The Lift: A CSI Eddie Collins Short Story

I really enjoyed this short story. As an introduction to a CSI it has certainly made me want to meet him again.

My reading having dropped off a cliff the past couple of months, a short sharp injection was needed to try and spark some life back into me. Andrew Barrett's The Lift assisted in that aim.Eddie Collins is a series character from Barrett, with four novels and a couple of shorter pieces featuring Eddie. Collins is a CSI and on his way to a high rise flat to collect some evidence. Two other characters, an older gentleman and a reluctant youth are his companions in the lift.Inevitably the lift breaks down and our tale unfolds. Conflict is in the air.... tension, fear, a desire for justice, family, negotiation, a shared history and ultimately violence and an unforeseen outcome.I did enjoy this one. There's a twist in the tale, which with stories of this nature is probably compulsory. Not that I enjoyed it any the less. I'll be reading more from Barrett with Eddie Collins in the future.4 from 5Read in June, 2018Published - 2015Page count - 51Source - purchased copy (probably a freebie)Format - Kindle

Firstly I should say that this is a short tale, if it were on paper probably no more than thirty pages; but all the better for it. 'Purchased' (it was free) on a whim as I wanted something quick to read one Saturday afternoon, it's the first I've read of Andrew Barrett's work, and I'm glad I did.Set almost entirely within the titular lift it is not so much a who-dunnit as a why-did-they-do-it, told in the first person by Eddie Collins, a CSI on his way to gather evidence from a distraction burglary in a Yorkshire high rise. Although a short story, it isn't short enough of course for the elevator to have made its way without issue - with Eddie and the two other occupants leaving with a cheery nod and friendly wave; so inevitably it breaks down between floors. After all that's what lifts should do in such scenarios.The tension builds as we become privy to Eddie's thoughts, fears and anxieties; the claustrophobic setting adding to the sense of menace, as the reasons for the other two's presence are revealed.It's certainly a good story, and will be sure to be devoured in one sitting. I'm not sure if I 'liked' Eddie or not, his cynicism and judgmental nature rubbed me up the wrong way a bit, but that was a good thing, it made him real and believable.With such a short story it would be unfair to say too much more, other than I will certainly explore one of the full length novels in this series, and look forward to doing so.

For me this short novella has been a superb introduction to the writing of Andrew Barrett. It has terrific characterisation, realistic dialogue and an atmospheric plot reeks of underlying tension and menace. For 30 minutes or so, I was unable to put the story aside as I just had to know how the events would unfold between the three main characters (Crime Scene Investigator Eddie Collins, Grant, a twenty year old hoodlum and Reg, an 'old-school' ex policeman from Leeds) who had become stuck in a lift. We soon discover that a crime has been committed and as the story unfolds we get three very different and very thought provoking perspectives of it, which is quite remarkable given the length of this story. In short, I found this a terrific introduction to the writing of Andrew Barrett and now look forward to reading one of his full length 'CSI Eddie Collins' novels.

I hadn't read anything by Andrew Barrett before so to find such a gem of a short story was a pleasant surprise. I won't give away any spoilers about the story and given it's so short you should just give it a go. Andreww Barrett has covered all the basics, such as correct spelling and keeping things short and snappy, which unfortunately a lot of writers tend to forget. Then we get to the story, well it's brilliant. I loved it right from the off. It's short but a fully formed tale and it's tense too. To build that tension and create a fully rounded tale is the mark of a fine writer. I'd guess this quick read is to introduce people like me to Mr Barretts writing and the character of CSI Eddie Collins. If so it's worked a treat with me. I want more! Highly recommended.

A dark and atmospheric little tale about three people stuck in a lift ( elevator ). CSI Eddie Collins thinks he's about to have another normal day doing what he does to earn a living, but never assume anything, because that's when something is likely to come along and bite you right in the butt.The author has managed to create a really meaty story in such a very short read - the writing was excellent - the characters very believable - and he managed to generate some high tension with the characters trapped within this claustrophobic metal container and in such close proximity. Turns out they're all heading for the same place, but a lot happens before they reach the tenth floor! A great little read.

On his way to act as SOCO for a murder-scene in a top-floor apartment, Eddie Collins encounters two disparate strangers. One is an older man, who may, or may not be related to the younger, in Andrew Barrett's brief encounter like no other, which unfolds in The Lift, #2.5 in his outstanding Eddie Collins series.These unusual travelling companions start a heated argument which takes an unexpected turn, before Eddie's upward journey in the eponymous ancient lift can continue.What will be the outcome? Which, if any, of the three does not make the rest of the lift's journey? Will Eddie get involved in the ensuing debacle - and if so, how?Though tiny, this tale of the very unexpected packs a big emotional punch to the solar plexus that will leave you stunned and fascinated - don't miss it!