Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Absolutely fantastic, Daniel Cole has done it again. I could not put this down, at times it is quite graphics with the descriptions, but don't let that put you off, this is a very very good read.

A brilliant read, action-packed and never lets up. I couldn't wait to finish it. Can't wait to read more from the author!

I've read books one and two in preparation for reading this book, but half way through and I am just not getting into it. I will come back and try it again at some stage

Think a lot was lost on me as I jumped on the series from the wrong end. I haven't read the first two books, so quite a bit of the back story of the characters and relationships was missing for me.

The story itself was a bit slow, it took me two attempts to stick with it and finish the book. But once it got going, it was a good time, so 3/5👌

Thank you NetGalley and Orion Publishing for the advanced copy of this book and sorry for taking so long to review.
I am so upset this is the last in the series. I have really enjoyed Daniel's books as they were different. They were hard to put down and I was totally engrossed with all three of them.
I really hope Daniel goes on to write another series as he is a really good story teller.

Given the glowing reviews this has had, I was really looking forward to it, especially since I'd enjoyed the other books in the series. But there was something about it which didn't resonate with me. The plot didn't really seem to have all that much depth to it and neither did the characters. I didn't find it fast paced and really struggled to get through, although I persevered.

A disappointing end to a promising start.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.

Unfortunately, I’m really disappointed in this book and that really upsets me. I’ve read the first 2 books in this trilogy and admittedly it was quite some time ago so I don’t quite remember them. Now, this book, refers to the first 2 SO much but without really expanding into any background, which meant that I just didn’t understand most of it. I definitely don’t think it could be properly understood as a stand alone novel. However, after saying that, the main story was still good, well written, and the main characters are likeable and funny.

WARNING: Before I go into my review for Endgame, be aware there may be a few spoilers from the previous books; Ragdoll and Hangman. I don’t like giving spoilers but it is difficult to avoid them. So, with that warning, lets dive in to the review.

With a title like “Endgame” and coming out the same year as the conclusion to the Marvel cinematic universe with the same title, this book has a lot of hype to live up to. Coupled with the fact that I adored both Ragdoll and Hangman, I was beyond excited to read this book. So, did Endgame give a satisfactory conclusion to the series? (So far….)

The answer is both Yes… and No.

The highlight of this book is definitely the return of Wolf. For me he was sorely missed in Hangman, even though Rouche was a very good substitute. Endgame explains why Wolf has suddenly re-appeared on the scene, voluntarily, even though he is a wanted man.

The rapport between Baxter and Edmunds is quickly re-established, yet Wolf seems to have had a weight lifted off his shoulders. Yes, there is still a sense of guilt in him over abandoning Baxter to the events of in Hangman. Though he is part of the investigation into the death of his mentor, it has come with conditions from one of the top brass.

It’s the characters that really elevate this book and seeing how the group has moved on, but they put their differences behind them to rally together. The interaction between the characters is a joy to read and I empathised with them as they were challenged.

One of the surprising things in this book was the romantic development between two of the characters. This was hinted at in a previous book, but I was still pleasantly surprised by it all.

There is one scene in the book that really stands out for me due to the pure comedic element to it. It centres around Wolf taking charge of a meeting and he is trying to bring everyone up to speed on the investigation. Cole has cleverly added some “illustrations” to show what the people in the room see. I will be honest, I laughed out loud so hard at it.

The only thing that slightly disappointed me about this book was the actual mystery surrounding the death of Finlay Shaw. The person behind his death, was quickly identified, at least by me pretty early on in the book. The motive behind it was a bit more complex.

The flashbacks to flesh out Finlay’s backstory were another highlight to the book. At times, they reminded me of the tv Show Life on Mars and were highly entertaining. At the time I didn’t fully appreciate on how they related to the present-day case, until the last few chapters.

If this is the last book in the series, then it is a perfect send off to these characters.

VERDICT:

By looking inward and taking a more intimate setting, Endgame is a brilliant character focused book. The events in the previous books have left scars on the characters, both physically and mentally. Though you don’t need to have read Ragdoll and Hangman to fully appreciate the book, the little easter eggs sprinkled about, take the book to the next level.

I really can’t wait to see what Cole will write next.

Daniel Cole became an auto buy author for me after reading his debut Ragdoll. Since then this thrilling trilogy has become an absolute favourite of mine, and one I find myself recommending to bloggers, reviewers and thriller friends alike. I cannot recommend reading this trilogy enough!! All the stars for Daniel Cole!!

Endgame continues with all the familiar names you will have grown to love or hate over this series and turns a locked room mystery into a thriller with a gruesome edge. Wolf returns in honour of his friends’ death, retired police officer Finlay Shaw and is insistent on proving his death wasn’t a suicide. My love for Edmunds character development continually grows and I love the blossoming friendship between himself and Emily Baxter. I really hope we see more from both Edmunds and Baxter in Cole’s future work.

It has been hinted at that there may be a continuation of this series, which let me tell you I AM ALL FOR!! There is certainly scope for further character development and I for one would be excited to see where it goes.

If you’re a fan of fellow authors Chris Carter, M W Craven and M J Arlidge then this brilliant, twisted and creative series is a must read!

Endgame is the final book in the Ragdoll trilogy and sees the return of disgraced detective William 'Wolf' Fawkes. I felt this final installment was less edgy than its predecessors but nonetheless very enjoyable

The love-hate chemistry between Detective Emily Baxter and charismatic but flawed Wolf is reignited as they investigate the apparent suicide of retired colleague Finlay Shaw inside a locked room. Convinced that Shaw wouldn't kill himself — he loved his wife Maggie far too much to leave her on her own — it becomes a near impossible task proving what really happened and how the present day is connected to events from 1979.

Endgame, and, in fact, the whole trilogy is exceptionally well-written. Characters are gritty and real. The plot races ahead with an abundance of twists and turns to keep the reader immersed. There are plenty of humorous exchanges that really are laugh-out-loud funny and elevate the book to another level.

I'd strongly advise reading Ragdoll and Hangman before attempting Endgame, as the story relies heavily on events from the first two books; as does character development. It really is an excellent, gripping series.

Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will enjoy.

I was delighted to receive this book through Netgalley and when I loaded it down and saw that Daniel Cole himself said you needed to read the first two books first - I went in search - and I am so glad I did. The development of the characters and their relationships are so well developed.
This third book in the trilogy was another great story line - the humour in these books just gets better and better - and contrasts with the violence and tension - the balance is brilliant. I understand there is to be a fourth book in the trilogy???
Four and a half stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley/Daniel Cole/Orion Publishing for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you aren’t already aware, ‘Endgame’ is the third installment in the ‘Ragdoll’ series. The author does state at the beginning of this book that it would be highly advantageous if you read the books in order, however i did not do that despite having the previous books ready to read! Whoops! Having said that, I didn’t find the story any less enjoyable not having the in depth backstory of each of the characters. In all honesty, I fluffing loved it!!!!

How amazing is Wolf!!! I was in hysterics at pretty much ALL of the things that came out of his mouth, and at times I felt a teeny bit guilty at laughing given the nature of the circumstances at the time.

‘Endgame’ is SO addictive! Retired police officer, Finlay, is found dead in his own home. Officers investigating the death class it as suicide, however Wolf isn’t convinced that Finlay would go to such lengths. Given Wolf’s unruly personality and ability to annoy everyone around him without even doing anything, Wolf’s idea didn’t go down well with his ‘colleagues’. Would it be in their best interests to trust his instincts, or would they be better off agreeing with the verdict of ‘suicide’ where Finlay is concerned?

Wolf doesnt exactly make it easy for himself, does he? Even though I wasn’t aware of what he had done to annoy his colleagues in the previous books, I got the jist after his personality shone through rather quickly.

As I said above, I fluffing love this book. I adored every single thing about it, from the flawed characters to the frayed relationships, to the thrilling events and the fast paced storline. Honestly, Daniel Cole is an incredible, incredible author – why I haven’t delved into his books before now is beyond me!

I thought this was such a cleverly written novel with outstanding humour running throughout. I wouldn’t expect a thriller to be laced with hilarity, yet Daniel Cole, and Wolf, made it work.

What a phenomenally twisted, thrilling, humourous and addictive read which, if reading this caused speeding tickets, I would be severely bankrupt now! What a book!!!!

Having read the first two books in this trilogy I was delighted to be approved for an arc of the third installment. I was not disappointed.

Another fabulous read and a tie up of the store across the first two books. Having disappeared for 18 months, Wolf returns when he hears of the death of his friend and mentor. He refuses to believe his friend would commit suicide and leave the wife he loved. Was it suicide or murder?? If it was murder how did the killer get out of a locked and sealed room??

A brilliantly gritty and gruesome crime series and best read in order as there are a lot of references to earlier books

https://booksbehindthetitle.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/blogtour-endgamebook-compulsivereaders-daniel_p_cole-orionbooks/

A satisfying conclusion to a brilliant trilogy.

I absolutely loved the first two books in this series. Like many reviewers, I was so excited to receive the third one, and it certainly did not disappoint. This book can be read as a stand-alone but to really appreciate it, read the first two books, you won’t regret it.

All of the main characters are back and this book, as well as tying up all the loose ends, it is another plot full of surprises, it is difficult to say too much about the storyline without giving away spoilers.

The two characters central to all three books, William ‘Wolf ’Fawkes and DCI Emily Baxter, are once again locking horns but at the same time do have mutual respect and their relationship is a central part of the book.

The story begins when Wolf’s mentor and friend, Finlay Shaw is found dead in a locked room in his house with a gun nearby. It looks obviously like suicide, but Wolf cannot believe that his friend would ever leave his beloved wife Maggie alone and pleads for some time to try and prove that this was murder. Wolf has been on the run since the last book and when he comes out of hiding is promptly arrested. However due to some information he has that is vital to the police, he is given some time to pursue the investigation.

We are taken back to Glasgow in 1979 when Shaw and another detective were involved in a warehouse raid where a huge amount of drugs were recovered. This incident, at the time, received widespread acclaim for the detectives involved but the repercussions come back to haunt them 40 years later.

Daniel Cole is a master of writing plots that are different and in this book we know what happened very early on, but it is the way Wolf, Emily and various other characters from the previous books, interact to solve the crime.

However, what makes Mr Cole’s books even better for me is that he can inject humour and his characters, although flawed, are eminently likeable. This is an unusual trait in this type of book, and I thoroughly enjoy the juxtaposition of both tragedy and humour. You are drawn into the lives of the main characters, and I felt a lot of empathy with them.

The even better news is that although this book completes the trilogy very satisfactorily, it would appear that there may be more to come. I, for one, want to be one of the first to read it!

Dexter

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. Endgame is the final book in the trilogy that features among others Wolf, Baxter and Edmunds. Baxter has been my favourite character throughout. I love her temperament, her ability to make things much worse than they are and her humour. It is a series that I strongly recommend that you read in order. Whilst different stories, they are linked and this novel brings many answers. They are also very entertaining.

This is less gory than the other two books, but no less funny. It is a slightly different story, with focus on two of the main characters early on in their careers and how the events that happened then had consequences in the modern day. I was a little shocked by what was revealed.

What the author does well is making sure that all the characters have a voice. Joe and Maggie in particular I enjoyed reading about. A standout moment for Joe was when he was showing off his skills without knowing the identity of one of his audience.

A great finale, and I’m looking forward to future books by this author.

I really enjoyed this book as I have all of Daniel Cole’s, I like the style of writing, it is fast-paced and kept me hooked. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this in exchange for a review. I will leave this review on amazon and Goodread too.

Oh I can't even begin to tell you how much I've been looking forward to this book and I'm delighted to say that it did not disappoint. Endgame is the third in the Detective William Fawkes (Wolf) series, following on from Ragdoll and Hangman. I don't know how Daniel Cole does it but each book seems do outdo the previous one, despite them all being brilliant in their own right.

Endgame grips the reader by the throat right from the start with a double whammy: an apparent suicide and the arrest of Wolf. Wolf is convinced his old mentor, Finlay, wouldn't have killed himself and he does a deal with the police commissioner, who happens to be Finlay's old friend Christian, to allow him to investigate what everyone thinks is an open and shut case. Bringing the gang back together, Wolf teams up with old pals Baxter and Edmunds and what a trio they make. The sexual tension between Wolf and Baxter is palpable, reminiscent of Ross and Rachel in a will they/won't they scenario. To complete the Friends analogy, I really like Edmunds who is a bit of a Monica in his dogged determination and organisation skills.

As Wolf investigates Finlay's death, he takes a closer look at Finlay's life. Roll back to 1979 with Finlay and Christian hailed as heroes in a drugs bust, but not everything is as it seems. Buried secrets don't stay buried for long, especially not when Wolf is on the case. It's like a game of chess and just when one player thinks they are about to call checkmate, the game is turned on its head. I loved all these twists and turns that kept my heart racing in my chest and my eyes racing down the page.

I think you could possibly read Endgame as a standalone but I really would recommend you read Ragdoll and Hangman first as it does have links to the previous books; so anyone picking up Endgame as their first Daniel Cole book will undoubtedly want to read the previous two books right away to see the full picture. The whole series is amazing, but Endgame is the cherry on top.

Daniel Cole writes so vividly and energetically that his words seem to fizzle and crackle on the page; it's so visual that I really wouldn't be surprised to see this series on tv in the future. Endgame is a blistering conclusion to the Ragdoll trilogy but I'm hoping it's not the last we've seen of Wolf and Baxter. As gripping as a vice, Endgame is an electrifying heart-in-your-mouth thriller; it has more thrills and stomach clenching moments than a rollercoaster and a waltzer merged together. Absolutely superb and definitely unmissable!

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.