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Shrap Nelson #1
Rough Justice
A HOMELESS VETERAN, MURDERED
When ex-military investigator "Shrap" Nelson finds her fellow homeless veteran burned to death under a railway bridge, she knows there's more to his murder than meets the eye. Doug was the friend who saved her life two years ago, and now she owes it to him to uncover the truth.
ON THE GRITTY STREETS OF LONDON
Armed only with her sharp intellect and military training, Shrap must rely on her wits and a crew of outcasts to piece together the puzzle. Battling crippling PTSD, she pushes herself out of her comfort zone and into a world she thought she'd left behind.
WHERE A POWERFUL ENEMY LURKS IN THE SHADOWS
As Shrap digs deeper, she uncovers a trail leading to a formidable figure in the London underworld. This ruthless adversary will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried. Hunted by a dangerous enemy, Shrap must stay one step ahead to avenge her friend and save herself from becoming the next victim.
Solving this case could be Shrap's redemption, but failure will destroy her. In a world where crime never sleeps, justice comes at a steep price.
*SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA DEBUT DAGGER AWARD 2021 FOR BEST EMERGING AUTHOR OF THE YEAR*
When ex-military investigator "Shrap" Nelson finds her fellow homeless veteran burned to death under a railway bridge, she knows there's more to his murder than meets the eye. Doug was the friend who saved her life two years ago, and now she owes it to him to uncover the truth.
ON THE GRITTY STREETS OF LONDON
Armed only with her sharp intellect and military training, Shrap must rely on her wits and a crew of outcasts to piece together the puzzle. Battling crippling PTSD, she pushes herself out of her comfort zone and into a world she thought she'd left behind.
WHERE A POWERFUL ENEMY LURKS IN THE SHADOWS
As Shrap digs deeper, she uncovers a trail leading to a formidable figure in the London underworld. This ruthless adversary will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried. Hunted by a dangerous enemy, Shrap must stay one step ahead to avenge her friend and save herself from becoming the next victim.
Solving this case could be Shrap's redemption, but failure will destroy her. In a world where crime never sleeps, justice comes at a steep price.
*SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA DEBUT DAGGER AWARD 2021 FOR BEST EMERGING AUTHOR OF THE YEAR*
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2024
112 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Biba Pearce
46 books254 followersBiba Pearce is an award-winning, internationally published crime author, known for crafting gripping, atmospheric mysteries. She is the bestselling author of multiple series including DCI Rob Miller, Kenzie Gilmore and Shrap Nelson. Her work has been recognized by the Feathered Quill and the CWA Debut Dagger awards, and The Marlow Murders was named Best Crime Fiction Book at the 2024 Indie Excellence Book Awards.
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Website: bibapearce.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 6, 2024
The central protagonist is female, an armed forces veteran and living on the streets of London. That should be enough to pique the interest of readers, it certainly got me hooked and curious to see the direction of the story arc.
The story is a simple one, a search for justice for her friend Doug, who the police believe is guilty of killing a sex worker and then killing himself by self-immolation, accidently or by suicide in remorse. The initial circumstantial evidence would seem to support this theory and a police force short of resources applies Occam’s Razor. Why look for complications, after all its just a prostitute and a tramp… Shrap Nelson knew Doug well and doesn’t fall for this lazy answer, he couldn’t have done it, here are two victims who deserve better and she goes out to prove it. In doing so she manages to forge an unlikely alliance with a young DC Gareth Trevelyan, another individual with troubles of his own. Some red herrings are introduced to the plot, but it doesn’t over complicate matters, it gets a little slack in the final quarter but ends with a nice piece of ‘hidden in plain sight’. Moreover, this is a story to introduce an engaging but complex central character who needs a broad canvas to be portrayed.
The name Shrap is of course a nickname, we do not learn how this is arrived at, my guess would be it comes from shrapnel. We do however discover her Christian name though and that certainly explains why she goes by Shrap! She was an MP and during her last tour of duty saw her colleagues killed in an IED and was captured tortured over several days and left for dead. Her body could be repaired but not her mind. She left the forces clearly suffering for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor guilt. Unable to cope her home life disintegrated and now she lives an anonymous life on the streets. The effects of the PTSD and living on the streets are referenced throughout and are dealt with a deft and thoughtful touch. This manages to elicit much sympathy in the reader for people in both predicaments and it will be fascinating to see how this develops through the series.
Of the character interactions, the dynamic between Shrap and policeman Gareth is the most interesting one. An unlikely alliance that moves to mutual respect with possibly a hint of more to come?
When it comes to themes then dignity and humanity of treatment are at the front. From the newspapers looking for the salacious, quick to brand a woman as a sex worker, to members of the public discounting a homeless man as a bum, it's all there. We are often quick to discount those who are different, the downtrodden, without a though of life from their perspective, most are there through ill luck and some have harrowing stories. The author certainly brings these characters to life within this story, giving us pause for thought with the uncomfortable journeys they have experienced to end up where they are. Then there is the rather shabby treatment of our forces’ veterans, men and women discarded with little thought to their futures. When you are programmed to obey and trained to kill is it any wonder adjustment to life of ‘civvy street’ can be so daunting.
There are moments of brightness and optimism to offset the bleak story though. Shrap finding simple pleasures in life emphasised by the attraction of the dawn, the possibly of a new day bringing the possibility of a new beginning. Then there are the simple acts of kindness that can mean so much more to the receiver than the giver can ever imagine. Most of all is the sense of loyalty and camaraderie amongst those who have served, the support of friends and those who share common experience and the ethos of nobody left behind.
As a thriller it buzzes along nicely and never flags. There is plenty of danger and jeopardy, so action fans won’t feel short changed.
The story is a simple one, a search for justice for her friend Doug, who the police believe is guilty of killing a sex worker and then killing himself by self-immolation, accidently or by suicide in remorse. The initial circumstantial evidence would seem to support this theory and a police force short of resources applies Occam’s Razor. Why look for complications, after all its just a prostitute and a tramp… Shrap Nelson knew Doug well and doesn’t fall for this lazy answer, he couldn’t have done it, here are two victims who deserve better and she goes out to prove it. In doing so she manages to forge an unlikely alliance with a young DC Gareth Trevelyan, another individual with troubles of his own. Some red herrings are introduced to the plot, but it doesn’t over complicate matters, it gets a little slack in the final quarter but ends with a nice piece of ‘hidden in plain sight’. Moreover, this is a story to introduce an engaging but complex central character who needs a broad canvas to be portrayed.
The name Shrap is of course a nickname, we do not learn how this is arrived at, my guess would be it comes from shrapnel. We do however discover her Christian name though and that certainly explains why she goes by Shrap! She was an MP and during her last tour of duty saw her colleagues killed in an IED and was captured tortured over several days and left for dead. Her body could be repaired but not her mind. She left the forces clearly suffering for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor guilt. Unable to cope her home life disintegrated and now she lives an anonymous life on the streets. The effects of the PTSD and living on the streets are referenced throughout and are dealt with a deft and thoughtful touch. This manages to elicit much sympathy in the reader for people in both predicaments and it will be fascinating to see how this develops through the series.
Of the character interactions, the dynamic between Shrap and policeman Gareth is the most interesting one. An unlikely alliance that moves to mutual respect with possibly a hint of more to come?
When it comes to themes then dignity and humanity of treatment are at the front. From the newspapers looking for the salacious, quick to brand a woman as a sex worker, to members of the public discounting a homeless man as a bum, it's all there. We are often quick to discount those who are different, the downtrodden, without a though of life from their perspective, most are there through ill luck and some have harrowing stories. The author certainly brings these characters to life within this story, giving us pause for thought with the uncomfortable journeys they have experienced to end up where they are. Then there is the rather shabby treatment of our forces’ veterans, men and women discarded with little thought to their futures. When you are programmed to obey and trained to kill is it any wonder adjustment to life of ‘civvy street’ can be so daunting.
There are moments of brightness and optimism to offset the bleak story though. Shrap finding simple pleasures in life emphasised by the attraction of the dawn, the possibly of a new day bringing the possibility of a new beginning. Then there are the simple acts of kindness that can mean so much more to the receiver than the giver can ever imagine. Most of all is the sense of loyalty and camaraderie amongst those who have served, the support of friends and those who share common experience and the ethos of nobody left behind.
As a thriller it buzzes along nicely and never flags. There is plenty of danger and jeopardy, so action fans won’t feel short changed.
November 11, 2024
When the dead body of lap dancer Bianca Rubik is found near Waterloo Station in London, police begin to look for a male vagrant who was caught on CCTV near the place she was found. DC Gareth Trevelyan is handed the case, and his first task is to identify the unknown man. When two officers show a still image of the possible suspect to Shrap Nelson, another rough sleeper, she recognises his face and agrees to go with them to assist the detective in charge.
The officers take Shrap to Southwark Police Station unaware that she is a veteran who had served with the Royal Engineers before moving into the Royal Military Police. During her time in the army, Shrap frequently faced the possibility of injury and capture in hostile environments around the globe. Her luck ran out when she encountered and was incarcerated by the Taliban. The gutsy soldier survived and returned to the UK to resume her military duties, but just twelve months later her experiences took their toll. Diagnosed with PTSD, her career and long-term relationship were destroyed. For the past two years she has been sleeping and living on London’s streets amongst the homeless, drug addicts, drunks and gangsters. This comes with its own problems, but it’s the memories of her time in the armed forces that haunt her.
Shrap tells DC Trevelyan that the man in the photo is called Doug and that he’s ex-army. What she doesn’t confide to the detective is that her fellow veteran had talked her out of taking her own life some months earlier. When she realises that Doug is a suspect in a murder case, Shrap decides to employ the investigative skills she learned as a Military police officer to prove her friend’s innocence.
Then Waterloo gives up yet another corpse. This time it’s Doug, and Trevelyan thinks that the old soldier must have murdered Bianca before he deliberately or accidentally killed himself. This would be convenient and solve two suspicious deaths in one go, but Shrap isn’t having any of it. She convinces Trevelyan that there are some anomalies that throw doubt on Doug’s culpability and suddenly the pair find themselves working in tandem. It’s an unlikely alliance and one that puts them both in danger.
Rough Justice is a fast moving and well plotted crime thriller. Each chapter is concise, compelling, and carefully constructed. Violence is sometimes described graphically, yet without ever becoming gratuitous. Shrap and Gareth both have complicated histories, they are the perfect protagonists as they negotiate the case from very different situations. London is depicted with realism; the sights, smells and sounds of the city are realistic and a sense of edgy jeopardy lurking just below the surface is palpable. Brilliant!
Biba Pearce has created a page-turner full of attitude with twists and turns galore. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Dot Marshall-Gent
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
The officers take Shrap to Southwark Police Station unaware that she is a veteran who had served with the Royal Engineers before moving into the Royal Military Police. During her time in the army, Shrap frequently faced the possibility of injury and capture in hostile environments around the globe. Her luck ran out when she encountered and was incarcerated by the Taliban. The gutsy soldier survived and returned to the UK to resume her military duties, but just twelve months later her experiences took their toll. Diagnosed with PTSD, her career and long-term relationship were destroyed. For the past two years she has been sleeping and living on London’s streets amongst the homeless, drug addicts, drunks and gangsters. This comes with its own problems, but it’s the memories of her time in the armed forces that haunt her.
Shrap tells DC Trevelyan that the man in the photo is called Doug and that he’s ex-army. What she doesn’t confide to the detective is that her fellow veteran had talked her out of taking her own life some months earlier. When she realises that Doug is a suspect in a murder case, Shrap decides to employ the investigative skills she learned as a Military police officer to prove her friend’s innocence.
Then Waterloo gives up yet another corpse. This time it’s Doug, and Trevelyan thinks that the old soldier must have murdered Bianca before he deliberately or accidentally killed himself. This would be convenient and solve two suspicious deaths in one go, but Shrap isn’t having any of it. She convinces Trevelyan that there are some anomalies that throw doubt on Doug’s culpability and suddenly the pair find themselves working in tandem. It’s an unlikely alliance and one that puts them both in danger.
Rough Justice is a fast moving and well plotted crime thriller. Each chapter is concise, compelling, and carefully constructed. Violence is sometimes described graphically, yet without ever becoming gratuitous. Shrap and Gareth both have complicated histories, they are the perfect protagonists as they negotiate the case from very different situations. London is depicted with realism; the sights, smells and sounds of the city are realistic and a sense of edgy jeopardy lurking just below the surface is palpable. Brilliant!
Biba Pearce has created a page-turner full of attitude with twists and turns galore. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Dot Marshall-Gent
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
October 14, 2024
There's a reason why Biba Pearce was shortlisted for a Crime Writer's Association Dagger Award a few years ago; she's a fine crime author and this first book in her new series is an explosive, compelling read with an incredible lead character. Shrap Nelson is a woman unlike any other that I've read about. She's vulnerable, but so strong. She's reliable, yet questions herself all of the time. She's the type of woman who you'd certainly want on your side, and not as an enemy.
Shrap lives on the streets of London. She served in the Military Police for years, fighting in the most dangerous of places, seeing things that should never be seen, experiencing events that have changed her. However, it is the effects of the PTSD that are her worse enemies now. Shrap gave up her life, her home, her relationship to live on the streets. Trying to escape, but never quite getting there.
When Shrap's old mate Doug is accused of the murder of a dancer in the city, and is then found dead himself, she knows that Doug was innocent. She also knows that he didn't take his own life, and despite her own inner battles and the dangers she faces, she is determined to clear his name. Doug saved her, she wants to save his reputation.
DC Gareth Trevelyan has recently moved to the area from another part of London, he has his own baggage to deal with and when he's assigned these cases, at first it all seems clear cut. Then he meets Shrap and there's a spark, despite her appearance, her mystery, her current living conditions he can see that there's more to Shrap than meets the eye. Before long, they are working together. Not officially of course, but Shrap can be invisible, she's clever, she's working it all out.
This is a compelling, exciting crime story that had me gripped. Not only is the plotting superb, but the characters are just perfectly created. Pearce brings London to life too, as Shrap walks the streets, both the glitzy touristy areas, and the mean, dark back streets, the reader really can get a feel for the place.
There's some violence, but it is done with flair and style, not overly bloody and just adds depth to the dangers that Shrap and Gareth face along the way.
An excellent beginning to a new series. I can't wait to meet Shrap and Gareth again soon.
Shrap lives on the streets of London. She served in the Military Police for years, fighting in the most dangerous of places, seeing things that should never be seen, experiencing events that have changed her. However, it is the effects of the PTSD that are her worse enemies now. Shrap gave up her life, her home, her relationship to live on the streets. Trying to escape, but never quite getting there.
When Shrap's old mate Doug is accused of the murder of a dancer in the city, and is then found dead himself, she knows that Doug was innocent. She also knows that he didn't take his own life, and despite her own inner battles and the dangers she faces, she is determined to clear his name. Doug saved her, she wants to save his reputation.
DC Gareth Trevelyan has recently moved to the area from another part of London, he has his own baggage to deal with and when he's assigned these cases, at first it all seems clear cut. Then he meets Shrap and there's a spark, despite her appearance, her mystery, her current living conditions he can see that there's more to Shrap than meets the eye. Before long, they are working together. Not officially of course, but Shrap can be invisible, she's clever, she's working it all out.
This is a compelling, exciting crime story that had me gripped. Not only is the plotting superb, but the characters are just perfectly created. Pearce brings London to life too, as Shrap walks the streets, both the glitzy touristy areas, and the mean, dark back streets, the reader really can get a feel for the place.
There's some violence, but it is done with flair and style, not overly bloody and just adds depth to the dangers that Shrap and Gareth face along the way.
An excellent beginning to a new series. I can't wait to meet Shrap and Gareth again soon.
May 20, 2024
Just WOW, what a fantastic start to a new series, I can't praise this book highly enough.
Shrap Nelson was ex military police but her severe PTSD had driven her to live with the homeless on the streets of London, she couldn't escape the screams of her dying comrades knowing that she could do nothing to save them, the streets gave her the anonymity that she needed.
Shraps only friend, Doug, was also ex military, also living on the streets, Doug had saved Shrap's life when she thought that ending it was the only way out and now Doug was being blamed for the murder of a sex worker, a murder that Shrap knew that he was neither physically or mentally capable of committing, Shrap was going to use all her military skills to prove Doug's innocence but when Doug was found dead, the official verdict was suicide, the case was closed and Shap's task was made even harder.
DC Gareth Trevelyan had moved to the Met, it was a backwards step but he needed to escape a toxic relationship, a relationship that could never be, he ruffled a few feathers at the station when he voiced doubts about the murder, the case hadn't been investigated fully and as the case was now closed he decided to do his own unofficial snooping.
The unlikely pairing of the the straight laced DC and the homeless vet is a stroke of genius, she could make herself invisible in plain sight, she could use all her surveillance tactics, even if it did put her life in danger'
This story covers a dubious "Gentlemen's Club", drugs, prostitution, murder, police incompetence to name a few, there are so many suspects, so many clues leading to dead ends, so many red herrings, it is action packed, has nail biting suspense and perhaps a lasting, respectful connection between Shrap and the DC.
We all read about ex military personnel living on the streets but the author has brought this to life, I could see the doorways, smell the decay, their reasons are so real and so tragic, I really didn't want this story to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Shrap Nelson was ex military police but her severe PTSD had driven her to live with the homeless on the streets of London, she couldn't escape the screams of her dying comrades knowing that she could do nothing to save them, the streets gave her the anonymity that she needed.
Shraps only friend, Doug, was also ex military, also living on the streets, Doug had saved Shrap's life when she thought that ending it was the only way out and now Doug was being blamed for the murder of a sex worker, a murder that Shrap knew that he was neither physically or mentally capable of committing, Shrap was going to use all her military skills to prove Doug's innocence but when Doug was found dead, the official verdict was suicide, the case was closed and Shap's task was made even harder.
DC Gareth Trevelyan had moved to the Met, it was a backwards step but he needed to escape a toxic relationship, a relationship that could never be, he ruffled a few feathers at the station when he voiced doubts about the murder, the case hadn't been investigated fully and as the case was now closed he decided to do his own unofficial snooping.
The unlikely pairing of the the straight laced DC and the homeless vet is a stroke of genius, she could make herself invisible in plain sight, she could use all her surveillance tactics, even if it did put her life in danger'
This story covers a dubious "Gentlemen's Club", drugs, prostitution, murder, police incompetence to name a few, there are so many suspects, so many clues leading to dead ends, so many red herrings, it is action packed, has nail biting suspense and perhaps a lasting, respectful connection between Shrap and the DC.
We all read about ex military personnel living on the streets but the author has brought this to life, I could see the doorways, smell the decay, their reasons are so real and so tragic, I really didn't want this story to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
October 1, 2024
Shrap was once Sergeant Persephone Nelson of the Special Investigations Branch, the military equivalent to CID. Until Afghanistan, watching her colleagues blown to pieces, then captured and tortured by the Taliban and left to die on a freezing road. Despite a year back at Aldershot, the PTSD finally won and, discharged on health grounds, she abandoned her home and boyfriend to live on the streets and try to escape her nightmares. A year on and she now faces a new one. Her friend Doug, another veteran, has been killed after becoming prime suspect in the murder of a woman. The police at Southwark think it’s an open and shut case, except for DC Gareth Trevelyan. He’s met Shrap and like her, he believes there’s more to this case than an accident or suicide. Like Shrap, he thinks he can prove Doug was murdered. So each of them sets out individually to do this, eventually coming to work together but little do they realise what a huge and dangerous case they are about to uncover.
What a brilliant new character we have in Shrap, unafraid to face danger and use all her old skills from her days in the Royal Engineers and later SIB, despite the inner demons she battles daily. Once a detective, always a detective, and she still believes in justice but now, outside the confines of the legal system, she can employ wider ranging and less lawful methods to discover the truth. Being a homeless person really does (very sadly) make her invisible to many people and this anonymity, together with some very good and interesting contacts, places her perfectly in this story to do some great sleuthing where witnesses will talk to her rather than the police. I also really like Gareth and his reluctance to leave a case alone until he is fully satisfied he has the right culprit. I loved their respect for each other and the growing friendship emerging between the two of them, and I’m really looking forward to reading book 2, An Unlikely Saviour.
What a brilliant new character we have in Shrap, unafraid to face danger and use all her old skills from her days in the Royal Engineers and later SIB, despite the inner demons she battles daily. Once a detective, always a detective, and she still believes in justice but now, outside the confines of the legal system, she can employ wider ranging and less lawful methods to discover the truth. Being a homeless person really does (very sadly) make her invisible to many people and this anonymity, together with some very good and interesting contacts, places her perfectly in this story to do some great sleuthing where witnesses will talk to her rather than the police. I also really like Gareth and his reluctance to leave a case alone until he is fully satisfied he has the right culprit. I loved their respect for each other and the growing friendship emerging between the two of them, and I’m really looking forward to reading book 2, An Unlikely Saviour.
October 6, 2024
Fantastic Crime Story! A well thought out plot with many memorable characters that I could connect to, yet not difficult to keep track of, due to the way the author has integrated them so perfectly into the story. I could even feel a connection to the murdered victims, yes, more than one of them, as their interesting backgrounds played out while trying to solve the case. The protagonist, Shrap (not her real name), who suffered with PTSD from her time in the military during a more recent war, has a personality that really latches on to you as you learn about her dedication and morals, and what she faces each day. This excellent mystery has more twists & turns than a double pretzel, and very intense – to keep you reading on into the night, sometimes having you gripped onto the edge of intensity while rooting her on to catch the bad guys, and sometimes taking you to the edge of tears. I really enjoyed this first book of the series – it’s a stand-alone and I loved the ending. I will definitely be looking forward to reading the second book as well! Kudos to the author! 5 stars
October 7, 2024
Sharp a tight, twisting thriller! That keeps you on the edge!
Sharp by name and some sharp snapping writing that grabs your interest from the first page until the gripping unpredictable ending! A brand fast new series action around ex–military police sergeant Sharp Nelson who had seen it all and just wanted to forget her past by living as a homeless person on the streets of London.
That is until the charred body of a good friend also x-army called Doug who once had saved sharp’s life and gave her a second chance. Now he deserved justice, the truth found and the real killer found and brought to justice. Sharp on a mission and the further she delves and investigates the more danger she gets into as she enters the dark world of London’s underworld and crime syndicates. Sharp is helped along the way by several and eventually a DC Gareth Trevelyan but the story is a blistering nonstop read that keeps you guessing and has many twists and turns with an edge off your seat ending. And maybe the start of something great to look forward too!
Sharp by name and some sharp snapping writing that grabs your interest from the first page until the gripping unpredictable ending! A brand fast new series action around ex–military police sergeant Sharp Nelson who had seen it all and just wanted to forget her past by living as a homeless person on the streets of London.
That is until the charred body of a good friend also x-army called Doug who once had saved sharp’s life and gave her a second chance. Now he deserved justice, the truth found and the real killer found and brought to justice. Sharp on a mission and the further she delves and investigates the more danger she gets into as she enters the dark world of London’s underworld and crime syndicates. Sharp is helped along the way by several and eventually a DC Gareth Trevelyan but the story is a blistering nonstop read that keeps you guessing and has many twists and turns with an edge off your seat ending. And maybe the start of something great to look forward too!
October 12, 2024
I loved this and couldn't put it down. im being spoilt with 5 star books recently. And I finished this in two days, and if you know me, then you would know I'm a bit of a slow reader compared to most.
This was an intriguing story, shrap Nelson is an ex military policewoman who now lives on the street after ptsd took over her life. The story follows her in trying to find out who murdered Bridget and her best friend Doug. She realises she can not do this all alone and in steps. DC Tenynesen, a cop who won't let this case go cold. And together, they start to unravel the mystery.
I loved the pace of this book. It took you on a twisty ride, and just as you thought who it was, it turned in another direction.
I've read a few Biba Pearces books, and I haven't been disappointed. Can't wait to read book number 2 in the shrap Nelson books. Go out and get this as you won't regret it.
This was an intriguing story, shrap Nelson is an ex military policewoman who now lives on the street after ptsd took over her life. The story follows her in trying to find out who murdered Bridget and her best friend Doug. She realises she can not do this all alone and in steps. DC Tenynesen, a cop who won't let this case go cold. And together, they start to unravel the mystery.
I loved the pace of this book. It took you on a twisty ride, and just as you thought who it was, it turned in another direction.
I've read a few Biba Pearces books, and I haven't been disappointed. Can't wait to read book number 2 in the shrap Nelson books. Go out and get this as you won't regret it.
December 27, 2024
The first in a new series, featuring former military police sergeant "Shrap" Nelson. Now living on the streets of London after PTSD ended her army career, Shrap joins forces with the police when a fellow homeless vet is killed. Doug witnessed a murder, but the police take the easy way out and name him as the killer. Shrap is determined to get justice.
The lead character is intriguing and the set up is good. The novel drags a little in the middle with several red herrings. It felt like the author couldn't find a route to the ending. The police investigation felt rather odd too, with some obvious routes missed.
The lead character is intriguing and the set up is good. The novel drags a little in the middle with several red herrings. It felt like the author couldn't find a route to the ending. The police investigation felt rather odd too, with some obvious routes missed.
June 30, 2024
An ex military police woman suffering from PTSD takes things into her own hands when an older veteran man who was helping her to recover is murdered. Things aren’t always as they seem and the cops close the case saying the veteran accidentally set himself on fire. As “Sharp”, our PTSD veteran, begins her own investigation she soon helps a local detective discover there is more to the story than first thought. Awesome cast of characters, non stop action, intrigue, mystery and an exhilarating story line will make this series a hit !
October 6, 2024
What a great new series this promises to be! ‘Shrap’ Nelson is ex-military, but following a stint in Afghanistan, where her friends died in a mortar attack and she was beaten, tortured and left to die, she is suffering from crippling PTSD. No longer able to cope, she lives on the streets.
But when her friend Doug, also ex-military, is killed in a brutal and horrific manner, she cannot deny her past. In the meantime, the police have discovered the body of a murdered sex worker and pinned the crime on poor Doug, saying he then killed himself, by setting himself on fire. Shrap knows it’s not true and she is determined to get justice for Doug.
During her ‘investigations’, she meets DC Trevelyan who also has doubts about Doug’s guilt. What motive could he possibly have had for killing the girl? Trevelyan can’t accept Shrap’s help officially, but she is really good at obtaining information, albeit her methods are unorthodox and often not quite legal. And that’s putting it mildly. She regularly gets beaten up in the process, but her military training means she gives as good she gets.
Shrap and Trevelyan are soon drawn into the seedy side of strip clubs, drugs, murder and the London underworld. And these people mean business.
This was a very exciting read and I’m really looking forward to meeting Shrap and Trevelyan again in Book 2 An Unlikely Saviour.
Many thanks to the author for inviting me to be on the blog tour.
But when her friend Doug, also ex-military, is killed in a brutal and horrific manner, she cannot deny her past. In the meantime, the police have discovered the body of a murdered sex worker and pinned the crime on poor Doug, saying he then killed himself, by setting himself on fire. Shrap knows it’s not true and she is determined to get justice for Doug.
During her ‘investigations’, she meets DC Trevelyan who also has doubts about Doug’s guilt. What motive could he possibly have had for killing the girl? Trevelyan can’t accept Shrap’s help officially, but she is really good at obtaining information, albeit her methods are unorthodox and often not quite legal. And that’s putting it mildly. She regularly gets beaten up in the process, but her military training means she gives as good she gets.
Shrap and Trevelyan are soon drawn into the seedy side of strip clubs, drugs, murder and the London underworld. And these people mean business.
This was a very exciting read and I’m really looking forward to meeting Shrap and Trevelyan again in Book 2 An Unlikely Saviour.
Many thanks to the author for inviting me to be on the blog tour.
October 8, 2024
I started out trying to write a more detailed review and found I couldn't without fear of giving away spoilers or just rehashing the entire story in far too detailed a manner.
Suffice it to say, Rough Justice is a gripping read. Shrap Nelson is a veteran & can handle herself if it comes to a fight, but what makes her even more interesting is she's human & has flaws and fears. She's suffering from PTSD, and we get to see the lingering effects her condition has on her day to day and how she copes.
Suffice it to say, Rough Justice is a gripping read. Shrap Nelson is a veteran & can handle herself if it comes to a fight, but what makes her even more interesting is she's human & has flaws and fears. She's suffering from PTSD, and we get to see the lingering effects her condition has on her day to day and how she copes.
October 4, 2024
A new series whose main character is a homeless army veteran, Shrap Nelson. An unusual main character makes for an unusual story. This is a great read with lots of actions and a good group of characters. Biba does a fabulous job of bringing her characters to life. Shrap is a complex character and we are given some insights into the challenges people with PTSD face. This is an action packed page turner! I cant wait to read the next installment.
October 2, 2024
Shrap Nelson is determined to avenge the death of her friend, Doug who has saved her life on many occasions. In spite of suffering from PTSD and being belittled by the cops, Shrap courageously goes ahead with her own investigation dancing with danger. A well crafted page turner which set my pulse racing with its unexpected twists and nailbiting suspense.
December 12, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Shrap gripped me from page one, and I did find this book very hard to put down. Only wish two things were true: there is only a second book in the series, and if not out till September of 2025. I'd love to read her ongoing story, and hope it leads to her fulfillment. Kudos to the author
October 4, 2024
This was a strange one to start with, then as the story unfolded it developed its own momentum with a lovely twist at the end. Can't wait for book 2 to see how Shrap develops.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
November 10, 2024
Fabulous New Storyline.
I'm an avid follower of Biba's books.
This new storyline is excellent. The storyline is realistic, fast paced, and with many unexpected twists. New characters have supper options , can't wait for book 2 next year.
It's a must read . . 🤩
I'm an avid follower of Biba's books.
This new storyline is excellent. The storyline is realistic, fast paced, and with many unexpected twists. New characters have supper options , can't wait for book 2 next year.
It's a must read . . 🤩
March 15, 2025
Realistic Even For A Yankee
Reading Rough Justice was a whirlwind. But it made me see London through different eyes, the eyes of a bum. This twist made a great book even better. Action and Social Conscience all in one. Highly recommend it.
Reading Rough Justice was a whirlwind. But it made me see London through different eyes, the eyes of a bum. This twist made a great book even better. Action and Social Conscience all in one. Highly recommend it.
October 5, 2025
Just A Great Intriguing Taste To Get Us Hooked
I hope that this is the first of many! So far I really love the characters. Shrap is a great character and not your usual intro. Of course the foreshadowing…well no spoilers. Just enjoy
I hope that this is the first of many! So far I really love the characters. Shrap is a great character and not your usual intro. Of course the foreshadowing…well no spoilers. Just enjoy
September 22, 2024
I loved this book, couldn’t put it down. Look forward to reading more of Shrap
October 10, 2024
All too believable
Tragic story but for the grace of God go any of us. Great human interest story delivered brilliantly and full of twists and turns. A very talented writer.
Tragic story but for the grace of God go any of us. Great human interest story delivered brilliantly and full of twists and turns. A very talented writer.
October 16, 2024
Started really well, but I felt it just kept repeating things too much and I began to lose interest. I liked Shrap but just felt it fell a bit flat.
November 14, 2024
Rough Justice
Excellent book with, a gripping plot, and characters that come alive and start to feel like old friends. I am already looking forward to the next book.
Excellent book with, a gripping plot, and characters that come alive and start to feel like old friends. I am already looking forward to the next book.
November 24, 2024
Excellent page turner
Very good story line unique in many ways with totally believable characters and excellent plot
Hope there will be many more
Very good story line unique in many ways with totally believable characters and excellent plot
Hope there will be many more
January 31, 2025
Very disappointing for me after reading the Kenzies Gilmore series. So much reputation. No surprises....
April 6, 2025
Guessing up to the last minute.
Makes you continue to wonder how the killer or killers head from being caught. Couldn’t figure it out until the very end.
Makes you continue to wonder how the killer or killers head from being caught. Couldn’t figure it out until the very end.
April 27, 2025
Enjoyed this
October 30, 2025
This is a super beginning to a new series by Biba Pearce. There are great new characters! I recommend it.
September 30, 2024
Rough Justice by Biba Pearce is book 1 in a new series about a homeless Army veteran, Shrap Nelson. It is set in London. Shrap, who suffers from PTSD and lives on the streets, had reached a very low point in her life and another homeless veteran, Doug, had saved her. Now he is dead, and she is determined to find out who killed him. Shrap was a sergeant in the Military Police in the Army. It was a great story and believable. I loved the characters, particularly Shrap and DC Gareth Trevelyan, the main characters. He and Shrap helped each other during the investigation. Due to Shrap’s circumstances, and her tormented past, the investigation was a real slog for her, and this came through in the story. As the investigation gained momentum, you could feel the tension ramp up. Look forward to reading more books in this series.
October 1, 2024
definitely a must-read
Biba Pearce creates enigmatic characters you just can't forget. Her newest protagonist is one example. Intelligent, street smart, tough, and broken. Set in a realistic London, as is her Rob Miller series, this explores so much more than the murder that needs solving. It's also a heartbreaking look into the lives of the homeless, but those suffering from PTSD. For all aspects of the book, I can't praise it highly enough. This series is definitely a must-read for me!
Biba Pearce creates enigmatic characters you just can't forget. Her newest protagonist is one example. Intelligent, street smart, tough, and broken. Set in a realistic London, as is her Rob Miller series, this explores so much more than the murder that needs solving. It's also a heartbreaking look into the lives of the homeless, but those suffering from PTSD. For all aspects of the book, I can't praise it highly enough. This series is definitely a must-read for me!
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