‘Standstill’ by J.A. Marley

Published by Avacado Books,
15 September 2016.
ISBN: 978-0-9935658-4-7

Danny a successful young thief and rogue is rudely awakened one morning by several policemen breaking into his flat led by Detective Inspector Harkness. To his dismay they find the money he has hidden there.

He soon learns that it is all planned by Harkness who is a bent copper, to coerce him into working for him in such a way that he cannot refuse.

Danny not happy with having to work for Harkness, finds out all he can about him from his friend Dexy who runs a night club. He turns out to be a really unsavoury character with a vicious streak. Meanwhile Flying Officer Christine Chance is getting suspicious of Harkness and together with her colleague Mark Freeth known to all as Freethy, she starts to investigate him.

Christine or C.C. As she is called also has to deal with the fact that her seriously ill daughter is not expected to live much longer and she spends all her spare time visiting her in the hospice.

When Harkness outlines a daring robbery to Danny that he wants him to commit, he is actually quite taken with the idea and begins careful planning, but insists it will be on his terms. The success of the raid depends on being able to make a quick getaway through the London traffic. He will need to bring the transport system to a standstill, hence the name of the book.

It all leads to an exciting climax with many surprises and reveals much corruption within the police force. There is a very satisfying ending after much mayhem.

Once I got passed the prolific swearing, I really enjoyed this tale. It's certainly full of action and some very unpleasant characters. It makes me wonder how much corruption there really is in the police force.

Although the main character Danny is an out and out thief, I found myself liking him and at times he was very amusing, there were many a laugh out loud moments. He also is not the walkover that Harkness takes him for.

As for Harkness himself, he is such a strong and dominant person that he seems to leap out of the page at you.

Very enjoyable reading.

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Reviewer:  Tricia Chappell

John A. Marley was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Following early success as a film journalist and radio broadcaster in his homeland, he embarked on an accomplished career in television production in England. An avid film fan, John is addicted to crime and mystery thrillers and is passionate about walking his two dogs, discovering new music and travel.

http://www.jamarley.com

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf  (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.