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The Third Rule - Part One: Atrocities
Part One of The Third Rule: Atrocities.
You’re still alive until you meet The Third Rule.
England. New System. New Rules. Old Corruption. In a world where truth and justice are executed as freely as the criminals, a Rule Three conviction earns you a trip to the slaughterhouse and a bullet in the head. And sometimes, you don’t even need to be guilty.
CSI Eddie Collins is dragged into a new turmoil after a hit-and-run driver leaves his son dead. He and reporter Mick Lyndon begin to uncover things that attract the wrong kind of attention from the wrong kind of people….
“If you want to kill serious crime, you have to kill serious criminals.”
Sir George Deacon, Minster of Justice.
You’re still alive until you meet The Third Rule.
England. New System. New Rules. Old Corruption. In a world where truth and justice are executed as freely as the criminals, a Rule Three conviction earns you a trip to the slaughterhouse and a bullet in the head. And sometimes, you don’t even need to be guilty.
CSI Eddie Collins is dragged into a new turmoil after a hit-and-run driver leaves his son dead. He and reporter Mick Lyndon begin to uncover things that attract the wrong kind of attention from the wrong kind of people….
“If you want to kill serious crime, you have to kill serious criminals.”
Sir George Deacon, Minster of Justice.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
80 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Barrett
34 books279 followersHi everyone,
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
Thanks for looking,
Andy
My name is Andrew Barrett and I live and work in West Yorkshire.
My CSI Eddie Collins and SOCO Roger Conniston books focus on the world of the crime scene investigator. I've been a CSI for over twenty-eight years, and try to inject an element of authenticity into each story.
And if you enjoy detectives with a difference, search out the new series featuring a sharp female lead character called DS Regan Carter.
Thanks for looking,
Andy
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 3, 2012
Eddie Collins is a Scenes of Crime Officer with problems. His wife has thrown him out because of his drinking and his young son has died in a hit and run accident. One of Andrew Barrett’s great gifts is that of being able to get ‘into the head’ of his characters and we know that Eddie feels responsible for his son’s death; he should have been with him at the time but was hung-over. We get inside his estranged wife Jilly’s mind as she grieves with anger and sorrow for her family life and her young boy. The government has brought in a new Justice Act which allows for Capital Punishment for murder (The Third Rule). One of the proponents of this act is covering up for a son who is responsible for 2 hit and run deaths. There is evidently corruption in high places.
This book is an exciting read: the author writes very well and tells a complex but convincing story which is nevertheless easy to follow. There are several strands cleverly woven together and for me, the story never dragged. Andrew Barrett is an intelligent and articulate author. He is so good at empathy and we feel with his characters. I love his writing style. Down to earth dialogue is interspersed with brilliantly crafted descriptive prose. I can’t believe a mainstream publisher isn’t paying this man to write books. The Third Rule is beyond good; it’s excellent!
This book is an exciting read: the author writes very well and tells a complex but convincing story which is nevertheless easy to follow. There are several strands cleverly woven together and for me, the story never dragged. Andrew Barrett is an intelligent and articulate author. He is so good at empathy and we feel with his characters. I love his writing style. Down to earth dialogue is interspersed with brilliantly crafted descriptive prose. I can’t believe a mainstream publisher isn’t paying this man to write books. The Third Rule is beyond good; it’s excellent!
November 17, 2012
Gritty crime/investigation drama that doesn't pull its punches. Loved it.
It's obviously the first part in a trilogy, in that nothing really gets wrapped up by the end, so you'll be wanting to grab Part Two to find out what happens next. And you *will* be wanting to grab the next book, it's that compelling.
It's obviously the first part in a trilogy, in that nothing really gets wrapped up by the end, so you'll be wanting to grab Part Two to find out what happens next. And you *will* be wanting to grab the next book, it's that compelling.
June 3, 2013
I found this a wacky experience, quite different from anything I've encountered before. It reads like many intertwined, disturbing (but not scary) short stories.
I was disappointed that the book wasn't an end in itself. A trilogy is three distinct books about the same subject, surely? I might be drawn into reading parts two and three.
Favourite quote: "Piss on me and you get wet too."
I was disappointed that the book wasn't an end in itself. A trilogy is three distinct books about the same subject, surely? I might be drawn into reading parts two and three.
Favourite quote: "Piss on me and you get wet too."
December 16, 2012
An intriguing and absorbing start to a trilogy.
In the recent past, I read A Long Time Dead, by Andrew Barrett and found it to be a great book. Therefore, when part one of The Third Rule was published, I looked forward to reading it.
The story, once again, revolves around the West Yorkshire area and once more follows the work of a crime scene investigator, or at least it will. Let me explain. The protagonist of this series is Eddie Collins. To say Eddie is a drunk, is like saying Bradley Wiggins likes a cycle occasionally. This is causing his world to fall apart around his ears, and we wonder whether he will ever rebuild it. You see, Eddie isn’t a very nice bloke and his pal, Mick, doesn’t help.
To add spice to the mix, this series is set in a possible near future, where criminals are executed once they commit so many crimes – the Third Rule referred to in the title. Through a series of characters, the moral ambiguities are explored. The problem is that none of the characters have the moral high ground, especially the politicians, to cast the first stone, but that doesn’t stop them forcing judgement on those they feel are beyond redemption.
Mix these two themes together and you have a firecracker of a book, filled with well-constructed, multi-faceted characters. Many thriller writers forget to give their minor characters depth, but Barrett does not make this mistake, which makes this book all the more interesting.
After starting the book and, quite honestly, disliking Eddie as a weak-willed alcoholic, by the end of the piece I was beginning to warm to him. Many of the other characters make you wonder what decisions you would make if you were in their position, something that is both intriguing and discomforting.
If I have one minor criticism, it is that you will need to read the other two books to see the conclusion of this story. Although this book comes to a specific end, it is in no way conclusive as all of the threads are left dangling. Therefore, be prepared to purchase and read the other volumes.
In the recent past, I read A Long Time Dead, by Andrew Barrett and found it to be a great book. Therefore, when part one of The Third Rule was published, I looked forward to reading it.
The story, once again, revolves around the West Yorkshire area and once more follows the work of a crime scene investigator, or at least it will. Let me explain. The protagonist of this series is Eddie Collins. To say Eddie is a drunk, is like saying Bradley Wiggins likes a cycle occasionally. This is causing his world to fall apart around his ears, and we wonder whether he will ever rebuild it. You see, Eddie isn’t a very nice bloke and his pal, Mick, doesn’t help.
To add spice to the mix, this series is set in a possible near future, where criminals are executed once they commit so many crimes – the Third Rule referred to in the title. Through a series of characters, the moral ambiguities are explored. The problem is that none of the characters have the moral high ground, especially the politicians, to cast the first stone, but that doesn’t stop them forcing judgement on those they feel are beyond redemption.
Mix these two themes together and you have a firecracker of a book, filled with well-constructed, multi-faceted characters. Many thriller writers forget to give their minor characters depth, but Barrett does not make this mistake, which makes this book all the more interesting.
After starting the book and, quite honestly, disliking Eddie as a weak-willed alcoholic, by the end of the piece I was beginning to warm to him. Many of the other characters make you wonder what decisions you would make if you were in their position, something that is both intriguing and discomforting.
If I have one minor criticism, it is that you will need to read the other two books to see the conclusion of this story. Although this book comes to a specific end, it is in no way conclusive as all of the threads are left dangling. Therefore, be prepared to purchase and read the other volumes.
April 27, 2013
Strong thriller with a nightmare plot straight from the pages of the Daily Mail, well, so it seems to my Guardian reading point of view anyway. A plausible – if not always likeable – main character develops with the story line and is supported by a believable cast of real people.
I can’t wait to read the next part on the story. Indeed that is my only quibble. The end of Atrocities reads like the end of a chapter; I was so engrossed I was slightly startled to find that there was no more. The Third Rule is now available as a single volume which I would strongly recommend.
I can’t wait to read the next part on the story. Indeed that is my only quibble. The end of Atrocities reads like the end of a chapter; I was so engrossed I was slightly startled to find that there was no more. The Third Rule is now available as a single volume which I would strongly recommend.
May 5, 2018
These no longer are available on kindle, the full book with all 3 parts is showing on amazon BUT only as paperback {although I got it as ebook so not sure since don't remember if was on amazon kindle} so the lower description is for all 3 together. See list below. The Third Rule (Eddie Collins #1)
Part One of The Third Rule: Atrocities.
You’re still alive until you meet The Third Rule.
England. New System. New Rules. Old Corruption. In a world where truth and justice are executed as freely as the criminals, a Rule Three conviction earns you a trip to the slaughterhouse and a bullet in the head. And sometimes, you don’t even need to be guilty.
CSI Eddie Collins is dragged into a new turmoil after a hit-and-run driver leaves his son dead. He and reporter Mick Lyndon begin to uncover things that attract the wrong kind of attention from the wrong kind of people…. “If you want to kill serious crime, you have to kill serious criminals.”
Sir George Deacon, Minster of Justice.
Definitely not a 'cozy' definitely some 'language' when a certain point needs to be definitely made, and one of the best mystery books have read in a while. I really like it, as you should be able to tell by the stars/rating.
Capital Punishment is back! When you're accused of murder, you'd better hide, run, or fight.The Third Rule is England's new infallible capital punishment. Absolute proof of guilt is no longer required, so there’s a queue at the Slaughter House doors.
CSI Eddie Collins hasn't killed anyone, but he knows who has. That’s why he’s on the Slaughter House list, and when a government hunter tracks him down, Eddie has to fight or die. ‘If you want to kill serious crime, you have to kill serious criminals.’ Sir George Deacon, Minster of Justice.
The Third Rule (Eddie Collins #1)
Black by Rose (Eddie Collins #2)
The Lift: An Eddie Collins short story (Eddie Collins #2.5)
Sword of Damocles (Eddie Collins #3)
Ledston Luck (Eddie Collins #4)
The Note: A CSI Eddie Collins short story
A Long Time Dead (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 1)
Stealing Elgar (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 2)
No More Tears (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 3)
The End of Lies
Charlotte's Lodge
The Third Rule - Part One: Atrocities
The Third Rule - Part Two: Running Scared
The Third Rule - Part Three: Sacrifice
Part One of The Third Rule: Atrocities.
You’re still alive until you meet The Third Rule.
England. New System. New Rules. Old Corruption. In a world where truth and justice are executed as freely as the criminals, a Rule Three conviction earns you a trip to the slaughterhouse and a bullet in the head. And sometimes, you don’t even need to be guilty.
CSI Eddie Collins is dragged into a new turmoil after a hit-and-run driver leaves his son dead. He and reporter Mick Lyndon begin to uncover things that attract the wrong kind of attention from the wrong kind of people…. “If you want to kill serious crime, you have to kill serious criminals.”
Sir George Deacon, Minster of Justice.
Definitely not a 'cozy' definitely some 'language' when a certain point needs to be definitely made, and one of the best mystery books have read in a while. I really like it, as you should be able to tell by the stars/rating.
Capital Punishment is back! When you're accused of murder, you'd better hide, run, or fight.The Third Rule is England's new infallible capital punishment. Absolute proof of guilt is no longer required, so there’s a queue at the Slaughter House doors.
CSI Eddie Collins hasn't killed anyone, but he knows who has. That’s why he’s on the Slaughter House list, and when a government hunter tracks him down, Eddie has to fight or die. ‘If you want to kill serious crime, you have to kill serious criminals.’ Sir George Deacon, Minster of Justice.
The Third Rule (Eddie Collins #1)
Black by Rose (Eddie Collins #2)
The Lift: An Eddie Collins short story (Eddie Collins #2.5)
Sword of Damocles (Eddie Collins #3)
Ledston Luck (Eddie Collins #4)
The Note: A CSI Eddie Collins short story
A Long Time Dead (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 1)
Stealing Elgar (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 2)
No More Tears (SOCO Roger Conniston Book 3)
The End of Lies
Charlotte's Lodge
The Third Rule - Part One: Atrocities
The Third Rule - Part Two: Running Scared
The Third Rule - Part Three: Sacrifice
September 18, 2023
Complex, well written crime mystery. The author's background in crime scene investigation shows through as the importance of the work done by the CSI folks in seeing that justice can be effectively obtained with the proper evidence in hand.
July 4, 2018
Another winner from Andrew Barrett. Love the characters and the story line love anything to do with police procedures. Keep up the good work. Can't wait for the next book.
December 31, 2018
Good read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 11, 2022
Short but intriguing all the way to the end. Love Eddie, he’s great.
October 12, 2013
I'd heard good things about this book before reading it and I'm pleased to report that I wasn't disapointed. The story is set in contemporary Britain and the country is fed up with the rising crimunal country and elect a stronger government, one that is able to push through capital punishment, along with the infamous 'Third Rule', instead of three strikes and you're automatically locked up it is now three strikes and you're executed.
Against this backdrop we follow a number of seemingly disconnected characters, the policeman recovering from his injuries who has turned to drink and then his son is killed in a hit and run. His drinking friend the reporter who starts poking in the wrong places. At first the connections are vague, but as the book progresses they coalese and build the pace.
The author writes confidently and provides some strong insights into the thinking of his characters. It's worth reading for that alone, but the interesting story raises this from good to an excellent read.
I do have one complaint about the book, the end is very sudden, it could have done with rounding off a little more. That however is a minor complaint as the next book is available and has been added to my TBR. An excellent read, well worth buying.
Against this backdrop we follow a number of seemingly disconnected characters, the policeman recovering from his injuries who has turned to drink and then his son is killed in a hit and run. His drinking friend the reporter who starts poking in the wrong places. At first the connections are vague, but as the book progresses they coalese and build the pace.
The author writes confidently and provides some strong insights into the thinking of his characters. It's worth reading for that alone, but the interesting story raises this from good to an excellent read.
I do have one complaint about the book, the end is very sudden, it could have done with rounding off a little more. That however is a minor complaint as the next book is available and has been added to my TBR. An excellent read, well worth buying.
January 6, 2016
Gosh, this is dark! A near-future or alternative present U.K. with new legislation, a great deal of crime and violence, and lots of threads starting off: will they join up? I can manage a bit at a time before I have to take a break. Some of the threads do join before the end but they just lure you into the next book, which I shall be very happy to read. Clever and frightening.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews