Summary
In Barking Mad, Ted Tayler delivers yet another compelling instalment of The Freeman Files series. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Mark Malone, a Bath-based pet shop owner, who was killed in a hail of bullets during a high-speed pursuit in May 2015. Malone’s flashy BMW with tinted windows and loud stereo was a common sight speeding along Beckhampton straight, but that night, tragedy struck. Fifteen minutes prior to his death, Malone had an altercation at a JET garage with the driver of a grey BMW 7-series. What initially appeared to be road rage or mistaken identity soon spirals into a deeper mystery.
Gus Freeman, the retired Detective Inspector heading the Crime Review Team, dives into this cold case with his team to uncover the truth. As they piece together evidence, they find themselves entangled in a web of motives and suspects. Killer Ricky Gardiner is on the run, but who will catch him first – the police or someone else? The investigation takes readers through triumphs and tragedies, keeping them gripped as Gus unravels the layers behind Malone’s murder.
Key themes explored in Barking Mad include:
- Justice: The pursuit of truth in cold cases.
- Revenge and motive: Hidden agendas behind seemingly random acts of violence.
- Teamwork: The dynamics within Gus Freeman’s Crime Review Team.
- Human flaws: The darker sides of human nature revealed through crime and investigation.
Character Details
Gus Freeman
Gus is a retired Detective Inspector who leads the Crime Review Team. Intelligent and methodical, Gus uses his vast experience to solve cold cases others have given up on. His calm demeanour and ability to see connections others miss make him an excellent leader.
Mark Malone
The victim at the centre of this case, Mark was a pet shop owner with a penchant for flashy cars and late-night drives. His death raises questions about his lifestyle and connections, painting him as both an ordinary man and someone with secrets.
Ricky Gardiner
A fugitive tied to Malone’s murder, Ricky is elusive and dangerous. His role in the story adds tension as Gus and his team race against time to apprehend him.
Alice Cooper
A member of Gus’s team known for her sharp analytical skills. Alice provides key insights that help untangle complex motives behind crimes.
Neil Davis
Neil is another investigator on Gus’s team, specialising in forensic analysis. His meticulous work often uncovers overlooked details crucial to solving cases.
DI Suzie Ferris
A former colleague of Gus who occasionally assists the team when her expertise is required. Suzie’s no-nonsense attitude complements Gus’s calm approach.
Reader Fit
This book is perfect for fans of detective mysteries and crime thrillers who enjoy intricate plots and character-driven stories. Readers who appreciate cold case investigations, British settings, and morally complex narratives will find Barking Mad engaging.
It appeals to those who enjoy series like Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus or Peter James’s Roy Grace novels.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Mystery/Crime Thriller
- Publication Year: 2020
- Reading Time Estimate: 6–8 hours
- Notable Awards: None reported
Related Books
If you enjoyed Barking Mad, consider:
- Way Beyond a Lie by Harry Fisher – A gripping detective mystery with twists galore.
- Pressure Point by Ted Tayler – Another thrilling instalment from The Freeman Files.
- Still Life by Louise Penny – A beautifully written mystery featuring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.
Buy the Book
Dive into Gus Freeman’s world of cold case mysteries today!
