The Showbiz Thriller Trilogy

Red Light and Bell

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Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice): I loved it!

Written with an insider's knowledge, an utterly addictive, fun thriller revealing the darker side of showbiz. I loved it!

Red Light and Bell

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Alan Dedicoat (Voice of Strictly): Down Down Deeper and Down.

What was good just got a thousand times better. Where will it end for Daisy and Danny, two characters I actually care about. Cobourne almost knows too much. But how? And why? Unputdownable.

Red Light and Bell

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Thrillers that are set in the entertainment business? Yes please!

Thrillers that are set in the entertainment business? Yes please! Both of these books kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to read each page faster so I could find out what happened next! The two main characters of Danny and Daisy are highly likeable, both bringing different aspects to the story to give a well rounded view of the action. The plot itself is packed with action, twists and turns, but realistic enough that you are not pulled out of the story. It was fascinating to read about the behind the scenes of showbiz, and just how much goes into keeping ahead of the press! Richard has a brilliant way with words, and I cannot wait for the final instalment in the series 🤩 the legal bookworm

Red Light and Bell

A fun filled thriller, which kept me reading non stop until the end.

lyndas_bookreviews 📙📙BOOK REVIEW 📙📙 📚📚Random Things Tours📚📚 Red Light and Bell By Richard Cobourne The second book in the Showbiz Thriller Trilogy featuring Danny Owen, former investigative journalist and Daisy DeVilliers, celebrity PR agent. I recommend reading Book 1 first to gain an understanding of all the characters involved, that said it did read acceptably well as a stand-alone. The author gives you some information at the start of the book if you missed book 1. A fun filled thriller, with a number of different threads, which kept me reading non stop until the end. Briefly, Daisy is acting as PR to superstar singer Martha who they rescued in the first book. She is putting on a show at the O2 to celebrate her return to the stage and all her rescuers have been invited as guests including the police and special forces. The performance is interrupted when one of the police officers is shot by a sniper! The sniper tries to escape but is chased by officers. Trying to jump on an Uber Thames Taxi he falls short and meets a grisley end. But who was he? Was the police officer the intended target? This is a fast moving book covering modern day crimes such as people smuggling and corruption in high places. A very different thriller with showbiz glamour on the one hand and organised crime on the other, it also has a touch of humour and encompasses a number of different genres. Very entertaining (see what I did there!)

Red Light and Bell

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Mix of genres and brilliant to read

Red Light and Bell is the second book in this trilogy, it does continue on from the first book Band Wagon. I suppose you could read this second book as a stand-alone, but I would definitely suggest reading these in order as they are both fabulous. After Martha and her sister had been kidnapped and then released, and also after the potential people trafficking had been stopped Nowak believes he has nothing to worry about. He thinks the debt he owes has disappeared into the ether and he is free and clear to start making some money from the Movin' Out Tour that Martha is due to perform. That is until a police officer is shot during the opening tour! Once again this author has absolutely delivered a fast-paced, entertaining and action-packed story. Martha is just getting back on her feet and looking forward to her new tour and this latest blow knocks her confidence. The PR machine in the form of Daisy works hard to find a balance between supporting Marths, the victim of the shooting and supporting others when needed. A good job that her boyfriend Danny is there watching her back. In the first book a scheme was hatched in the past Nowak, it showed how he had been able to get away with crimes and never be convicted. He is shady and dangerous as Danny knows only too well. This is where reading the first book definitely does help with the back story and the character dynamics. Having corruption included in this story is such a great angle, and it is something that the author has worked on so well. Not only is it a story full of showbiz glitz and glamour, but it is also dirty and underhanded. It makes for riveting reading. There are some subplots going on in this trilogy and this book helps to develop further. It is gradually building up the suspense and drama at a fast rate of knots. This book leaves the reader hanging on a precipice and wondering what is going to become of the characters. There is an ever-present danger that is lurking and I think still has more to reveal. It has definitely left me eager to get my hands on the final book. This is great for people who like to mix the genres up. A sort of procedural as there is a police presence, the investigation side, the showbiz and then there is the corruption, conspiracy, lies and the overall thrill of reading this fast-paced book. A book and trilogy that I would definitely recommend reading. [YvonneB VINE VOICE]

Red Light and Bell

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I have a new favourite author and can't wait to read more!

I loved the first instalment of this series, Bandwagon. I was soooooo looking forward to getting started with this Part 2. And.... WOW... it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this book. We pick up from the dramatic ending of Bandwagon and follow the gang as they continue to unravel the mysteries that surround Martha's tour backer and how it led to the events at the O2. This instalment of the series blows the mystery wide open. I can't wait for the next instalment. When can I preorder??? 🙈 I have a new favourite author and can't wait to read more! bookswithbeni

Red Light and Bell

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A fast-paced read which has a showbiz background

This is the second in the Showbiz Thriller Trilogy which I didn’t realise when I started to read it, so, yes, it can be read as a standalone. However, I do think if you read the first, Bandwagon, before this one things might make a bit more sense. You are immediately drawn in by a fantastic opening set in the O2 Arena in London during a concert. I’ve been there many times, so can imagine the set up very well & the pandemonium that ensues at the end of the event - even without an assassination. Danny & Daisy are to the fore once again, and a plethora of other characters (there are a lot), continuing the story of Martha from the previous book & her entourage. A fast-paced read which has a showbiz background, as well as organised crime threads & a touch of a police procedural thrown in. This book does have a bit of everything including humour. I wonder where book three will take us, it is advertised as a trilogy after all. dds book reviews

Red Light and Bell

A deep understanding and juicy insider knowledge of the shenanigans of the industry

I was delighted to attend the launch of ‘Red Light and Bell’, the second book in the showbiz thriller trilogy by Catbrook author Richard Cobourne. Richard is an accomplished writer with a production background in the broadcast, corporate, music and global events industries. He began his career at the BBC and has worked in the world of show business for over 30 years, meaning he has a deep understanding and juicy insider knowledge of the shenanigans of the industry! Richard’s first book, the highly acclaimed ‘Bandwagon’, was excellent and I am sure this will be a gripping read too. It was a pleasure to pick up a signed copy and my thanks to Matt Taylor at Chepstow Books for hosting a fantastic evening. The Rt Hon David TC Davies, Secretary of State for Wales

Red Light and Bell

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Cobourne's novels take the reader backstage in top ranking venues

Red Light and Bell picks up the criminal career of Stanislav Novak where Bandwagon, Richard Cobourne’s first novel, left off. Ideally the books should be read in order, but they can also be enjoyed as stand-alones. Cobourne is skilled at providing his readers with subtle updates of the plot and personalities, so there is no need to flick back through the pages to check up on details. The action centres on the comeback tour of Martha, a singer who was a major celebrity before she fell victim to drink and drugs. She is adored by her loyal fans, so she only needs a promoter with deep pockets to return her to the pinnacle of success. Novak steps up, but the money he stakes on Martha does not come from his own pockets. He is the frontman for villains who want to use the tour to extend their smuggling empires. At the end of Bandwagon Novak’s fate hangs in the balance, and the first chapters of Red Light and Bell set off a whole new chain of exciting events. Cobourne, who has a successful career on the technical and production side of show business, makes use of his experience and celebrity contacts in writing his novels. All his characters are realistic and convincing. I especially liked journalist Danny Owen and PR Daisy de Villiers, because in spite of their expertise in hard-nosed industries, they are honest and caring human beings. Entertaining minor characters such as Sheila the caterer give the story a lighter side. For techies Cobourne’s books are a feast, because they take the reader backstage in top ranking venues like the O2 in London. Personally, I was hooked by details of the brands favoured by the ultra-wealthy. I had no idea it was possible to buy a £500 fountain pen. I very much enjoyed both Red Light and Bell and Bandwagon. [Loarn Paterson]

Red Light and Bell

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This is a different type of thriller and I absolutely loved it!

Red Light and Bell is the second book featuring Danny Owen. The book picks up a few weeks after the first book, Bandwagon, ends. The author makes no secret of this and puts it in the front of the book along with other interesting tidbits. I purposely did not read Bandwagon first (it’s on my TBR) so I could determine if this is a standalone book and it is. The book opens at a music concert put on by a woman kidnapped in the first book. It starts off full of action and keeps going. I didn’t feel lost in the characters even though it is closely tied to the first book. The author does an excellent job of proving all the necessary details. What I found most interesting about this book is it includes real life events. The author hints at the beginning of the book that you make think the real life events are added as fiction but it’s really up to the reader to decide. This is a different type of thriller and I absolutely loved it! @catreader18

Red Light and Bell

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Kept me on the edge of my seat

Thrillers that are set in the entertainment business? Yes please! Both of these books kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to read each page faster so I could find out what happened next! The two main characters of Danny and Daisy are highly likeable, both bringing different aspects to the story to give a well rounded view of the action. The plot itself is packed with action, twists and turns, but realistic enough that you are not pulled out of the story. It was fascinating to read about the behind the scenes of showbiz, and just how much goes into keeping ahead of the press! Richard has a brilliant way with words, and I cannot wait for the final instalment in the series 🤩 @thelegalbookworm

Bandwagon

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A great action-packed read and one that I adored

I absolutely loved this book and it has left me looking to reading the next book in this series. When a comeback tour is announced for Martha, everyone is excited. The money men are in place, the PR is on a roll and the newspapers are desperate to find a scoop. All is going great until Martha suddenly vanishes. No Martha means no show, this means people will want their money back. Daisy does the PR for the tour and she and Martha know Danny a journalist. He has been requested by Martha for an interview, and he happens to be around when Daisy and a few others discover that Martha isn’t to be found. The story follows a brilliant cat-and-mouse type thread as everyone is trying to work out what happened, why she disappeared, who is to gain and more importantly how a tour has anything to do with the gangland world of people smugglers! This is going to get dangerous and lives are at risk! I thoroughly enjoyed this backstage setting and also the wheeling and dealings of the PR machine. Keeping ahead of the papers and reporters is something that Daisy is good at. You may then wonder why Danny is around, he was an investigative journalist but the wheels came off his wagon in unfortunate circumstances. You will soon discover what happened as his past is abruptly brought into the present. I really enjoyed the way the author brought several characters together from different backgrounds and had them working and wrangling together. There are obvious suspects and ne’er do wells, but there are also a lot of shocks and surprises as well. Weaving in around a procedural and investigative role, the author brings in the glamour and glitz of luxury, and also the work that is involved in keeping things on track. This was a great action-packed read and one that I adored, it definitely ticked lots of different genre boxes for me and this I think is what made this book an exciting one to read. It has a fabulous pace to it and rolls along seemingly effortlessly. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next in the series. I would also definitely recommend this one. @yvonnembee

Bandwagon

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Can't wait for more!

Good book! I wasn't too sure about this one but I'm really glad I stuck with it! I just wasn't sure what it was going to go like?! Like was it a rocker romance?! Or a pop star type book? But it really was neither! It had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, kidnapping and some great police work! I really enjoyed reading this book! I highly recommend reading this book and series! I can't wait for the next book! I'm thinking these books are stand alone because there really was no cliff-hanger at all! Thank you for that! I definitely do not like those lol a big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me! And for introducing me to a new to me author! Can't wait for more! Debbie Brogan - Reviewer

Red Light and Bell

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Fast- paced thriller

This is the second in the Showbiz Thriller Trilogy which I didn’t realise when I started to read it, so, yes, it can be read as a standalone. However, I do think if you read the first, Bandwagon, before this one things might make a bit more sense. You are immediately drawn in by a fantastic opening set in the O2 Arena in London during a concert. I’ve been there many times, so can imagine the set up very well & the pandemonium that ensues at the end of the event - even without an assassination. Danny & Daisy are to the fore once again, & a plethora of other characters (there are a lot), continuing the story of Martha from the previous book & her entourage. A fast-paced read which has a showbiz background, as well as organised crime threads & a touch of a police procedural thrown in. This book does have a bit of everything including humour. I wonder where book three will take us, it is advertised as a trilogy after all. [Deb]

Bandwagon

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Good read with lots of detail

I enjoyed reading this book. The author obviously knows the industry well and the book is full of detail about locations in which it is set. Interesting plot line and characters.

Bandwagon

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Fast paced and full of action and surprises

I absolutely loved this book and it has left me looking to reading the next book in this series. When a comeback tour is announced for Martha, everyone is excited. The money men are in place, the PR is on a roll and the newspapers are desperate to find a scoop. All is going great until Martha suddenly vanishes. No Martha means no show, this means people will want their money back. Daisy does the PR for the tour and she and Martha know Danny a journalist. He has been requested by Martha for an interview, he happens to be around when Daisy and a few others discover that Martha isn't to be found. The story follows a brilliant cat-and-mouse type thread as everyone is trying to work out what happened, why she disappeared, who is to gain and more importantly how a tour has anything to do with the gangland world of people smugglers! This is going to get dangerous and lives are at risk! IU thoroughly enjoyed this backstage setting and also the wheeling and dealings of the PR machine. Keeping ahead of the papers and reporters is something that Daisy is good at. You may then wonder why Danny is around, he was an investigative journalist but the wheels came off his wagon in unfortunate circumstances. YOu will soon discover what happened as his past is abruptly brought into the present. I really enjoyed the way the author brought several characters together from different backgrounds and had them working and wrangling together. There are obvious suspects and ne'er do wells, but there are also a lot of shocks and surprises as well. Weaving in around a procedural and investigative role, the author brings in the glamour and glitz of luxury, and also the work that is involved in keeping things on track. This was a great action-packed read and one that I adored, it definitely ticked lots of different genre boxes for me and this I think is what made this book an exciting one to read. It has a fabulous pace to it and rolls along seemingly effortlessly. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next in the series. I would also definitely recommend this one.

Red Light and Bell

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Entertaining read

The second book in the Showbiz Thriller Trilogy featuring Danny Owen, former investigative journalist and Daisy DeVilliers, celebrity PR agent. I recommend reading Book 1 first to gain an understanding of all the characters involved, that said it did read acceptably well as a stand-alone. The author gives you some information at the start of the book if you missed book 1. A fun filled thriller, with a number of different threads, which kept me reading non stop until the end. Briefly, Daisy is acting as PR to superstar singer Martha who they rescued in the first book. She is putting on a show at the O2 to celebrate her return to the stage and all her rescuers have been invited as guests including the police and special forces. The performance is interrupted when one of the police officers is shot by a sniper! The sniper tries to escape but is chased by officers. Trying to jump on an Uber Thames Taxi he falls short and meets a grisley end. But who was he? Was the police officer the intended target? This is a fast moving book covering modern day crimes such as people smuggling and corruption in high places. A very different thriller with showbiz glamour on the one hand and organised crime on the other, it also has a touch of humour and encompasses a number of different genres. Very entertaining (see what I did there!) Lynda Checkley

Red Light and Bell

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A genuinely exciting read

This books picks up where the previous volume finishes - Martha is on tour and our heroes Danny and Daisy are there. It was the perfect holiday read for me - I finished it over four days and felt drawn in by the characters and what seemed like very real criminal situations. There’s plenty of drama to keep you interested. I don’t think you need to have read the first book to enjoy this one. I can definitely see this as a film or TV series so get in now and be ahead of the pack. Plenty of twists and turns and feels very rooted in the reality of the music business and how that all works.

Bandwagon

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A gripping show business thriller

This accomplished novel is compelling, and I recommend it highly. An investigative journalist explores the murky side of showbiz in a fast-paced novel that is well-informed, explores topical global crime issues, is gripping and tense, whilst managing to throw in much wit and good humour as well as romance.

Bandwagon

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I dare you to put this down

Can’t remember when I last devoured a book at such pace. If I had to go anywhere in the house or garden, Bandwagon came with me. I couldn’t let it out of my sight, feeling such a responsibility for the safety and welfare of the good guys and girls, and such fear and contempt for the bad guys.

Bandwagon

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A look at the murkier side of show business

A great read, romping along through London, Wales, and Europe, giving so much detail that I imagined I was right there with Danny, Daisy and the other characters. A world of the music business, radio, TV, and the high life, all expertly portrayed in a good story.

Bandwagon

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Like good food, you want to come back for seconds! More Please!

A very enjoyable fast paced read, you will not want to put it down! The technical detail, on The Entertainment Industry is spot on. Having worked in ‘the game’ for some time I understand the pressures. Very well portrayed, and current in its storytelling.

Bandwagon

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A real page turner. Enjoyed every minute of it

The main characters of Danny and Daisy felt like real people, I loved the interaction between them – and the story couldn’t be more current. It also felt like a good inside look at how these big events by touring artists are actually staged and their relationship with the all-important press. Enjoyable crime thriller with a really human touch.

Bandwagon

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From the off I knew I was going to enjoy this book

A great debut novel about the music industry and the ‘circus’ surrounding it. From the off, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. It does flip backwards and forwards to explain the back story… All these stories are essential for the novel to coalesce and they segue seamlessly without detracting from the pace of the novel. It’s a fast-paced book, without feeling rushed and the ending left me wanting more.

Bandwagon

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Read it in a day! Gripping!

Great book, very well written with plenty of knowledge of the subject matter. Lots of interesting places, scenes, and detail. Very hard to put down!

Bandwagon

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Gripping page turner

A great (and authoritative) read – and bang up to date.

Bandwagon

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Mystery/Back Stage of a Rock Concert: Yes, please

What a fun read, full of interesting characters and some details on the work that takes place behind the scenes of a rock concert tour. The book moves at a quick pace which is accomplished in part by the short chapters and the short sentence structure that help the reader increase their reading speed. The intrigue pulls the reader along without relying on unnecessary cliff-hangers and tension to maintain interest in the book. It is easy to read, and the writing encourages the reader to read ‘just one more chapter’ before putting the book down.

Bandwagon

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International Intrigue with a Rock’n’Roll Backdrop

Bandwagon takes you behind the scenes of the music industry as the Martha Movin’ Out tour heads into its final week of rehearsals with lots of logistics, lingo and a little name dropping. The book moves into thriller territory when Martha herself disappears and several shady characters enter stage left. Danny returns to his investigative reporter roots, and with the help of Daisy, the show’s PR manager, begins digging into real story behind Martha’s disappearance and the Movin’ Out tour.

Bandwagon

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Absolutely loved it

Started and finished Band Wagon in the week and absolutely loved it. You’ve done such a fantastic job – I can’t believe this is your debut novel. I really connected with your style – especially the intricate attention to detail that so many people gloss over, forgetting that it’s often the small details which help to very powerfully build the world the characters are inhabiting in the reader’s mind. Your extensive research and connections with the industry paid dividends – lending the work an authenticity and helping to ground the fiction in a real-world sense.

Bandwagon

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Fun thriller set convincingly in the world of showbiz

This is a great fun read, full of lots of well-informed detail about the world of showbiz, clearly written by an insider. The star goes missing, can the show go on? Investigative journalist turned celebrity radio reporter Danny Owen is a likeable and believable lead character, who soon finds himself drawing on his old skills as he struggles to find the star and save the tour, along with the star’s PR Daisy deVilliers. The villains the pair encounter are nastily realistic and keep the suspense ticking over nicely until the last page. Danny likes his smart London clubs and his food and is all the more appealing for that.

Bandwagon

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Hard to put down!

A great read fast paced and very current. Good twists and turns but with no detail left out. Very easy to read style. Hard to believe it’s a first book, more like one from a seasoned best-selling author.