Published by Orion, 12 April 2012.
ISBN: 978-1-4091-3253-0
When ambitious twenty-seven year old DS Minter
joins the crime squad at Kemptown Station in Brighton,
it rapidly becomes clear that he is not welcomed by his new boss DCI Tom
Beckett. Having previously worked for
Chief Superintendent Roberts compiling statistical reports Minter is viewed
with suspicion.
The killing
of an undercover policeman resulting in a fiasco for the squad’s biggest case
to bring down drug dealer Alan Day, seriously effects morale. Soon it becomes clear to Minter that there is
something seriously wrong in the squad.
And he quickly realises that he will have to make a choice, on just
whose side he is on.
Written
from multiple points of view this is a powerful debut. Much of its strength lies in the
characterisation, as we encounter family issues with all the main characters.
Whilst Minter is the main voice, Tom Beckett’s struggles make him a sympathetic
character although that is not of course apparent to Minter, who just sees an
older cop, who as far as he is concerned is losing it.
There is
torture and violence which is shocking, and at times stomach turning, but adds
to the picture of both modern day criminals and policing. Starkly
realistic, this book is highly recommended by this reviewer.
------
Lizzie
Hayes
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