What do you think?
Spike Sanguinetti #4
Sleeping Dogs
A local man murdered. A young woman missing. A dark secret unearthed. Spike Sanguinetti is back in the gripping new story from thrilling crime writer Thomas Mogford.
Haunted by his failure to prevent the violent murders of two innocent women, Gibraltarian lawyer Spike Sanguinetti loses himself in his work. After much persuasion, he joins an old flame, Detective Sergeant Jessica Navarro, for a well-earned rest at a friend’s villa on Corfu’s beautiful northeast coast. There they meet philanthropist Leo Hoffmann, elderly scion of the powerful Hoffmann banking family.
Leo has just unearthed an important archaeological site on the Corfiot coastline, but the lavish celebrations to mark the event are interrupted when the body of a young Albanian bludgeoned to death is discovered at the site. When a local man is arrested for the murder, Spike reluctantly agrees to defend him pro bono in what appears to be an “open and shut” case. Yet the more Spike delves into the facts surrounding the victim’s death, the more he starts to doubt the official version of events.
As news emerges that a vulnerable young woman has gone missing, a frantic search begins, which sees the idyllic holiday island transformed into an arena of old rivalries, political corruption, and murder. Uncovering secrets so damaging that those involved will go to any lengths to protect them, Spike begins to realize that some sleeping dogs can never be allowed to lie.
Haunted by his failure to prevent the violent murders of two innocent women, Gibraltarian lawyer Spike Sanguinetti loses himself in his work. After much persuasion, he joins an old flame, Detective Sergeant Jessica Navarro, for a well-earned rest at a friend’s villa on Corfu’s beautiful northeast coast. There they meet philanthropist Leo Hoffmann, elderly scion of the powerful Hoffmann banking family.
Leo has just unearthed an important archaeological site on the Corfiot coastline, but the lavish celebrations to mark the event are interrupted when the body of a young Albanian bludgeoned to death is discovered at the site. When a local man is arrested for the murder, Spike reluctantly agrees to defend him pro bono in what appears to be an “open and shut” case. Yet the more Spike delves into the facts surrounding the victim’s death, the more he starts to doubt the official version of events.
As news emerges that a vulnerable young woman has gone missing, a frantic search begins, which sees the idyllic holiday island transformed into an arena of old rivalries, political corruption, and murder. Uncovering secrets so damaging that those involved will go to any lengths to protect them, Spike begins to realize that some sleeping dogs can never be allowed to lie.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 9, 2015
About the author
Thomas Mogford
6 books25 followersThomas has worked as a journalist for Time Out and as a translator for the European Parliament and the UEFA Champions League. While studying to be a lawyer, he looked into practising abroad. Instead, he decided to write a series of thrillers set in the Mediterranean region.
In addition to writing mystery / thriller fiction under the name Thomas Mogford, he also writes historical fiction under the name T.L. Mogford
In addition to writing mystery / thriller fiction under the name Thomas Mogford, he also writes historical fiction under the name T.L. Mogford
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 10, 2016
Now on book four, I did read out of order but read all within a short space of time – that’s how good they are. I had a “blimey how on earth have I not been a fan of Thomas Mogford and Spike for years” moments. Well now I am, late to the club but fashionably late I like to think.I have now given myself a severe talking to and shall be paying attention to when the next book comes out.
Booktrail the locations here Sleeping Dogs
This is a cracking series of novels and this one a fine addition to the collection. There’s just something very strong about his locations and a wit to the writing that draws you in quickly and takes hold. I am always propelled forward in his novels and this was no different. Something very interesting about Gibraltar and a different part as well to those in previous novels.
There’s also a generous helping of wit and banter in this book. I suspect the author has his tongue firmly in his cheek as he pokes fun at the rich and those who act immorally. I think Spike makes a good character and I’ve enjoyed following him on his journey. It’s always interesting to see a character like this in Kavos of all places.
A strong book four and I can’t wait for book five.
Booktrail the locations here Sleeping Dogs
This is a cracking series of novels and this one a fine addition to the collection. There’s just something very strong about his locations and a wit to the writing that draws you in quickly and takes hold. I am always propelled forward in his novels and this was no different. Something very interesting about Gibraltar and a different part as well to those in previous novels.
There’s also a generous helping of wit and banter in this book. I suspect the author has his tongue firmly in his cheek as he pokes fun at the rich and those who act immorally. I think Spike makes a good character and I’ve enjoyed following him on his journey. It’s always interesting to see a character like this in Kavos of all places.
A strong book four and I can’t wait for book five.
April 15, 2015
Gibraltan lawyer Spike Sanguinetti is back for a fourth book in this series by Thomas Mogford. Following the violent events of the previous book, Hollow Mountain, Spike is in Corfu to meet up with his legal partner Peter Galliano. He’s taken his curmudgeonly father Rufus and his sometimes girlfriend detective Jessica Navarro with him.
The serenity they’re enjoying at a beautiful location on the north-east coast of the island is soon disrupted by a murder on the adjacent estate of millionaire Sir Leo Hoffman. With a local man falsely accused of the crime, Spike unwittingly becomes involved in a case hinging on the testimony of an elusive Albanian girl who is in fear for her life. As the action pivots between Corfu and Albania, Spike and Jessica race against time to catch a killer.
Although Spike himself is dealing with his own feelings of loss and insecurity after the death of his lover in a previous story, his strong moral core means he’s unable to turn his back on the fate of an innocent man or his friend Peter, who is emotionally invested in the case.
A stand out feature of Mogford’s writing is the wry and easy humour of his characters. The book is peppered with amusing asides, and Mogford cannot resist a few cutting sideswipes at the idle rich, who are personified by Leo Hoffman, and his children, as he plays lord of the manor in foreign climes. The dialogue feels natural and reflective, and there is an assured balance between the lighter and darker aspects of Spike’s psychological make-up. He has proven to be an incredibly empathetic character throughout the series to date.
Previous books have taken us from Gibraltar to Italy and Malta, and Mogford appears to have researched his locations very well. He comfortably paints a picture for us of the tranquility of the Greek coast then immerses us in the moral deprivation of popular holiday resort Kavos. Sleeping Dogs weaves in little snippets of pertinent information about local customs and socio-political mores, and this is especially vital to the plot when the action moves to Albania. Spike and Jessica find themselves at the whim of local superstitions and practices, which seem strange to them. This adds to the interest without over complicating the storyline and what unfolds is precisely written and engaging.
The tight plotting means that no single strand of the story is overplayed, though this is a relatively short crime novel. The investigation takes several twists and turns along the way, which keeps a heightened sense of engagement and, more importantly, keeps us rooting for Spike to clear the accused man’s name and catch the real culprit. An excellent read.
The serenity they’re enjoying at a beautiful location on the north-east coast of the island is soon disrupted by a murder on the adjacent estate of millionaire Sir Leo Hoffman. With a local man falsely accused of the crime, Spike unwittingly becomes involved in a case hinging on the testimony of an elusive Albanian girl who is in fear for her life. As the action pivots between Corfu and Albania, Spike and Jessica race against time to catch a killer.
Although Spike himself is dealing with his own feelings of loss and insecurity after the death of his lover in a previous story, his strong moral core means he’s unable to turn his back on the fate of an innocent man or his friend Peter, who is emotionally invested in the case.
A stand out feature of Mogford’s writing is the wry and easy humour of his characters. The book is peppered with amusing asides, and Mogford cannot resist a few cutting sideswipes at the idle rich, who are personified by Leo Hoffman, and his children, as he plays lord of the manor in foreign climes. The dialogue feels natural and reflective, and there is an assured balance between the lighter and darker aspects of Spike’s psychological make-up. He has proven to be an incredibly empathetic character throughout the series to date.
Previous books have taken us from Gibraltar to Italy and Malta, and Mogford appears to have researched his locations very well. He comfortably paints a picture for us of the tranquility of the Greek coast then immerses us in the moral deprivation of popular holiday resort Kavos. Sleeping Dogs weaves in little snippets of pertinent information about local customs and socio-political mores, and this is especially vital to the plot when the action moves to Albania. Spike and Jessica find themselves at the whim of local superstitions and practices, which seem strange to them. This adds to the interest without over complicating the storyline and what unfolds is precisely written and engaging.
The tight plotting means that no single strand of the story is overplayed, though this is a relatively short crime novel. The investigation takes several twists and turns along the way, which keeps a heightened sense of engagement and, more importantly, keeps us rooting for Spike to clear the accused man’s name and catch the real culprit. An excellent read.
January 13, 2017
For this reader international crime fiction is some of the best reading around. This is especially true when the author not only vividly paints settings, in this case Corfu, but also imagines how the various regions have affected the personalities and demeanors of the characters. The result is fascinating reading and Thomas Mogford does this in spades with the fourth installment of his Spike Sanguinetti series.
When the story opens Spike is at a low ebb - his law practice is in financial trouble, he continues to be deeply affected by the loss of a woman he loved, and he appears to be responsible for the welfare of an orphan boy. If anyone needs a vacation he does, and that comes in the form of an invitation from his law partner, Peter Galliano, to come to Corfu. Peter is recovering there from an injury, and Spike’s father is included in the invitation plus Detective Sergeant Jessica Navarro will be there. Who could resist? Spike may well wish he did.
Shortly after arriving Spike and others are invited to take part in festivities celebrating a remarkable archeological discovery by Peter’s wealthy neighbor, Sir Leo Hoffman. The groups visit to the excavations take a dark turn when a dead body is found there. A local man is quickly, too quickly, arrested for the murder and Spike takes on his defense assisted by the beauteous Jessica.
What they find would be enough to daunt the strongest - their lives are imperiled as they discover secrets, age-old rivalries and a mass of political corruption. Not good news for Spike and Jessica but intriguing reading for us.
Enjoy!
When the story opens Spike is at a low ebb - his law practice is in financial trouble, he continues to be deeply affected by the loss of a woman he loved, and he appears to be responsible for the welfare of an orphan boy. If anyone needs a vacation he does, and that comes in the form of an invitation from his law partner, Peter Galliano, to come to Corfu. Peter is recovering there from an injury, and Spike’s father is included in the invitation plus Detective Sergeant Jessica Navarro will be there. Who could resist? Spike may well wish he did.
Shortly after arriving Spike and others are invited to take part in festivities celebrating a remarkable archeological discovery by Peter’s wealthy neighbor, Sir Leo Hoffman. The groups visit to the excavations take a dark turn when a dead body is found there. A local man is quickly, too quickly, arrested for the murder and Spike takes on his defense assisted by the beauteous Jessica.
What they find would be enough to daunt the strongest - their lives are imperiled as they discover secrets, age-old rivalries and a mass of political corruption. Not good news for Spike and Jessica but intriguing reading for us.
Enjoy!
March 26, 2016
Unaware of this series or this author until I happened to notice Sleeping Dogs, part of a series.
What a talent is Thomas Mogford. Thanks for the entertainment !
How refreshing to find a story set in places like Gibraltar, Corfu and Albania, and how much we learned of how life in those countries. I don't need to give a plot synopsis.
Suffice to say that in crime series there are international detectives galore, but this does not star a detective - instead, a lawyer, who delves into investigation. The characters are terrific, the story is balanced, and the focus stays with the mystery/crime/thriller, not being overshadowed by personal angles in the story, not loaded with gratuititous interpersonal relationship stuff. Unlike some other writers who allow romantic dramas to take over from the crime story itself, Mogford does not allow that to happen, thankyou !
It's told at a cracking pace, wonderful to read, and would make a great movie.
It's an adventure which reads as a police procedural. and we look forward to More, Please !
What a talent is Thomas Mogford. Thanks for the entertainment !
How refreshing to find a story set in places like Gibraltar, Corfu and Albania, and how much we learned of how life in those countries. I don't need to give a plot synopsis.
Suffice to say that in crime series there are international detectives galore, but this does not star a detective - instead, a lawyer, who delves into investigation. The characters are terrific, the story is balanced, and the focus stays with the mystery/crime/thriller, not being overshadowed by personal angles in the story, not loaded with gratuititous interpersonal relationship stuff. Unlike some other writers who allow romantic dramas to take over from the crime story itself, Mogford does not allow that to happen, thankyou !
It's told at a cracking pace, wonderful to read, and would make a great movie.
It's an adventure which reads as a police procedural. and we look forward to More, Please !
January 22, 2017
This was a little gem. Spike is a Gibraltarian lawyer who gets into more scrapes than the average fictional gumshoe. He's tenacious and likeable even if he does put those around him into peril. In many ways this is an old-style crime novel - Spike sets about proving the innocence of a man charged with a murder he didn't commit, but it is beautifully written with luscious descriptions of not only Gibraltar but also Corfu (where most of the novel is set) and Albania. There are no great twists and turns, but it's a decent and adventurous quest for truth. For someone like me who doesn't like long, rambling doorstop-sized books, it was the perfect length (245 pages). My only regret is reading this fourth novel in the series before the others. I'd recommend starting at number one and enjoying this author's work in the right order.
November 13, 2015
Sleeping Dogs was my first Spike Sanguinetti read, now I want to read more. The characterization is superb, as is the sense of place; Mogford brings Corfu alive on the page brilliantly, and explores the dark side of its proximity to Albania. No wonder this writer keeps getting nominated for prestigious awards. Highly recommended.
May 25, 2015
3.5 really. A solid mystery with enjoyable characters and a really fun setting. (Corfu)
October 12, 2020
I love love love Mogford. I'll never get to Corfu or Lazarat or Tirana or the rock but Mogford takes me to these places with his visual writing of landscape, buildings and people. Sleeping Dogs reeks of corruption, murder, privilege and cannabis. I loved it!
July 17, 2017
Not enough tension.
June 14, 2018
Good storyline with some interesting factual information about the location of the plot.
December 12, 2019
Still a very readable series for armchair travelers. Luckily, Spike finally seems to be growing up a bit; still has a way to go!
May 19, 2020
Couldn't get into it. Didn't finish
July 5, 2022
A nice episode of modern Poirot with average characters but a lot of interesting facts about both Corfu and Albania.
July 9, 2023
I wish i could give a lower score , what rubbish, half the book in italics. The author should get a fine.
May 27, 2026
I love this series and I wish I could find all of them!
May 12, 2016
Emotionally scarred and angst-ridden hero, stern & beautiful heroine, physically distressed and emotionally vulnerable people left & right, a super-rich family with very interesting characters, and a murder. In how many thrillers have we seen this broth? Countless, really. Now, what makes this book a little bit special, that might make you feel like going for a dip? Let me submit.
1. The locale.
Corfu, with its Italian-French (minuscule)-British (somewhat) heritage and Greek ownership, and a very-very distinct Albanian connection, is breathtakingly beautiful and present in all its verdant splendour in every page of this novel. The setting would have been brilliant for a cold-war espionage thriller, but the author does a remarkable job in exploiting it for a crime novel as well.
2. The exotic darkness.
While Italy and the mafia have been done to death, post-communist Albania, with all its contradictions & aspirations, has never found a place under the (novel) sun, until now. And the author does a very good job in presenting it as a dangerous & beautiful place.
3. The classics.
The Odyssey echoes across the pages of this novel. Although not exactly epic in its scope, the novel indeed follows the contours of a Greek tragedy, and fits into the locale seamlessly.
Conclusion: This is a good book, with moderately interesting characters and a very interesting & eye-catching setting, and a predictable-but-enjoyable mystery.
Best of read.
1. The locale.
Corfu, with its Italian-French (minuscule)-British (somewhat) heritage and Greek ownership, and a very-very distinct Albanian connection, is breathtakingly beautiful and present in all its verdant splendour in every page of this novel. The setting would have been brilliant for a cold-war espionage thriller, but the author does a remarkable job in exploiting it for a crime novel as well.
2. The exotic darkness.
While Italy and the mafia have been done to death, post-communist Albania, with all its contradictions & aspirations, has never found a place under the (novel) sun, until now. And the author does a very good job in presenting it as a dangerous & beautiful place.
3. The classics.
The Odyssey echoes across the pages of this novel. Although not exactly epic in its scope, the novel indeed follows the contours of a Greek tragedy, and fits into the locale seamlessly.
Conclusion: This is a good book, with moderately interesting characters and a very interesting & eye-catching setting, and a predictable-but-enjoyable mystery.
Best of read.
August 31, 2015
As I always say, I'm not a big crime fiction reader, although that may be because of the typical schmaltz you get when reading pacey thrillers. Not so in Mogford's series. He's an excellent writer and I am always fascinated by the characters he develops. I also really liked the setting in this fourth in the series book and it left me wondering quite a bit about Albania. I also wanted to point out: I read a bestselling Val McDermid book in my book club right before reading Sleeping Dogs and the contrast couldn't have been clearer -- I much preferred Sleeping Dogs! I am looking forward to number five.
May 28, 2023
It’s the second time I’ve read this book, and I enjoyed it even more than the first time now that I’ve read all of the earlier books. It’s a solid story, which kept me interested throughout. The main character, Spike, is more likeable than in the earlier books, and I thought that his love interest Jessica playing a bigger part really added something, as she’s a great character. I can’t wait to read the next one!
March 31, 2016
It looks like I'm the minority here, but I had a tough time getting into this book. The many, many characters were tough to keep track of. Although I did finish the book pretty quickly, I also found myself not understanding entire pages I had just read. I feel there was overuse of detail that made the story confusing to follow.
June 18, 2015
An interesting book set in and around Greece. I would definitely recommend this book and its author.
July 21, 2016
Wonderful series...
I find myself having read deep into the morning, again as I devoured the fourth book in the series. Wonderful discovery.
I find myself having read deep into the morning, again as I devoured the fourth book in the series. Wonderful discovery.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews