‘An Unlikely Saviour’ by Biba Pearce

Published by Mortlake Press,
13 October 2025.
ISBN: 978-1-73854031-0 (PB)

This is the second book in the series featuring Shrap, an army veteran who had served with Royal Engineers before moving to the Royal Military Police.  Her experiences when she was captured by the Taliban took a huge toll on her and she was later diagnosed with PTSD, and her career was over. When we first met her, she was homeless and living on the streets, among drug addicts and drunks, but this second book opens with her now living in a hostel run by Alicia Douglas. Although still haunted by her past, she has enrolled in a therapy programme that has silenced the screams in her head.

While standing outside in the small patch of the hostel garden she sees teenager Jadon scurrying over the wall. He is quivering with fear. ‘He saw us’, he said; me and Malik. He threw a body into the river; we could see a foot dangling. When the next day there is no sign of Malik. Shrap contacts DC Trevelyan, who has helped her in a previous investigation. He is pleased that she has enrolled in the programme. He doesn’t push any further, that is what she likes about him.  She explains what Jadon had told, who is the kid he says, Alicia’s son she replies, and Malik is his friend, who I am certain is in danger.

With DCI Burrows agreement Trevelyan and Devi Patel go down to St Saviour’s Dock. Although the river is murky Trevelyan spots an adult foot and the MUP secure the body and escort it to the mortuary,

When the dead body turns out to be someone Shrap knew, she decides to dig further and uncovers a web of suspects and secrets and a disturbing connection to a former soldier she knew.

The story moves at a cracking pace, as Shrap and  DC Trevelyan race against time in the hope of finding the missing teenage  boy Malik.

The characterisation is excellent. I particularly like Shrap, and in this book we learn how she got her name.  A thrilling mystery with a twist and a huge surprise.  Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

Biba Pearce grew up on the wild eastern coast of Southern Africa. She now lives in Surrey, and when she isn’t writing, can be found rambling through the countryside or kayaking on the river Thames. She writes gritty police procedurals and is the author of the bestselling DCI Rob Miller series published by Joffe Books. She was the winner of Best Crime Fiction at the 2024 National Indie Excellence Awards.  

Website: www.bibapearce.com