A Light Through the Cracks: A Climber’s Story

by Beth Rodden
A Light Through the Cracks: A Climber’s Story cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 1951
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
respectful 4.00

The review discusses the ITV drama 'Manhunt,' which portrays the investigation into the murders of three young women by Levi Bellfield. The production is praised for its sober and responsible approach, avoiding sensationalism and focusing on the meticulous work of the detective squad. Martin Clunes delivers a nuanced performance as the lead detective, balancing the pressures of the case with moments of levity.

The review examines 'Manhunt,' an ITV drama based on the memoirs of detective Colin Sutton, who led the investigation into the murders of Amélie Delagrange, Milly Dowler, and Marsha McDonnell by Levi Bellfield. The production is commended for its restrained and respectful handling of the sensitive subject matter, avoiding the pitfalls of exploiting the victims' stories for dramatic effect. Martin Clunes's portrayal of Sutton is highlighted for its authenticity and subtlety, effectively capturing the detective's dedication and humanity amidst the grueling investigation. The drama meticulously details the investigative process, from the initial discovery of Delagrange's body to the piecing together of evidence through CCTV footage and witness accounts. The review also notes the emotional weight of the story, particularly in scenes involving the victims' families, and praises the script for its ability to balance tension with moments of relief and humor.

Quick quotes

    The portrayals of real-life murder cases generally avoid this pitfall.

    Clunes does fine work as an utterly ordinary detective

    It is one of numerous subtle, gentle moments in Ed Whitmore’s script that aerates what could otherwise be a suffocating story.

reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
fascinating 4.50

The reviewer enjoyed Manhunt by Colin Sutton, finding it fascinating and well-written. They appreciated Sutton's humility and the detailed account of the investigation, though they noted the blurb's focus on Milly Dowler overshadowed other important cases.

The reviewer had high expectations for Manhunt by Colin Sutton, having watched the TV dramatization and being familiar with the crimes of Levi Bellfield. They were pleased to find that Sutton's book was not self-aggrandizing but rather a team effort. The story of how Sutton and his team pieced together the evidence and eventually arrested Bellfield was both shocking and fascinating. The reviewer was particularly interested in how resources were allocated to ensure Bellfield couldn't harm anyone else. They were also surprised by Sutton's criticism of other police forces. Overall, the reviewer found the book engaging and informative, recommending it to true crime enthusiasts and those interested in police procedures.

Quick quotes

    The story is fascinating, the way in which Sutton and his team gradually pieced it all together, worked out that the killings and attempted murders were the work on the same person, the many hours of CCTV they trawled through and then eventually, the way they arrested Bellfield and then gathered further evidence as people finally felt safe to be able to talk about the things they had seen him do.

    I really enjoyed reading this book, sure it is horrible to think that this really happened and Bellfield was able to hurt so many people over the years and how he managed to manipulate almost everyone to get what he wanted, but it was so interesting and a story that kept me hooked and desperate to keep reading.

    If you are interested in true crime then this is a great book to read, if you have watched Manhunt and want to know more, then read this book.

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