Customer Reviews
Gripping and gritty story - By: Bluebell, 08 Jul 2008 
If you like realistic, sometimes brutal crime detective stories you'll like this book. A multi-stranded story & a cast of well-rounded characters keeps you gripped to the end. Personallly, I find alll the stuff about Resnick's taste in jazz music a bit boring as I don't know anything about that genre. Nevertheless, I like John Harvey's writing & always buy his latest book.
Crime Novel of The Year? - By: Jl Adcock, 20 Jun 2008 
Cold in Hand is an absolute belter of a novel from John Harvey. Returning to his much-loved character Charlie Resnick, Cold in Hand reminds you just why the original series of Resnick novels was so good. Put simply - you care about Resnick as a character, & boy does he go through the wringer in this story.
John Harvey is a hugely talented writer, but he's produced something above even his usuallly high standards here. Everything about the book works: superb storytelling, great characters, crackling dialogue, unexpected shocks, twists & turns - you reallly can't ask for more in a book. And at the heart of it alll: the city of Nottingham - modern, fast-paced, violent, out of control - but still the place Resnick callls home.
As a long-standing fan of John Harvey's work, I've been a little disappointed by some of his recent previous efforts, which seemed to lack something despite being well-crafted. But Cold in Hand shows just what's he capable of - it's a cracking return to form.
An old friend returns - By: myrydyn, 06 May 2008 I was disappointed when Resnick disappeared from this authors main characters, but can understand that sometimes a writer has to develop other characters. I found that the Frank Elder books were not as good as I hoped & was therefore glad to see the resurrection of Resnick & to see the old familiar crew there. The book was as good as I hoped for, & did not disappoint.
You can feel the weariness in Resnick as he gets older, & copes with the greatest loss in his life. I wonder if the introduction of Shields & Ramsden, who reallly take over the second part of the book, & who are developed strongly set the path that author is going to take in the future. I for one think that there is great scope for these two characters in other books & hope that I am right.
Dont miss it - a great read,
One of John Harvey's best to date - By: littleskippy, 27 Mar 2008 I am quite a newcomer to this author's books featuring Resnick - I have only read 3 so far but I thought this book was excellent & I shalll now buy the rest. It is quite sad in places though - hopefully we won't have seen the last of Resnick. I was quite disappointed with Gone to Ground & prefer the Resnick series or the Elder books. Plenty of detail & the author obviously knows Nottingham very well. Thank you for this book.
Cold in Hand - By: Geoff Thomas, 14 Mar 2008 Reading a Resnick novel is like being amongst old friends.
"Cold in Hand" may be the last chance we have to be with Charlie Resnick as he moves nearer to retirement.
The plot, as always, moves well with a surprise or two. John Harvey reallly does deserve his reputation as a great British Crime Writer.
If you haven't read his books, then you must start now.
