“Framed” is set in 1999 London. There are major criminal gangs and widespread police corruption.
A ‘Mr Big’ is accused of being the brains behind a huge robbery in the City in which a security guard has been killed. His defence lawyer has hired an out-of-town private detective to track down a missing witness. It’s Slater’s first big case as a private detective after leaving the murky waters of ‘government service’ in Northern Ireland. The lawyer’s not sure whether Slater is up to the job. He shows him CCTV of the
‘… Nolan raised his arm and pointed the remote control at the TV to start the video. His small eyes flicked from the screen to Slater as it played. He saw no reaction at all. Not even to the murder. The tape ended with a long shot of the body, awkward on the concrete, a dark pool leaking from the head. Cerebrospinal fluid coated the blood like an oil slick on water, catching the light from the overhead fluorescents. Nolan pointed the remote at the screen and pressed the off. “Not very nice is it.” “I’d like to see it again,” Slater said… ’
Slater’s pursuit of the truth will lead to more than one murder. As a novice in the game, facing threats to his own life, and the lives of those he loves, his way of seeking justice is far from orthodox and not for the faint hearted.
But with deception on all sides, can Slater deliver against the odds? Or is this Slater’s first case – and his last?
*Framed* by Stephen Scott is a captivating crime novel that hooks you from the very first page. The story follows private detective Alan Slater as he takes on a high-stakes case involving a multimillion-pound robbery. Hired by a group of lawyers, Slater must navigate a complex web of deception and danger that puts his skills and integrity to the test.
The novel delves deeply into Slater’s internal conflicts, exploring his struggles with his work, his family, and the moral dilemmas he faces. Despite the challenges, Slater’s character shines through as someone who is dedicated to seeking justice and protecting the innocent, while also trying to balance his personal life.
Stephen Scott’s writing is richly detailed, providing an immersive experience that allows readers to feel as if they are inside Slater’s mind. The book is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to draw you in immediately, with a fast-paced narrative that never loses momentum. The suspense builds steadily, making it a true page-turner. However, I would have loved to see more backstory on Slater’s life in Ireland, which is only briefly mentioned. Hopefully, the author will explore this in a future prequel.
Overall, *Framed* is a highly recommended read for fans of crime fiction. It’s a gripping and thought-provoking story that offers both intense action and deep character development. Definitely a book worth reading!
Exciting, thrilling, entertaining are just a few words I would use to describe this book. I was absolutly hooked from the very start! Can’t wait to see more from this autor. 100% recommend!