The Trail Paperback – 20 Feb. 2020

Really enjoyed this! Picked it up after hearing the author interviewed and finding him thoughtful and empathetic. Both are qualities that come across in this book with a fresh take on the crime genre – DCI Rick Castle taking his Manchester policing skills to Nepal in pursuit of missing UK backpackers.While the plot unfolds in a series of reveals (not everything surrounding the missing backpackers is as it seems) it was the scenes focusing on DCI Castle that stole the show for me. A sensitively written protagonist trying to balance professional stresses with personal travails and the grey areas in between, such as awkward office romance.Not many writers draw their main detective with vulnerabilities that go beyond the usual cop tropes, so hats off to the author for creating such a realistic and likeable lead.The inclusion of genuine political angles to the plot and characters’ motivations – ranging from the Falklands War to FIFA corruption – was a highly effective way of embedding the story in real world events. It gave the narrative a feeling of proximity, not to mention an interesting contrast to the thrillers that use make-believe countries, presidents etc.Ultimately, however, it is DCI Rick Castle who guarantees I will be reading this author’s next book. If a series is as strong as its protagonist then this one – if indeed that is what it becomes – is built on very solid foundations.

The author clearly knows his police procedure and his mountains. This knowledge, worn lightly, adds authenticity to this read in one go thriller.

This was really enjoyable - unusual setting with some very engaging characters.Will read the next in the series

A fast paced, enjoyable, hard to put down crime thriller that takes the reader from Manchester to Nepal. Now looking forward to book 2 and learning more about DCI Castle

I enjoyed the book from the beginning. Sometimes it takes a while to get into a book, but not this. Had me drawn in from the beginning.

I found this a fast paced exciting read. The author is a strong story teller and kept my interest throughout. I particularly liked the strong sense of place as the story switches between Manchester and Nepal, both of which felt very real as settings. There are some interesting characters in the story and I hope we learn more about them in subsequent novels. Keen as I was to find out what happened at the end I didn't have much empathy however with Calix, I was interested in finding out what happened to him but didn't really mind which way it went. This was a shame as he was clearly a complex character who could have done with a bit more development to engage me as a reader. Overall a compelling read and a great story. I look forward to more from this author.

I really enjoyed the book.From a member of Glossop U3A

This is a very disappointing read. The main character Rick Castle has a name very similar to the 'Castle' crime series whose main character is called Richard Castle. The plot in Nepal is too slow and drawn out and doesn't make use of the scenery and location. Many threads of the story are undeveloped and unexplained. What happened when Calix phoned his mother from Nepal? What happened to the professor's dog? Who killed the cat? Rick lacked the energy and drive to solve a crime. It was difficult to take Calix seriously because his character was contrived. I felt that the original idea for the story lost momentum among too many random happenings which didn't move the plot to any suspense or excitement.

An exciting novel that takes the reader from the U.K to Nepal. The author brings to life snow-laden mountains and small, remote villages as the characters trek through the Nepalese wilderness. The story's twists and turns are intriguing and delightful. One of the best crime fiction novels I have read. Looking forward to the author's next book.

Not a big thriller reader, but this was really good, well paced, nice character development. I would definitely read more by Ellson. I got as an ebook, but getting a copy for my brother as a gift too.