individually and although I could definitely see the dynamics of the working relationship at play here, I also could felt completely out of the loop in places too.
The storyline was gripping and I loved the unique case that was being worked.
And the writing style was exciting and kept me invested the whole way.
This was a bit rough and ready - gritty! But this fitted the setting and genre of the book well. This added atmosphere to the read.
I've gone with 4* for this as there were some definite plus points and removing the issues I had with the character development - which were totally my own fault! - I enjoyed many elements of the read.
I would love to say that I'm keen to catch up and read the series as a whole, but for 10 books, I definitely need some more hours in the day - but this will be one for my future tbr's.
However, as soon as I started reading, I realised the error in my ways!
This was the first book that I'd read in the series and as such, I definitely felt as though I had missed out on a lot.
These characters clearly have a lot of backstory, both together and individually and although I could definitely see the dynamics of the working relationship at play here, I also could felt completely out of the loop in places too.
The storyline was gripping and I loved the unique case that was being worked.
And the writing style was exciting and kept me invested the whole way.
This was a bit rough and ready - gritty! But this fitted the setting and genre of the book well. This added atmosphere to the read.
I've gone with 4* for this as there were some definite plus points and removing the issues I had with the character development - which were totally my own fault! - I enjoyed many elements of the read.
I would love to say that I'm keen to catch up and read the series as a whole, but for 10 books, I definitely need some more hours in the day - but this will be one for my future tbr's.
January 2, 2025
Here is my review for Thrown Under The Bus by Steve Parker
This was an absolute cracker of a read and I truly loved it. Unfortunately, this is book ten of the series so I’m late to the game for Superintendent Ray Paterson and Detective Inspector John Clocks. They are a wild pair and have a mad history together that has seen them break the law and get away with it or have they? Have their sins come to find them out? On a Monday morning at 8.30, Chris Striker sees a woman walk out in front of a lorry at Tower Bridge. She is propelled for about twenty yards and is killed on impact. There are three other suicides at the same time at various sites in London watched by the control room at London’s Traffic Management System. It became Paterson’s and Clock’s case but they were stumped. Just what had occurred to make all four commit suicide? Then, a guy who is bigger than Paterson turns up, reckons he is an Army MP and he is taking the case over from them. They knock heads and Paterson suggests they work it together. Jack Forrest talks to someone and they agree, they send him away till the next day. When he returns Paterson has a plan and introduces Forrest to the team. Paterson, Clocks and Carter don’t believe Forrest is who he says he is so they decide to test their theory out and get their hands on his laptop after telling Carter to do a deep search on him and find out what he can. I found this to be a brilliant read and I found I couldn’t put the book down, I just had to keep reading it. The shocks and excitement just kept coming and didn’t stop. I got into the book straight away right from the start as it had an explosive start to the story. It’s an extremely well written story which has great descriptive text, good descriptions of what is happening and great explanations of the fights that are happening. There is a lot going on and this is a full on action thriller which I truly enjoyed and I’m so pleased to be reading. It’s definitely a series I want to catch up on. I want to find out what the bad boys Paterson and Clocks have been upto although some is alluded to in this book. Although this is book ten, the author has given enough detail and back story to make it readable as a standalone.
Blurb :
YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT THIS DOWN, PAGE AFTER PAGE OF ACTION, DARK HUMOUR, AND CLIFFHANGERS . . .
Monday morning. 8.30 a.m. Chris Striker has seen it all. But nothing like this. He’s in charge of London’s Traffic Management System. Now he stares at his screen in horror. A woman deliberately steps into the path of an oncoming lorry at Tower Bridge. Killed on impact.
At the same moment, a man steps in front of a bus on London Bridge. Two other people stare at their phones, then launch themselves into the rush hour traffic.
Just who — or what — is controlling them?
Something about Striker’s account doesn’t add up. Detectives Paterson and Clocks race to his flat — and find the place ransacked. A note is taped to the kitchen door. One word: Retribution.
Paterson and Clocks are about to encounter their most powerful enemy yet. A sinister mastermind with a frighteningly long reach. Are they about to be thrown under the proverbial bus?
This was an absolute cracker of a read and I truly loved it. Unfortunately, this is book ten of the series so I’m late to the game for Superintendent Ray Paterson and Detective Inspector John Clocks. They are a wild pair and have a mad history together that has seen them break the law and get away with it or have they? Have their sins come to find them out? On a Monday morning at 8.30, Chris Striker sees a woman walk out in front of a lorry at Tower Bridge. She is propelled for about twenty yards and is killed on impact. There are three other suicides at the same time at various sites in London watched by the control room at London’s Traffic Management System. It became Paterson’s and Clock’s case but they were stumped. Just what had occurred to make all four commit suicide? Then, a guy who is bigger than Paterson turns up, reckons he is an Army MP and he is taking the case over from them. They knock heads and Paterson suggests they work it together. Jack Forrest talks to someone and they agree, they send him away till the next day. When he returns Paterson has a plan and introduces Forrest to the team. Paterson, Clocks and Carter don’t believe Forrest is who he says he is so they decide to test their theory out and get their hands on his laptop after telling Carter to do a deep search on him and find out what he can. I found this to be a brilliant read and I found I couldn’t put the book down, I just had to keep reading it. The shocks and excitement just kept coming and didn’t stop. I got into the book straight away right from the start as it had an explosive start to the story. It’s an extremely well written story which has great descriptive text, good descriptions of what is happening and great explanations of the fights that are happening. There is a lot going on and this is a full on action thriller which I truly enjoyed and I’m so pleased to be reading. It’s definitely a series I want to catch up on. I want to find out what the bad boys Paterson and Clocks have been upto although some is alluded to in this book. Although this is book ten, the author has given enough detail and back story to make it readable as a standalone.
Blurb :
YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT THIS DOWN, PAGE AFTER PAGE OF ACTION, DARK HUMOUR, AND CLIFFHANGERS . . .
Monday morning. 8.30 a.m. Chris Striker has seen it all. But nothing like this. He’s in charge of London’s Traffic Management System. Now he stares at his screen in horror. A woman deliberately steps into the path of an oncoming lorry at Tower Bridge. Killed on impact.
At the same moment, a man steps in front of a bus on London Bridge. Two other people stare at their phones, then launch themselves into the rush hour traffic.
Just who — or what — is controlling them?
Something about Striker’s account doesn’t add up. Detectives Paterson and Clocks race to his flat — and find the place ransacked. A note is taped to the kitchen door. One word: Retribution.
Paterson and Clocks are about to encounter their most powerful enemy yet. A sinister mastermind with a frighteningly long reach. Are they about to be thrown under the proverbial bus?
December 3, 2024
An early morning call to Commissioner Sam Morne’s office for Detective Supt Ray Paterson and DI Johnny Clocks involves the usual mayhem, a few shootings, plenty of injuries and a lot of foul language, and the boys are back in the latest story in one of my favourite series! Now if you like your police all pc and cuddly, this is probably not the best read for you, but for their legions of fans, this is another long-awaited episode in their very colourful careers. Morne makes them an interesting offer. In the meantime, operatives at London’s Traffic Management System cannot believe their eyes as four separate people dotted around Bermondsey are glued to their phones and then simultaneously step in front of moving vehicles to their deaths. Something or someone made them do this. The pair investigate the four apparent suicides as murders, assisted by the rest of their team, including Jackie Hartnett, “Monkey” Harris and “Dusty” Doneghan, joined by new additions office manager Georgie Stokes, DC Harmony Lee and DC Alan Watts, needed since DC Colin Yorkshire was murdered by a serial killer in the last story and Tommy Gunn has also met a sticky end. Something is very off here, including the behaviour of duty manager Chris Striker. After they find Striker’s flat trashed and him missing, the word “retribution” appears twice and bringing in some outside help, they uncover a shocking deadly plan, something much bigger than anyone could have expected. A master manipulator is at work and the team have maybe just met their match. Who will come out alive?
If you haven't, I urge you to read the series in order as there is a lot of history although the books can be enjoyed as standalones. Detective Supt Ray Paterson is young, good looking and extremely wealthy, and at the start of the series was on a fast track to the top until it all went wrong, whilst DI Johnny Clocks is the complete opposite - loud, foul-mouthed and brash having come up through the ranks. The pair have since been through so much together and are now inseparable, welded together by the damage inflicted on them over the past five years which is really starting to take its toll. The relationship and conversations between the two are funnier than ever, a glimmer of light in a story which is extremely fast paced and full of action, bloodshed and danger. Wol’s little gang of problem solvers – Clocks’ wife ex DI Lyndsey Kitchener, IT expert Alice and the White Ghost - also all make very welcome return appearances in this story. The author really puts the reader through it as lives hang in the balance and with an ending like no other, I can’t wait to see what can possibly happen next!
If you haven't, I urge you to read the series in order as there is a lot of history although the books can be enjoyed as standalones. Detective Supt Ray Paterson is young, good looking and extremely wealthy, and at the start of the series was on a fast track to the top until it all went wrong, whilst DI Johnny Clocks is the complete opposite - loud, foul-mouthed and brash having come up through the ranks. The pair have since been through so much together and are now inseparable, welded together by the damage inflicted on them over the past five years which is really starting to take its toll. The relationship and conversations between the two are funnier than ever, a glimmer of light in a story which is extremely fast paced and full of action, bloodshed and danger. Wol’s little gang of problem solvers – Clocks’ wife ex DI Lyndsey Kitchener, IT expert Alice and the White Ghost - also all make very welcome return appearances in this story. The author really puts the reader through it as lives hang in the balance and with an ending like no other, I can’t wait to see what can possibly happen next!
November 26, 2024
This is the tenth book in this series, and my first thriller from Steve Parker. The author gives enough context in mentions of past events that this episode worked as a standalone.
While being brash and rollicking, this novel has so much depth to it that I increased my star rating the next morning because the themes are staying with me.
This novel caught my attention because of the author's career in the Metropolitan Police. Parker brings an eye for detail, a quick mind, and an ear for dialogue to his crime fiction. I finished the book in two days and had some good laughs.
The chemistry between the lead characters is a lot of fun. Some of the attitudes toward women and frequent rudeness grated on me, but as the events gained momentum and the characters were revealed through intense situations and emotions, the novel captivated me.
I found it well worth reading. The dark undertow in this novel reaches a gratifying peak.
The book is written in British English and has a glossary at the end. I found the language highly entertaining. Although I had mixed feelings about abrasive content, there is a trans character and strong women.
I've been around a lot of guys who put on aggressive humor, so most of it doesn't get under my skin. I could appreciate it as a release valve in dealing with social change and the stresses of a job that involves danger, dealing with the worst things people do, and witnessing horrific acts and their aftermath. In this context, the old maxim rings true: Actions speak louder than words.
There are some implausiblities that probably won't bother the average reader. The same as with watching over-the-top spy thrillers, it works best to ride along with it and shrug off the unbelievable bits.
There are great fight and action scenes, moving moments–and a lot more heart and darkness than I expected.
Recommended for readers who are comfortable with detailed violence who enjoy thrillers, gritty crime fiction, and action and adventure. This would be a good series to read from the beginning. Enjoy.
Thank you, Joffe Books for the e-ARC via NetGalley for consideration. These opinions are solely my own.
While being brash and rollicking, this novel has so much depth to it that I increased my star rating the next morning because the themes are staying with me.
This novel caught my attention because of the author's career in the Metropolitan Police. Parker brings an eye for detail, a quick mind, and an ear for dialogue to his crime fiction. I finished the book in two days and had some good laughs.
The chemistry between the lead characters is a lot of fun. Some of the attitudes toward women and frequent rudeness grated on me, but as the events gained momentum and the characters were revealed through intense situations and emotions, the novel captivated me.
I found it well worth reading. The dark undertow in this novel reaches a gratifying peak.
The book is written in British English and has a glossary at the end. I found the language highly entertaining. Although I had mixed feelings about abrasive content, there is a trans character and strong women.
I've been around a lot of guys who put on aggressive humor, so most of it doesn't get under my skin. I could appreciate it as a release valve in dealing with social change and the stresses of a job that involves danger, dealing with the worst things people do, and witnessing horrific acts and their aftermath. In this context, the old maxim rings true: Actions speak louder than words.
There are some implausiblities that probably won't bother the average reader. The same as with watching over-the-top spy thrillers, it works best to ride along with it and shrug off the unbelievable bits.
There are great fight and action scenes, moving moments–and a lot more heart and darkness than I expected.
Recommended for readers who are comfortable with detailed violence who enjoy thrillers, gritty crime fiction, and action and adventure. This would be a good series to read from the beginning. Enjoy.
Thank you, Joffe Books for the e-ARC via NetGalley for consideration. These opinions are solely my own.
December 3, 2024
Thrown Under The Bus by Steve Parker is the 10th book in the Paterson & Clocks series and my first book I have read from it. (Where have I been?) I really enjoyed it and I found it easy to get into this book and I had no problems following it, especially as Steve gives you enough information from his past books and this could be read as a standalone, which was great for me!
Thrown under the bus was full of great twists and turners that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and turning your pages of your kindle to find out what happens next. I loved the characters Detectives Paterson and Clocks, they worked really well together.
Monday morning. 8.30 a.m. Chris Striker has seen it all. But nothing like this. He’s in charge of London’s Traffic Management System. Now he stares at his screen in horror. A woman deliberately steps into the path of an oncoming lorry at Tower Bridge. Killed on impact.
At the same moment, a man steps in front of a bus on London Bridge. Two other people stare at their phones, then launch themselves into the rush hour traffic.
Just who or what is controlling them? WoW!
Something about Striker’s account doesn’t add up. Detectives Paterson and Clocks race to his flat — and find the place ransacked. A note is taped to the kitchen door. One word: Retribution.
Paterson and Clocks are about to encounter their most powerful enemy yet.
A sinister mastermind with a frighteningly long reach. But, are they about to be thrown under the proverbial bus?
WoW this book was excellent and I will be going back to read more from this author.
Thrown under the bus was full of great twists and turners that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and turning your pages of your kindle to find out what happens next. I loved the characters Detectives Paterson and Clocks, they worked really well together.
Monday morning. 8.30 a.m. Chris Striker has seen it all. But nothing like this. He’s in charge of London’s Traffic Management System. Now he stares at his screen in horror. A woman deliberately steps into the path of an oncoming lorry at Tower Bridge. Killed on impact.
At the same moment, a man steps in front of a bus on London Bridge. Two other people stare at their phones, then launch themselves into the rush hour traffic.
Just who or what is controlling them? WoW!
Something about Striker’s account doesn’t add up. Detectives Paterson and Clocks race to his flat — and find the place ransacked. A note is taped to the kitchen door. One word: Retribution.
Paterson and Clocks are about to encounter their most powerful enemy yet.
A sinister mastermind with a frighteningly long reach. But, are they about to be thrown under the proverbial bus?
WoW this book was excellent and I will be going back to read more from this author.
December 29, 2024
I won’t lie the title drew me to this one and then I read the blurb and was hooked already. I am so glad that my curiosity got the better of me because Thrown Under the Bus was the best kind of thriller. Now I hadn’t read the other books in this series but I don’t feel that it impeded my reading of this one. I might have missed a bit of earlier character building and relationship (in the broad and varied sense of the word) building between these characters but I never found myself wondering what was happening in terms of previous knowledge missing. That was just me though. Yes there were bits were perhaps I would have understood better had I read the first nine books but I felt that Parker’s writing allowed you as a reader to get the gist of the relationships and backstories. I should also mention I do intend to read the first nine!
Now that is out of the way I will say this was fantastic. I plot and pacing. It really keeps you on your toes and guessing who is pulling the strings and why. I also loved the familiarity. While I don’t live in London it was nice to have places mentioned that I have visited and I can safely say Parker’s descriptions were fab as well. The characters were also interesting and well fleshed out.
I won’t spoil the plot but I will say this is a must read if you love thrillers. You will not be disappointed in the least.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given. I also apologise this is a day later than intended.
Now that is out of the way I will say this was fantastic. I plot and pacing. It really keeps you on your toes and guessing who is pulling the strings and why. I also loved the familiarity. While I don’t live in London it was nice to have places mentioned that I have visited and I can safely say Parker’s descriptions were fab as well. The characters were also interesting and well fleshed out.
I won’t spoil the plot but I will say this is a must read if you love thrillers. You will not be disappointed in the least.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given. I also apologise this is a day later than intended.
November 4, 2024
Oh wow! A few pages in and I'm riveted and smiling. Steve certainly knows how to grab a reader's attention- the first couple of chapters are explosive to say the very least. In London there is a team who watch roads and traffic and also pedestrians for any signs of trouble- usually accidents holding up traffic. When they see a woman looking at her phone and then the traffic repeatedly it sets off warning bells. When the same thing is seen by his team with others, something strange is going on. Meanwhile Paterson and Clocks have had a nasty early morning call of the armed police kind. Being as these two more than know how to handle themselves it's not an easy job for anyone and rather suspicious being police themselves. Striker the man in charge of the road watch has a visit from someone from the home office regarding his partner which disturbs him somewhat. What is going on and why?
Three threads(easy to follow) which grabbed me and didn't let go. Clocks and Paterson are laws unto themselves but forces to be reckoned with and have an amazing sense of humour. Steve is a brilliant author and one I don’t hesitate to read. I can’t say how much I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series so much. A fantastic read with great characters, a clever plot and lots of smiles along the way. Brilliant.
For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
----------------------------------------------------------
November 21, 2024
This is book ten in the Patterson and Clocks series and while it is very readable as a standalone book, I am guessing that the character relationships make more sense if you have read the others. I really enjoyed this one but it definitely needs a trigger warning for the graphic violence if you are not into that sort of thing.
Patterson and Clocks are chalk and cheese. One with a taste for the finer things, good education and more what you would expect from a team leader in the Met. The other a sociopath with a heavy London accent, terribly in need of some sensitivity training (likely for the 100th time) and a quick temper. But somehow they work. You can tell the characters care about each other and are well written even if Clocks' dialogue sometimes needs to be reread to understand him. Guessing that in person, some people would need him to repeat himself too.
There are a few minor things that didn't seem to be explained but for several storylines involving threads with British Intelligence, people running their own missions outside of the police and obvious past traumas/issues between the characters, it comes together at the end. By the middle of the book, the suicides that they are investigating are the last thing on your mind.
I look forward to catching up on some of the older books in the series when I have the time. Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.
Patterson and Clocks are chalk and cheese. One with a taste for the finer things, good education and more what you would expect from a team leader in the Met. The other a sociopath with a heavy London accent, terribly in need of some sensitivity training (likely for the 100th time) and a quick temper. But somehow they work. You can tell the characters care about each other and are well written even if Clocks' dialogue sometimes needs to be reread to understand him. Guessing that in person, some people would need him to repeat himself too.
There are a few minor things that didn't seem to be explained but for several storylines involving threads with British Intelligence, people running their own missions outside of the police and obvious past traumas/issues between the characters, it comes together at the end. By the middle of the book, the suicides that they are investigating are the last thing on your mind.
I look forward to catching up on some of the older books in the series when I have the time. Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.
December 15, 2024
It is not often one gets to read a book that grabs you from page one and does not let go until the very unexpected ending. The twists and turns in the story will have you dizzy and giddy. Four unconnected people step out into traffic during rush hour and are killed. The traffic cop in charge of the shift realizes too late that something very odd is going on. He has no idea just how odd and perverted it will be and how deeply entrenched in the plot he will be.
Two renegade cops whose unique brand of policing have caught the attention of a group of government operatives. The invitation they received will delight the reader and just at the same time, they catch the four suicides case. The way in which the two cases are connected will astound both Patterson and Chocks. These two guys are a wrecking squad and do not stop coming even when they are wounded. But they are up against an equally lethal opponent. It is a question with every confrontation whether either or both will survive the encounter. The duplicity is unfathomable and even they have no idea of where it will all end. It was breathlessly exciting right up to the final twist.
Our two heroes are not the only great characters and you never know what is going to happen next. Fast paced and thrilling, it earns five purrs and two paws up.
Two renegade cops whose unique brand of policing have caught the attention of a group of government operatives. The invitation they received will delight the reader and just at the same time, they catch the four suicides case. The way in which the two cases are connected will astound both Patterson and Chocks. These two guys are a wrecking squad and do not stop coming even when they are wounded. But they are up against an equally lethal opponent. It is a question with every confrontation whether either or both will survive the encounter. The duplicity is unfathomable and even they have no idea of where it will all end. It was breathlessly exciting right up to the final twist.
Our two heroes are not the only great characters and you never know what is going to happen next. Fast paced and thrilling, it earns five purrs and two paws up.
November 7, 2024
Meeting Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson and Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks has been a unique experience (but I quickly ordered book 1). This would certainly been classified as horror if it weren't for the interactions between these two who appear to be polar opposites.
It begins with the grisly scenes unwillingly watched on screen by several officers of Traffic Managment. The perfectly ordered apparent suicides of apparently innocent civilians. Enter Paterson and Clock with their limited department, and the story is off and running. WHO orchestrated this form of terrorism? WHY did they do it? How was it managed? While clock annoys and agitates almost everyone with his gallows humor and UN-PC groaners, the pair mobilize whoever they have to in order to successfully end this reign of terror. Fantastic!
I requested and reviewed a free temporary uncorrected proof copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
It begins with the grisly scenes unwillingly watched on screen by several officers of Traffic Managment. The perfectly ordered apparent suicides of apparently innocent civilians. Enter Paterson and Clock with their limited department, and the story is off and running. WHO orchestrated this form of terrorism? WHY did they do it? How was it managed? While clock annoys and agitates almost everyone with his gallows humor and UN-PC groaners, the pair mobilize whoever they have to in order to successfully end this reign of terror. Fantastic!
I requested and reviewed a free temporary uncorrected proof copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 13, 2024
Impossible to put down
A real page turner. Paterson and Clocks are no ordinary police duo. They are the most irreverent, rude, and crude leaders of a serious crime team in London. The rest of the team is equally unconventional but totally loyal and dependable.
The story kicks off with a series of strange events captured on CCTV by traffic management.
A potential world shattering series of events unfold with twists and thrills along the way.
The duo are from opposite ends of the social spectrum, but their differences in class and upbringing only enhances their bond. The side banter is hilarious and mostly crude and well seasoned with sexual inuendo. This writer makes the Sweeney look like Dixon of Dock Green. Full of macho and testosterone fueled impossibly violent battles. There is plenty of blood and gore, but there are surprisingly tender and touching scenes.
Brilliantly written, this instalment is the latest in a ten parter, but is it the last......
A real page turner. Paterson and Clocks are no ordinary police duo. They are the most irreverent, rude, and crude leaders of a serious crime team in London. The rest of the team is equally unconventional but totally loyal and dependable.
The story kicks off with a series of strange events captured on CCTV by traffic management.
A potential world shattering series of events unfold with twists and thrills along the way.
The duo are from opposite ends of the social spectrum, but their differences in class and upbringing only enhances their bond. The side banter is hilarious and mostly crude and well seasoned with sexual inuendo. This writer makes the Sweeney look like Dixon of Dock Green. Full of macho and testosterone fueled impossibly violent battles. There is plenty of blood and gore, but there are surprisingly tender and touching scenes.
Brilliantly written, this instalment is the latest in a ten parter, but is it the last......
November 17, 2024
Paterson & Clocks #10
Several officers of the Traffic Management team are watching from their monitors when four mysterious suicides simultaneously take place in Central London. They all walk in front of various vehicles. DS Ray Paterson and DI Johnny Clocks are investigating the case.
This story is action-packed from the beginning. There are several threads running throughout the story, but they are all tied up neatly at the end. I really like Paterson and Clocks, they are completely different characters, like chalk and cheese, but they work well together. But there was quite a lot of violence, so I don/t think it will be for the faint hearted. There is some humour along the way. This is a twisted and addictive read.
Published 26th November 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SteveParker for my ARC of #ThrownUnderABus in exchange for an honest review.
Several officers of the Traffic Management team are watching from their monitors when four mysterious suicides simultaneously take place in Central London. They all walk in front of various vehicles. DS Ray Paterson and DI Johnny Clocks are investigating the case.
This story is action-packed from the beginning. There are several threads running throughout the story, but they are all tied up neatly at the end. I really like Paterson and Clocks, they are completely different characters, like chalk and cheese, but they work well together. But there was quite a lot of violence, so I don/t think it will be for the faint hearted. There is some humour along the way. This is a twisted and addictive read.
Published 26th November 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SteveParker for my ARC of #ThrownUnderABus in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo’s Book Tours.
This is the tenth book in the Paterson and Clocks series, set in London. When I started reading, I felt that I was thrown into the midst of all the action, to engage with everything that was going on, and I liked the atmosphere.
I don't think there was any particular character that I identified with the most, but some of the characters had feisty personalities that stood out to me. In particular, I found Clocks to be very blunt and to the point, and I found him quite humorous.
The chapters were fairly short, and so I felt the need to go on turning the pages, reading one chapter, then another, then another. I enjoy cosy mysteries, but I sometimes find that I'm in the mood for something a little bit more fast-paced, and this book was well-suited to that mood.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is the tenth book in the Paterson and Clocks series, set in London. When I started reading, I felt that I was thrown into the midst of all the action, to engage with everything that was going on, and I liked the atmosphere.
I don't think there was any particular character that I identified with the most, but some of the characters had feisty personalities that stood out to me. In particular, I found Clocks to be very blunt and to the point, and I found him quite humorous.
The chapters were fairly short, and so I felt the need to go on turning the pages, reading one chapter, then another, then another. I enjoy cosy mysteries, but I sometimes find that I'm in the mood for something a little bit more fast-paced, and this book was well-suited to that mood.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
December 9, 2024
Oh my! If you want an edge-of-your-seat read, you can’t get any better than this one.
From the first few shocking pages, this book had me well and truly hooked. When four people commit suicide, Paterson and Clocks are in a terrifying race against time to find out what caused them to kill themselves at the same time. This book truly is a nail biting read, as I could feel the fury, horror and every other emotion from the two detectives as they realise they’re up against a mastermind of an enemy. There are so many twists, turns and so much action at times I was almost holding my breath. But there is also plenty of humour from Clocks and the banter between him and Paterson is just fabulous. There were some shocking and jaw dropping moments and more than once I found myself with teary eyes and a lump in my throat.
Thrown Under the Bus is an awesome read by Steve and I really don’t know how he is going to top this one.
From the first few shocking pages, this book had me well and truly hooked. When four people commit suicide, Paterson and Clocks are in a terrifying race against time to find out what caused them to kill themselves at the same time. This book truly is a nail biting read, as I could feel the fury, horror and every other emotion from the two detectives as they realise they’re up against a mastermind of an enemy. There are so many twists, turns and so much action at times I was almost holding my breath. But there is also plenty of humour from Clocks and the banter between him and Paterson is just fabulous. There were some shocking and jaw dropping moments and more than once I found myself with teary eyes and a lump in my throat.
Thrown Under the Bus is an awesome read by Steve and I really don’t know how he is going to top this one.
November 14, 2024
Starting a series with book #10 isn't the best idea. But Thrown Under The Bus is an engaging, if incredibly violent and disturbing, read. The Met's Paterson and Clocks are unlike any detectives I've come across: they do what needs to be done to get the bad guys and hang the consequences. If you need to be as immoral and violent as they are, then do it, and do it hard.
The case revolves around four suicides that take place simultaneously in central London. Something obviously isn't right, but the duo couldn't begin to predict where the case would take them. It's impossible to say any more without spoilers.
Thrown Under The Bus is full of extreme violence, mixed with puerile humour. But somehow it works as a narrative and draws the reader into a world of extremes. Yet there are also moral dilemmas and moments of genuine bathos. It's definitely not one for the faint hearted ...
The case revolves around four suicides that take place simultaneously in central London. Something obviously isn't right, but the duo couldn't begin to predict where the case would take them. It's impossible to say any more without spoilers.
Thrown Under The Bus is full of extreme violence, mixed with puerile humour. But somehow it works as a narrative and draws the reader into a world of extremes. Yet there are also moral dilemmas and moments of genuine bathos. It's definitely not one for the faint hearted ...
November 16, 2024
Wow, what a story this is! It starts off with an incredible opening where four people walk in front of various vehicles in London. At the same time, Paterson and Clocks are separately woken violently and brought to a secret location where an offer is dangled in front of them.
As usual, this was a total page-turner. Paterson and Clocks are an unconventional duo to say the least. Clocks in particular is as foul-mouthed and un-PC as it gets but I just love how both get along and do their job in whatever manner necessary. There's a lot of violence here and it's not for the faint-hearted. There are so many twists all the way through with an incredible ending revealing the final twist of all. Simply incredible and I'd give it more stars if I could.
As usual, this was a total page-turner. Paterson and Clocks are an unconventional duo to say the least. Clocks in particular is as foul-mouthed and un-PC as it gets but I just love how both get along and do their job in whatever manner necessary. There's a lot of violence here and it's not for the faint-hearted. There are so many twists all the way through with an incredible ending revealing the final twist of all. Simply incredible and I'd give it more stars if I could.
November 20, 2024
A really amazing book. The thing I found most enjoyable were the characters of Paterson and Clocks the detective duo. They are not your typical detectives. Not in any books I have previously read. They are so much more interesting. The author has developed their characters perfectly. The banter between the two detectives and other characters throughout the book made it most enjoyable. There is certainly nothing dull and law abiding about them. I was so impressed I've just ordered more books from the series. This was the first I have read in the series. It also works great as a stand alone. I would highly recommend this. No doubt like me you will ordering more from the series. This would make a great gift.
November 28, 2024
Book 10 in this series, and for me, the first one I’ve read.
Monday morning rush hour and people are dying, throwing themselves into the paths of oncoming lorries and buses.
Enter detectives Paterson and Clocks. an unlikely pairing that works, with utter hilarity as they push boundaries and break rules to discover who or what is driving people to take their own lives.
When the duo discover the awful truth, someone is desperate to silence them. Who else is going to find themselves thrown under the bus?
Even though I haven’t read the rest of the series, I very quickly connected with these brilliant characters and enjoyed the story very much. That ending though! WOW!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Steve Parker and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Monday morning rush hour and people are dying, throwing themselves into the paths of oncoming lorries and buses.
Enter detectives Paterson and Clocks. an unlikely pairing that works, with utter hilarity as they push boundaries and break rules to discover who or what is driving people to take their own lives.
When the duo discover the awful truth, someone is desperate to silence them. Who else is going to find themselves thrown under the bus?
Even though I haven’t read the rest of the series, I very quickly connected with these brilliant characters and enjoyed the story very much. That ending though! WOW!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Steve Parker and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2024
Brilliant!
Chris Striker thought it would be just another working day, watching the traffic cameras in London’s busy streets, but all that is about to change. Suddenly he spots a woman step out into the traffic deliberately, she never stood a chance of surviving. As he calls the police to attend, more incidents are occurring. Three more people step into the traffic. They are all killed. Detectives Paterson and Clocks investigate, but soon find they are caught up in a terrible nightmare, with their own lives in danger. This is an absolutely brilliant book which I did not want to put down.
Chris Striker thought it would be just another working day, watching the traffic cameras in London’s busy streets, but all that is about to change. Suddenly he spots a woman step out into the traffic deliberately, she never stood a chance of surviving. As he calls the police to attend, more incidents are occurring. Three more people step into the traffic. They are all killed. Detectives Paterson and Clocks investigate, but soon find they are caught up in a terrible nightmare, with their own lives in danger. This is an absolutely brilliant book which I did not want to put down.
November 24, 2024
This series will not be for everyone however if you like dark humour, a very non p.c. detective and lots of violence, then this is by far one of the best series out there. But OMG Steve, you have really surpassed yourself with this story and thrown everyone under the bus especially your readers. Not just one Wow moment but two at the end. I love Clocks' humour and his irreverence to most of his seniors in authority but he really does have such a wicked sense of humour and for me one of the best lines was ( I may not be quoting it exactly)
RP - Watch out because walls have ears
JC - and also ice cream .............I was buckled !!!
Thanks to Joffe books for the ARC to review
RP - Watch out because walls have ears
JC - and also ice cream .............I was buckled !!!
Thanks to Joffe books for the ARC to review
November 24, 2024
This is a very fast paced action packed story which starts with a surreal incident witnessed by traffic monitoring staff and police, and develops into a violent and dramatic tale of crime and punishment between police, villains and security services.
It is gripping and features an interesting relationship between two very different officers but is quite disturbing in view of the violence, language (often shocking) and corruption.
Number 10 in a series, it can equally be read on its own merits.
Definitely not for those who dislike strong language, extreme violence and corruption within the establishment.
It is gripping and features an interesting relationship between two very different officers but is quite disturbing in view of the violence, language (often shocking) and corruption.
Number 10 in a series, it can equally be read on its own merits.
Definitely not for those who dislike strong language, extreme violence and corruption within the establishment.
December 3, 2024
This is book 10 in the series, however I haven't read any of the others so read this as a standalone. I don't think that hindered the experience at all but this book has definitely made me want to read the rest of the series.
Well written with an exciting and compelling story line and well developed characters especially Ray and Johnny I couldn't get enough of that duo.
It is full of atmosphere and the suspense and tension keeps building in the book as the plot goes on. There were so many twists in the book which kept me guessing and I didn't see the final twist coming at all.
I loved it and can't wait to read more by the author.
Well written with an exciting and compelling story line and well developed characters especially Ray and Johnny I couldn't get enough of that duo.
It is full of atmosphere and the suspense and tension keeps building in the book as the plot goes on. There were so many twists in the book which kept me guessing and I didn't see the final twist coming at all.
I loved it and can't wait to read more by the author.
January 2, 2025
An action packed thriller, the tenth in the series, though the first one I have read. Definately a gritty read with plenty of violence . It took me about 60 pages to get around who was who and to appreciate the main detectives, Paterson and Clocks and to get used to their way of working and detection. I found Clocks a little irritating at first, but he grew on me and I came to appreciate him more as the book progressed . The feeling that I was drawn into a chaos is why I have given the book 4 stars, though it became 5 stars towards the end. The plot is interesting and now that I have read this one, will look out for more from this author.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
March 27, 2025
Chris Striker is head of London's traffic management when on a Monday morning at 8.30 four people are killed at exactly the same time by stepping into the path of oncoming traffic, almost at as if at a pre arranged signal.
Detectives Paterson and Clocks are assigned the case but what they find when they delve into this situation is far, far deeper than four deaths in a single morning.
This could affect the whole world and the enemy may be closer than they think.
This was such a good read, Paterson and clocks are fantastic, the way they bounce off one another is at times hilarious.
But this was a serious crime thriller and a tense thrill ride.
Detectives Paterson and Clocks are assigned the case but what they find when they delve into this situation is far, far deeper than four deaths in a single morning.
This could affect the whole world and the enemy may be closer than they think.
This was such a good read, Paterson and clocks are fantastic, the way they bounce off one another is at times hilarious.
But this was a serious crime thriller and a tense thrill ride.
November 26, 2024
This book starts with a shocking event - seemingly random pedestrians throwing themselves under the traffic, dying horribly in front of the morning rush hour travellers. What on earth is going on? Is this a terrorist attack? Or something more sinister?
Enter London's most outrageous pair of coppers - Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson, rich in money AND good looks, and Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks, rich in outdated attitudes that he simply won't change. This unlikely pair are the ultimate detection machine, and they won't hesitate to bend the rules, where necessary, to get results.
But someone is watching them too- is their past catching up with them? Have they bent too many rules and left too many bodies behind them?
If you are looking for a thrill-a-minute read, with equal parts laughs and action, then Thrown Under The Bus is for you.
Now I have to go back and buy the rest of the series.....
With thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC in return for this, my honest review.
Enter London's most outrageous pair of coppers - Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson, rich in money AND good looks, and Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks, rich in outdated attitudes that he simply won't change. This unlikely pair are the ultimate detection machine, and they won't hesitate to bend the rules, where necessary, to get results.
But someone is watching them too- is their past catching up with them? Have they bent too many rules and left too many bodies behind them?
If you are looking for a thrill-a-minute read, with equal parts laughs and action, then Thrown Under The Bus is for you.
Now I have to go back and buy the rest of the series.....
With thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC in return for this, my honest review.
August 13, 2025
Well, I knew this was book 10 in the series before I started, but I was super intrigued by the synopsis and it surely didn't disappoint! (I now own the first 8 books too!) I highly enjoyed the Eddie Flynn series by Steven Cavanagh and this seemed to fit that vibe. The writing flowed nicely; I read the dialogue with a slight Brit accent hahaha Huge thanks to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read the book for an honest review. Looking forward to starting book one and filling in all the gaps on the character development.
November 6, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. I started reading this book and it really sucked me in. I can't wait to get back to it but I think before continuing with this one, I am going back to the previous books in the series. If Book 1 starts as action packed and thrilling as this one, I will be racing through the series. I am rating this with 5 stars because it has made me stop and go back to the others. That is how good it has started out. I want the backstory. This is my own opinion.
November 6, 2024
The best thriller I have read this year, just wow! Clocks and Paterson book 10 started and finished with a bang, I love this duo of maverick detectives based in London, what brilliant characters they are. The book is a buzz from start to finish, with everything you could possibly want in a crime thriller. Hats off to Steve Parker for this read, where will he go next after the incredible ending? Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews