By Their Rules

by Roger A. Price

A new, ruthless and implacable mastermind from Africa has surfaced in gangland, carrying out his darkest deeds in the murky grey shadows of London's back streets. But, following the multiple slaughter of a large number of policemen by this monster, and his intention to commit further atrocious crimes, the challenge has to be met. The result is that this reign of terror is likely to have catastrophic consequences so emergency action is imperative.

Together, Lee and Burrows form a talented, resourceful, athletic team of experienced investigators who become dedicated to the eradication of this evil, yet powerful killer. But Cabilla's awesome control of his murderous gang who torture victims to death, and his totally ruthless plans still appear to be gaining ground throughout the City...

246 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2013

About the author

The author is a retired detective inspector who had been in charge of a covert unit, which received national acclaim for its successes in engaging those who openly sold Class A drugs.
Prior to this, he’d been in charge of the C.I.D. at Preston, having first led a dedicated informant unit.
He also worked on murders, drugs squads, and the regional and national crime squads, often in covert roles across the UK, Europe, and the Far East, receiving several commendations.

A member of the Crime Writers' Association he now writes crime, thrillers - in novel - and drama scripts. He uses his previous professional experiences to add gritty realism. Represented by SMA Talent.

www.rogerapriceauthor.co.uk

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I was singularly impressed by debut thriller By Their Rules from the pen of former police officer Roger A. Price and for the most part enjoyed this high-octane and pacey tale, centring on the insidious activities of the vicious African gangster Shonbo Cabilla. and his criminal involvement in sex trafficking and drug smuggling. Price teams together two extremely effective characters, John Burrows and Jane Lee, both with backgrounds in the police or security services, who are tasked to track down Cabilla, and drawing on the author’s own former career in covert intelligence, there is an authentic and knowledgeable tone to the whole affair, with an exceptional eye to the detail of how operations such as this would play out. Admittedly, at times the central thrust of the action is slowed by the insertion of a little too much factual detail, and Price does use the trusty plot device of Lee asking weighted questions of Burrows to put across this information to the reader, but for the most part the attention to detail adds to the richness of the plot, providing the reader with an interesting window into the legitimate and more clandestine operational activities of those tasked with protecting the public. There is also a satisfying interweaving of Cabilla’s chequered history in the Congo during civil conflict, conveying to the reader the development of violence within his character and his utter disregard for, and persecution of, others- not a man to be met in a dark alley or even broad daylight! Both Cabilla and his henchmen, are well characterised overall and the danger placed on an undercover police officer who has infiltrated their gang is truly nerve shredding- edge of the seat stuff indeed. The interplay and dialogue between Burrows and Lee, is effective throughout, with the inevitable ‘will they-won’t they’ scenario nicely played out along the way, and I was delighted to see with the inclusion of Lee, a more mature and feisty female protagonist imbued with a determined streak who can hold her own in times of peril, set against the strength and dependability of John Burrows himself. Neatly done.

So overall there is much to recommend By Their Rules, and aside from the minor quibble of pacing the only thing I would add in a purely cosmetic comment is that maybe the cover is a little old-fashioned and doesn’t really reflect the ‘thriller’ side of the book- would probably benefit from looking a little more contemporary to prompt that initial ‘pick-up’. A good debut though, and I would be more than happy to read any planned follow-up if this were to develop into a series.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression was 'hope' of gaining insight into factual covert police operations and after the first 2 chapters I realised Mr Price wasn't holding back nor patronisingly white washing his story.

Mr Price being a retired Detective Inspector hasn't researched Police procedure he's no doubt written it! Giving his book an authentic flavour it confidently stands alone from mass produced novels. My one complaint there's no follow up in the pipeline so I read slowly savouring each chapter.

As chapter 3 closes the plot is clearly explained and I'm not reading between the lines because there's enough keeping me occupied on the page. I'm having emotional attachments with characters liking a couple, hating a couple, more over intrigued in the "what's happening next". Burrows is a gentleman with a dark side who's partner Lee doesn't put everything in the shop window, they're a two man team under the radar in a covert Police operation.

The book's based on fact of course once official secret acts an all are signed there signed. It's action packed there's guns, 4x4 s, killings, warehouses etc... And being honest written by a man for men when often it's the other way round. Respect Mr Price highly recommended by me for GoodRead friends.

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I must apologise to Roger for the time it has taken me to review this book! I received it not long after starting the blog but my TBR got out of control and I'm still trying to get it under control. That said this book has given me a couple of sleepless nights recently in my haste to get it finished so perhaps the apology should come from Roger(!)

I was drawn to this book because of Roger's police experience. I'm definitely a book snob in that I very rarely read books from unknown authors that aren't from major publishers. Crime fiction is hugely overcrowded and I've found that books written from ex-police tend to actually be pretty good. Drawing on their own experiences the author can add authenticity and perhaps a few insider secrets that other authors can't. So I didn't hesitate to request to read and review this book. The only thing I didn't like was the cover, yes it's the story that is the most important thing but you have to be drawn to pick up a book in the first place to read its story.

Incredibly realistic characters alongside a gripping storyline at times this was like an episode of The Bill, only better and a lot more ambitious. The story focuses on some of the most heinous of crimes: the murder of police officers, sex trafficking, drug smuggling making for an excellent read. John Burrows and Jane Lee are given the job of taking down Cabilo, a crime lord with fingers in many pies and certainly one of the more evil of characters I've read about recently. With plenty of action along the way its a hard one to put down and perhaps those like me that are usually unwilling to take a chance on an unknown author should do so with this one, as Roger is an author who has written a story that could compete with some of the biggest crime authors.

[Louise White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roge Price's By Their Rules is a thrilling crime tale, written in a very accessible manner. The tension ratchets up nicely to keep the reader turning the pages, and Price's characters have depth enough to make the reader really care. Sound knowledge of the criminal justice system lends an authenticity to what is certainly a very fine debut from a skilled storyteller.

[Linda Haslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after it was recommended to me by a family member.
I was not disappointed. What a fantastic read. I was hooked from page 1. What a brilliant story teller Roger is. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good crime story. Roger makes you feel like you are actually there watching the story unfold. Excellent read, I couldn't wait to read his next one.

[Sal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent can't wait for more books from this promising author