‘Northwind’ by JD Kirk

Published by Zertex Crime,
12 October 2021.
ISBN: 978-1912767489 (PB)

Although only in his fifties, Robert Hoon, former detective Superintendent of Police Scotland admits he is not looking his best, as he prepares himself for his first day as a security guard in a Tesco supermarket. Needless to say, his first day is not uneventful.

While consoling himself with a few drams after the dramas of the day he gets a visit from an old mate Bamber, a friend from his days in the Special Forces. Now in a wheelchair he has come to ask Hoon for his help in finding his daughter Caroline who was at university on London and has disappeared.

In fact, it’s three months since she went missing, and the polis have had no success in finding her, they say ‘People go missing all the time in London’, says Bamber. He has tried another mate from their days in the unit, and Chuck has been digging around in London but smart as he is, he has drawn a blank. Bamber says ‘Will you find her for us Bob?’

You may think at this point, another story of a missing girl. I read a few of those, I like a good mystery. But this is different, for this one has Bob Hoon in action. And he maybe a disgraced ex copper, a functioning alcoholic, and have the worst potty mouth you have ever encountered, but Bob Hoon still believes in justice. And regardless of the foul mouth there lurks a good heart. You just have to dig a bit to get it turning your way. I absolutely loved him.

Despite his initial reservations, he sets out to find Caroline, and suddenly Bob has a purpose. And you can bet he will leave no stone unturned, but will he find Caroline?

This is a review and therefore I cannot recount the many wonderful phrases that spout from the mouth of Hoon, but I loved this one. ‘He was an older guy, hair cut short, face like a bulldog, licking piss off a nettle’

Cleverly plotted and enormously entertaining Northwind is a compelling read. I am delighted to learn that it is the first in a new series of action, and I am already looking forward to the next one. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. He has written thirteen books in a series featuring DCI Logan. Northwind is the first in a new series featuring Robert Hoon. His books combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.