Care & Control

by Roshan Pitteea

‘Care’ doesn’t always mean ‘safety’

Beneath a freezing Northern night sky, streetwise teenager Connor McAllen searches desperately for a lost loved one. In defiance of his corporate parent, he scours the city’s grim underbelly in vain.

Hot on Connor’s heels is rookie police officer Louis Mortimer. If Louis is to pull Connor back from the brink, he must come to terms with his own troubled past. Life isn’t made any easier by his feelings for Elliott, Connor’s handsome teacher or Damien, Louis’ brooding colleague.

As Connor bounces from one failed foster placement to another, none of the professionals involved in safeguarding him see the peril lurking in the a dangerous sadist is watching Louis and Connor’s every move, determined to show them that ‘care and control’ has its dark side.

Care & Control is a gritty tale of risk, resilience and redemption.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2024

Reviews

[David Briggs-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punchy, gritty and unputdownable

Care & Control had me gripped from start to finish. The plot was thrilling and the characters were strong. This has been written with a considerable knowledge of police protocol and the care system in the North of England. I really hope there will be a sequel in the works. A brilliant read.

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Care & Control by Roshan Pitteea is a riveting and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of the foster care system, the struggle for personal redemption, and the ever-present dangers lurking in the shadows. This compelling narrative expertly weaves together the lives of a troubled teenager, a rookie police officer, and a cast of multifaceted characters, all set against a backdrop of suspense and danger.


The story follows Connor McAllen, a street-smart teenager determined to find a lost loved one despite the constraints imposed by his corporate guardian. His search takes him through the darker corners of the city, where desperation and danger are constant companions. Connor's journey is a testament to his resilience and his refusal to give up, even when faced with overwhelming odds.

Rookie police officer Louis Mortimer is tasked with bringing Connor back to safety. To succeed, Louis must confront his own troubled past and navigate the complicated emotions he feels towards Elliott, Connor's charismatic teacher, and Damien, his brooding colleague. These relationships add layers of complexity to Louis's character, making his quest as much about self-discovery as it is about rescuing Connor.

The narrative tension is heightened by the presence of a sadistic antagonist, who watches Louis and Connor's every move, intent on showing the dark side of "care and control." This shadowy figure adds a palpable sense of menace to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.


Pitteea explores themes of risk, resilience, and redemption with a keen eye for detail and emotional depth. The characters are vividly portrayed, each grappling with their own demons and motivations. The novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of the foster care system, highlighting both its failings and the moments of compassion that can make a difference.

The writing is gritty and evocative, perfectly capturing the bleakness of the city and the inner turmoil of the characters. Pitteea's ability to balance intense action with introspective moments allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, further enhancing the authenticity of the characters' experiences.


Care & Control is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers long after the final page. Roshan Pitteea has crafted a story that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, exploring the darkest aspects of human nature while also celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate gritty, emotionally charged narratives that tackle important social issues with sensitivity and insight.

Happy reading ✨❤️

[Yomi Akinode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Growing
Teenagers are often wiser than people think, especially those not privileged to mature in traditional two-parent homes. They have to be smarter, which was the case with the emotionally charged Connor McAllen, caught up in the complexity of foster care as he searches for a lost love. The same smarts get them into trouble; hence, they are fortunate to have support from caring and dedicated law enforcement rookies like Louis Mortimer. The author successfully exposed one of the societal barriers to wholesomeness, though I would have loved to see the story expanded. However, It was a great effort and a good read. I will recommend it.

[Max Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down until the end! A very dark and disturbing story indeed.

It was great to see some really diverse, quirky characters. Connor absolutely stole my heart!

Hurry up and write the sequel please!!!