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Bait & Switch
A young reverend attacked. Faith shattered in one violent night.
As winter tightens its grip on Newcastle, so does a dangerous predator who leaves no trace.
DCI Erica Cooper is hunting a man who knows how to disappear. No DNA. No witnesses. No mistakes. Public anger begins to boil, and with it, calls for the return of a vigilante who delivers his own brutal brand of justice.
Running out of options, Cooper authorises a dangerous an undercover operation that turns her own officers into bait.
But when you sacrifice a lamb, you can’t choose which wolf comes to claim it.
In a city on the brink, Cooper must catch the man responsible — before fear, fury, and vigilante justice tear Newcastle apart.
Bait & Switch is the dark and intelligent ninth instalment in the DCI Cooper series by B Baskerville. This morally charged thriller will have readers looking over their shoulders. Perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, Simon McCleave and Rachael McLean.
As winter tightens its grip on Newcastle, so does a dangerous predator who leaves no trace.
DCI Erica Cooper is hunting a man who knows how to disappear. No DNA. No witnesses. No mistakes. Public anger begins to boil, and with it, calls for the return of a vigilante who delivers his own brutal brand of justice.
Running out of options, Cooper authorises a dangerous an undercover operation that turns her own officers into bait.
But when you sacrifice a lamb, you can’t choose which wolf comes to claim it.
In a city on the brink, Cooper must catch the man responsible — before fear, fury, and vigilante justice tear Newcastle apart.
Bait & Switch is the dark and intelligent ninth instalment in the DCI Cooper series by B Baskerville. This morally charged thriller will have readers looking over their shoulders. Perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, Simon McCleave and Rachael McLean.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 4, 2026
This is the 9th in the DCI Cooper series. It is full of the expected depth of characters which are intelligently utilised throughout to develop the twisty plot lines we have come to expect from B Baskerville’s superb crime fiction. The book focuses upon a terrifying crime and this is where B Baskerville excels, writing passionately, expressing the multitude of emotions, impacts and heartbreak as a result. This book had me sobbing, laughing and absolutely gripped. I inhaled it in a weekend and was left gutted it was over. Absolutely superb writing, best in the series, roll on number 10.
June 9, 2026
An absolute triumph for Cooper and Co!
As a long time can of this series, B Baskerville has completely outdone herself with Bait & Switch.
Book 9 takes us down a darker and morally complex road that sees Erica and the team pushed to the brink which kept me reading on.
What I love about B Baskerville 's writing is how she explores the real heartbreak of the victims, their families and the officer's.
The Newcastle setting I love as I know where all the places are and I can feel myself being there.
This book will leave youngsters when it is over , yet thrilled at the same time.
An easy 5 stars and roll on book 10.
As a long time can of this series, B Baskerville has completely outdone herself with Bait & Switch.
Book 9 takes us down a darker and morally complex road that sees Erica and the team pushed to the brink which kept me reading on.
What I love about B Baskerville 's writing is how she explores the real heartbreak of the victims, their families and the officer's.
The Newcastle setting I love as I know where all the places are and I can feel myself being there.
This book will leave youngsters when it is over , yet thrilled at the same time.
An easy 5 stars and roll on book 10.
April 10, 2026
Wow! I’ve just finished Bait & Switch and I think it’s the best DCI Cooper book yet! Loads of local references which I love and my favourite team of detectives back again. The final chapter was a real tear jerker - no spoilers! The story was so well wrapped up in the last chapter. A brilliant read. Unputdownable!
April 6, 2026
Incredible!
Bait and Switch is absolutely the best book I've ever read. Tense, thrilling, edge of the seat stuff. Well done Betsy. X
Bait and Switch is absolutely the best book I've ever read. Tense, thrilling, edge of the seat stuff. Well done Betsy. X
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews