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Split Second
What if one moment – one split second – changed everything?
When a firearms officer shoots a suspect dead and wounds another, who later dies in hospital, the official line is that the sun was in her eyes. Her body cam failed.
Known only as Officer X, her anonymity is meant to protect her – until a judge releases her name and a media storm erupts.
DSI Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann are called in to determine whether it was a justifiable use of force – or something darker. And when it's revealed that Officer X knew the victim, and her brother died of a drug overdose linked to the same woman, the case becomes charged with personal and political tension.
As pressure mounts, a vulnerable witness dies and a lost phone surfaces with a photograph and a message that could unravel everything – and reveal the truth about what happened that day.
Split Second brings Dylan and Mann together for the first time, in an investigation that will test their instincts, their loyalties and the limits of justice itself, as both detectives must decide how far they'll go – and what they're willing to sacrifice – to uncover the truth.
When a firearms officer shoots a suspect dead and wounds another, who later dies in hospital, the official line is that the sun was in her eyes. Her body cam failed.
Known only as Officer X, her anonymity is meant to protect her – until a judge releases her name and a media storm erupts.
DSI Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann are called in to determine whether it was a justifiable use of force – or something darker. And when it's revealed that Officer X knew the victim, and her brother died of a drug overdose linked to the same woman, the case becomes charged with personal and political tension.
As pressure mounts, a vulnerable witness dies and a lost phone surfaces with a photograph and a message that could unravel everything – and reveal the truth about what happened that day.
Split Second brings Dylan and Mann together for the first time, in an investigation that will test their instincts, their loyalties and the limits of justice itself, as both detectives must decide how far they'll go – and what they're willing to sacrifice – to uncover the truth.
360 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2026
About the author
R.C. Bridgestock
34 books80 followersRC Bridgestock is the name that husband and wife co-authors Robert (Bob) and Carol Bridgestock write under. Between them they have nearly 50 years of police experience, offering an authentic edge to their stories. The writing duo created the character DI Jack Dylan, a down-to- earth detective, written with warmth and humour.
Bob was a highly commended career detective of 30 years, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent. As a police civilian supervisor Carol also received a Chief Constable’s commendation for outstanding work.
The couple are the storyline consultants on BAFTA winning BBC One police drama Happy Valley and series 3 of ITV’s Scott & Bailey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It's been quite some time since I last read a book by R C Bridgestock, I've enjoyed their books in the past. This husband and wife writing as R C Bridgestock bring such a wealth of knowledge to their writing. I was delighted to hear that they were pairing up DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann; characters from their previous two series, to begin a brand new, Yorkshire based police procedural series.
I have enjoyed every single page of this tense, fast moving and original novel. The premise is really intriguing. A police firearms officer shoots dead the driver of a car, the passenger later dies in hospital. All incidents such as this have to be investigated internally and Dylan and Mann are put on the case.
Officer X, the female officer claims that the sun was in her eyes, she had no idea who was driving the car. Further investigations discover that there is a link between X and the dead woman driver and this adds more layers into what should have been a straightforward case. When a judge identifies Officer X as Abi, the threat of revenge is large.
The characters are created with such care; from the school children who bunked school and witnessed the shooting, to the vulnerability of Abi and the care shown by Kat; the officer tasked with supporting her. Each and every one of them are realistic, playing such an important part of the story.
Split Second is a tense, thought-provoking police procedural that explores the difficult line between justified force and personal motive. Bringing Detective Superintendent Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann together for the first time is a brilliant move. The investigation develops into a compelling examination of justice, loyalty and the pressures facing those tasked with policing the police. The authors steadily introduce new evidence and conflicting motivations, keeping the truth tantalisingly out of reach.
A combination of police procedure, moral dilemmas and personal stakes, Split Second offers plenty for crime-fiction readers to get their teeth into. It’s an absorbing investigation that asks whether one split-second decision can ever truly be understood once everyone has their own version of what happened.
I have enjoyed every single page of this tense, fast moving and original novel. The premise is really intriguing. A police firearms officer shoots dead the driver of a car, the passenger later dies in hospital. All incidents such as this have to be investigated internally and Dylan and Mann are put on the case.
Officer X, the female officer claims that the sun was in her eyes, she had no idea who was driving the car. Further investigations discover that there is a link between X and the dead woman driver and this adds more layers into what should have been a straightforward case. When a judge identifies Officer X as Abi, the threat of revenge is large.
The characters are created with such care; from the school children who bunked school and witnessed the shooting, to the vulnerability of Abi and the care shown by Kat; the officer tasked with supporting her. Each and every one of them are realistic, playing such an important part of the story.
Split Second is a tense, thought-provoking police procedural that explores the difficult line between justified force and personal motive. Bringing Detective Superintendent Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann together for the first time is a brilliant move. The investigation develops into a compelling examination of justice, loyalty and the pressures facing those tasked with policing the police. The authors steadily introduce new evidence and conflicting motivations, keeping the truth tantalisingly out of reach.
A combination of police procedure, moral dilemmas and personal stakes, Split Second offers plenty for crime-fiction readers to get their teeth into. It’s an absorbing investigation that asks whether one split-second decision can ever truly be understood once everyone has their own version of what happened.
August 30, 2026
This is the first book in a new series, pairing up two characters from other books written by the authors: DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann. It’s also the first book I’ve read by these authors, but it definitely won’t be my last!
I picked this up on Sunday morning and, apart from moving rooms, I didn’t put it down until I’d flipped that final page. I was completely hooked!
When a firearms officer shoots dead the driver of a car, a bullet passes through her and hits the passenger, who later also dies. The officer is immediately investigated, as is standard procedure with firearms incidents. Dylan and Mann are on the case.
Known to the press only as Officer X, she claims she couldn’t clearly see the driver because of the glare of the sun on the windscreen. She believed there was a gun and that she, her colleagues and members of the public were in imminent danger, leaving her with only a split second to make a decision.
But then a link is discovered between Officer X and the dead driver, making what initially seemed like a straightforward investigation much more complicated. When the case reaches court, her anonymity comes to an end when the judge identifies her as Abi, and suddenly she feels threatened.
This story had me gripped from beginning to end. The investigation and court case played out in my head like something I was watching on television. The authors have created some great characters, while also exploring the fascinating question of how reliable eyewitness testimony really is.
Two children bunking off school witness the events, with one filming what happened on his phone. Another witness was sitting in the park and heard the car before watching the incident unfold. But how accurate are their memories of what they saw?
This reminded me of an experiment we did when I was studying criminology. Ten people watched the same event and were then questioned about it afterwards. You’d expect them all to give the same account, but of course they didn’t. It was fascinating to see just how differently people can remember the same thing.
This is a tense, well-written story that looks at police procedures and the difficult line between justifiable and excessive force. I really felt Abi’s stress and frustration as every aspect of the incident was investigated, while she was unable to speak to her colleagues.
I found myself rooting for Abi throughout. She had just a split second to make her decision, but did she make the right one?
You’ll have to read it to find out!
Absolutely gripping, I couldn’t put it down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I picked this up on Sunday morning and, apart from moving rooms, I didn’t put it down until I’d flipped that final page. I was completely hooked!
When a firearms officer shoots dead the driver of a car, a bullet passes through her and hits the passenger, who later also dies. The officer is immediately investigated, as is standard procedure with firearms incidents. Dylan and Mann are on the case.
Known to the press only as Officer X, she claims she couldn’t clearly see the driver because of the glare of the sun on the windscreen. She believed there was a gun and that she, her colleagues and members of the public were in imminent danger, leaving her with only a split second to make a decision.
But then a link is discovered between Officer X and the dead driver, making what initially seemed like a straightforward investigation much more complicated. When the case reaches court, her anonymity comes to an end when the judge identifies her as Abi, and suddenly she feels threatened.
This story had me gripped from beginning to end. The investigation and court case played out in my head like something I was watching on television. The authors have created some great characters, while also exploring the fascinating question of how reliable eyewitness testimony really is.
Two children bunking off school witness the events, with one filming what happened on his phone. Another witness was sitting in the park and heard the car before watching the incident unfold. But how accurate are their memories of what they saw?
This reminded me of an experiment we did when I was studying criminology. Ten people watched the same event and were then questioned about it afterwards. You’d expect them all to give the same account, but of course they didn’t. It was fascinating to see just how differently people can remember the same thing.
This is a tense, well-written story that looks at police procedures and the difficult line between justifiable and excessive force. I really felt Abi’s stress and frustration as every aspect of the incident was investigated, while she was unable to speak to her colleagues.
I found myself rooting for Abi throughout. She had just a split second to make her decision, but did she make the right one?
You’ll have to read it to find out!
Absolutely gripping, I couldn’t put it down. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Split Second by R.C. Bridgestock is the first novel by this author I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In Split Second, the authors have crafted a tense, utterly compelling mystery, exploring themes that are unfortunately very much at the forefront of people’s minds in today’s world.
The opening scene is shocking, and I really liked how R.C. Bridgestock told it from the point of view of two children skiving off school, who are terrified of being caught if they were to tell anyone about what they saw. They witness a horrific incident when a police officer opens fire on a suspect in a vehicle, which ends up with the suspect’s death. This does mirror awful events that have taken place across the world in recent years, but in this book, R.C. Bridgestock tells the story from the point of view of the police officer who commits the act, which I thought was a brilliant way to tell it.
As the investigation into the incident gets underway, it soon becomes clear that this is a much more complex case than it first seems. It was fascinating to get an insight into the mind of the officer, Abi, who is accused, and just how terrified she is at the prospect of going to prison and of her identity being released to the public. It is all too clear to see from recent events how scary this can be, and this raises the stakes throughout the novel. This is what makes this story so intense, as it races towards the trial and the ultimate decision of whether Abi is guilty or not guilty of the crime she’s accused of.
I think this is a novel which will leave many readers wondering how they would’ve reacted if they were in this position of the police officer accused. I think we have all been in a position where we have misjudged something, but in the case of a police officer, holding a firearm there are surely very few who have experienced this. But the feeling of what I would have done is the same, and it really does make Split Second such a gripping read.
There is a real, authentic feeling to this book, and R.C. Bridgestock did a brilliant job of keeping me engaged and wanting to find out what would ultimately happen. I really enjoyed it.
The opening scene is shocking, and I really liked how R.C. Bridgestock told it from the point of view of two children skiving off school, who are terrified of being caught if they were to tell anyone about what they saw. They witness a horrific incident when a police officer opens fire on a suspect in a vehicle, which ends up with the suspect’s death. This does mirror awful events that have taken place across the world in recent years, but in this book, R.C. Bridgestock tells the story from the point of view of the police officer who commits the act, which I thought was a brilliant way to tell it.
As the investigation into the incident gets underway, it soon becomes clear that this is a much more complex case than it first seems. It was fascinating to get an insight into the mind of the officer, Abi, who is accused, and just how terrified she is at the prospect of going to prison and of her identity being released to the public. It is all too clear to see from recent events how scary this can be, and this raises the stakes throughout the novel. This is what makes this story so intense, as it races towards the trial and the ultimate decision of whether Abi is guilty or not guilty of the crime she’s accused of.
I think this is a novel which will leave many readers wondering how they would’ve reacted if they were in this position of the police officer accused. I think we have all been in a position where we have misjudged something, but in the case of a police officer, holding a firearm there are surely very few who have experienced this. But the feeling of what I would have done is the same, and it really does make Split Second such a gripping read.
There is a real, authentic feeling to this book, and R.C. Bridgestock did a brilliant job of keeping me engaged and wanting to find out what would ultimately happen. I really enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Police Procedural set in HALIFAX, West Yorkshire
R C Bridgestock is husband and wife writing team - Carol and Bob. Both have worked in various capacities for the police, and thus the characterisations, interactions and the police investigations feel sharply observed and very real. There is a profound sense that the author duo knows how to construct a good and realistic storyline. The events are apparently loosely based on real-life events.
DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann are at the heart of this Yorkshire-based police procedural series. Regular readers of the authors' work will already be familiar with these two characters.
The novel opens as a couple of children witness, by chance, a shooting and film what they see. That shooting was carried out by female police officer - initially only referred to as Officer X - who killed the female driver of a BMW, and left the passenger in a severely bloodied condition. The officer is adamant that the sunlight reflected off the windscreen and blinded her sight. A judge, then, goes on to determine that the officer's identify should be revealed and that sends the whole premise of the situation onto a new and dramatic trajectory. The officer’s motives start to come into question, as she succumbs to the rigorous investigation, which, of course, takes its toll on all concerned.
This is a novel that really epitomises the genre 'police procedural', there is a really confident feel to the storytelling as the reader is taken behind the scenes of due process, establishing the facts, and, of course, that is very interesting for the layperson. The story is well constructed by the authors who clearly know their stuff, as they build the layers from various perspectives. This offers a good insight into the whole process.
Setting isn’t particularly strong.
#ADPR
R C Bridgestock is husband and wife writing team - Carol and Bob. Both have worked in various capacities for the police, and thus the characterisations, interactions and the police investigations feel sharply observed and very real. There is a profound sense that the author duo knows how to construct a good and realistic storyline. The events are apparently loosely based on real-life events.
DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann are at the heart of this Yorkshire-based police procedural series. Regular readers of the authors' work will already be familiar with these two characters.
The novel opens as a couple of children witness, by chance, a shooting and film what they see. That shooting was carried out by female police officer - initially only referred to as Officer X - who killed the female driver of a BMW, and left the passenger in a severely bloodied condition. The officer is adamant that the sunlight reflected off the windscreen and blinded her sight. A judge, then, goes on to determine that the officer's identify should be revealed and that sends the whole premise of the situation onto a new and dramatic trajectory. The officer’s motives start to come into question, as she succumbs to the rigorous investigation, which, of course, takes its toll on all concerned.
This is a novel that really epitomises the genre 'police procedural', there is a really confident feel to the storytelling as the reader is taken behind the scenes of due process, establishing the facts, and, of course, that is very interesting for the layperson. The story is well constructed by the authors who clearly know their stuff, as they build the layers from various perspectives. This offers a good insight into the whole process.
Setting isn’t particularly strong.
#ADPR
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
‘Split Second’ is an enthralling and intense examination of what happens after a weapon is discharged in the course of duty. This is the first book I have read by these authors, and I was highly impressed. The book is billed as being a ‘Dylan and Mann’ mystery, but in my eyes, the main focus was the officer who fired the shots, PC Abi McNally. Maybe if I had read the other books featuring these characters, I would have been more invested in their parts, but instead, I was living every emotional minute with Abi!
When PC Abi McNally shoots an occupant of a car as she feared that they had a gun, her life is thrown into turmoil. What follows is an intense investigation as both the driver and the passenger die as a result of her actions. She faces months of suspension and then a trial where she is tried for murder. Is this a case of sound actions, or is there something darker at play…
The part of the book that resonated and gripped me the most was the court scenes where Abi has to defend her actions and hear the case against her. This had the stamp of authenticity all over it. The disassociation that Abi feels throughout the process due to the anxiety and the terror of being put through it time and time again was brilliant. To be fair, the whole book screams that someone with real-life experience has written it. It’s the little asides that people make, the dark jokes, and characters that sing off the page as being well-formed and real. Plus, the writing isn’t half bad either!
I devoured this one, and then when I finished it, I instantly turned to my husband and ranted about the ending!! That last 5% of the book…I was not expecting that, and it really riled me up. However, that means the authors did their job - I am still thinking about it even after a couple of days, and that is a sign of a well-executed plot! Thoroughly recommend this, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the first RC Bridgestock book I have read and the premise immediately appealed. I do enjoy a good police procedural and felt that with the authors’ police background the story would be authentic and believable. This book brings together two detectives from two other series, DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann.
This situation must be every firearms officers nightmare – to be accused of murder whilst doing the job that you have trained for and where you only have a fraction of a second to make a life or death decision. Here, Officer X shot one person but killed two. She is initially protected by anonymity – until her true identity is exposed, putting her at risk.
DS Jack Dylan is investigating on behalf of Professional Standards and responsible for collating the evidence for consideration. A man of few words, his impartiality and strict moral code came through clearly and whilst I’m not familiar with the characters of either Jack or Charley both appeared to be principled. Although Charley only fleetingly appeared throughout the book, as the officer in charge of the deadly stop, her support was crucial to her officers.
This has a well paced plot and with its tense courtroom scenes I was totally invested in the outcome for Abi, the accused officer. Abi was more the focus of the story, both before and during the trial and although I had sympathy for her, I was kept wondering about the reliability of her account when certain revelations were disclosed. Her character is written with compassion and sensitivity and, being mindful of her vulnerability she has a Federation colleague and friend Kat who was a great support, as were her legal team.
The story is tense and thought provoking; the authors write with authority and knowledge and with witness accounts differing, there is enough ambiguity in the narrative to keep the reader guessing.
This situation must be every firearms officers nightmare – to be accused of murder whilst doing the job that you have trained for and where you only have a fraction of a second to make a life or death decision. Here, Officer X shot one person but killed two. She is initially protected by anonymity – until her true identity is exposed, putting her at risk.
DS Jack Dylan is investigating on behalf of Professional Standards and responsible for collating the evidence for consideration. A man of few words, his impartiality and strict moral code came through clearly and whilst I’m not familiar with the characters of either Jack or Charley both appeared to be principled. Although Charley only fleetingly appeared throughout the book, as the officer in charge of the deadly stop, her support was crucial to her officers.
This has a well paced plot and with its tense courtroom scenes I was totally invested in the outcome for Abi, the accused officer. Abi was more the focus of the story, both before and during the trial and although I had sympathy for her, I was kept wondering about the reliability of her account when certain revelations were disclosed. Her character is written with compassion and sensitivity and, being mindful of her vulnerability she has a Federation colleague and friend Kat who was a great support, as were her legal team.
The story is tense and thought provoking; the authors write with authority and knowledge and with witness accounts differing, there is enough ambiguity in the narrative to keep the reader guessing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed all the authors previous books I had high expectations for this one, I am pleased to say I was not disappointed, for me this is their best yet.
For the first time two of their main protagonists DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann join forces in one compelling and gripping read. As Police procedurals go this is up there with the best, apart from the quality of the storytelling, it is the knowledge that the authors are writing from experience and bringing all that to bear so that you have a read which has that overwhelming feeling of authenticity, for me a vital ingredient. The writing is assured with its richness and ability to take the reader on a journey into an investigation which as a read poses many questions, it is the way the story is structured which leaves you with a feeling that your never quite sure as to what is the truth, I liked the way that the past is a relevant as the present.
The story takes an interesting premise and one which you suspect for any officer who carries a firearm may feel only to familiar, but then this is not as starightforward as it may seem and it is the way the evidence does the talking and leads the investigation that plays so well into the narrative.
The authors always create their characters fully round and down to earth but then it is the heart felt emotion that they inject into their very being which bring them alive on the page. They have a way of making you feel for and care for the characters. The book is packed with plenty of Northern grit.
The writing gives the reader a real feel for a trial in progress and its inner workings, as I read on I was left wondering where the evidence would lead.
There are times you have to feel for Dylan and Mann you can almost see the anguish and torment that they endure as they investigate a fellow officer, however, one of Dylans strengths is his unswerving determination to uphold the rule of law whatever the consequences.
The book is wonderfully paced, has a natural flow to it, injected with twists at just the right moments, heightened tension and suspense add to atmosphere.
This comes highly recommended, it a compelling exhilertaing read one which I read in two sittings.
Written with an assuredness to give an authentic voice to the police investigation, written with compassion and emotion etched into the characters.
For the first time two of their main protagonists DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann join forces in one compelling and gripping read. As Police procedurals go this is up there with the best, apart from the quality of the storytelling, it is the knowledge that the authors are writing from experience and bringing all that to bear so that you have a read which has that overwhelming feeling of authenticity, for me a vital ingredient. The writing is assured with its richness and ability to take the reader on a journey into an investigation which as a read poses many questions, it is the way the story is structured which leaves you with a feeling that your never quite sure as to what is the truth, I liked the way that the past is a relevant as the present.
The story takes an interesting premise and one which you suspect for any officer who carries a firearm may feel only to familiar, but then this is not as starightforward as it may seem and it is the way the evidence does the talking and leads the investigation that plays so well into the narrative.
The authors always create their characters fully round and down to earth but then it is the heart felt emotion that they inject into their very being which bring them alive on the page. They have a way of making you feel for and care for the characters. The book is packed with plenty of Northern grit.
The writing gives the reader a real feel for a trial in progress and its inner workings, as I read on I was left wondering where the evidence would lead.
There are times you have to feel for Dylan and Mann you can almost see the anguish and torment that they endure as they investigate a fellow officer, however, one of Dylans strengths is his unswerving determination to uphold the rule of law whatever the consequences.
The book is wonderfully paced, has a natural flow to it, injected with twists at just the right moments, heightened tension and suspense add to atmosphere.
This comes highly recommended, it a compelling exhilertaing read one which I read in two sittings.
Written with an assuredness to give an authentic voice to the police investigation, written with compassion and emotion etched into the characters.
September 30, 2026
Split Second is my first read from husband and wife writing partnership, Robert and Carol Bridgestock.
The book starts with three teenagers, trying to keep a low profile, as they play truant from school. What they witness will definitely not keep them off anyone’s radar. Police are trying to stop a car, armed response officers are authorised. One officer, PC Abigail McNally, identifies an imminent threat, and she shoots. Both occupants of the car die, what follows next is a very tense investigation and trial.
I have been fortunate to read a few fraught, extremely gripping court room dramas in the last year. Split Second has now been added to my list of recommended books, when people as for this genre.
I really liked Abi’s character. I empathised for her family history, and for what her close family member is still enduring. As I followed the unfolding evidence, and the sparring of the Silks, I knew which way I would lean if I were on the jury myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a new series, racing through the pages quickly. The characters DI Charley Mann and DSI Jack Dylan have had their own series separately, but it seems that their working relationship is new. Either way, I definitely need to circle back and read more books from the authors.
As I reached the very last page, the authors dropped their cliffhanger ending. I am now desperate to read the second book in this series, I truly hope they have it well under way; because I really don’t want to wait too long to find out what happens next.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ without doubt or question.
The book starts with three teenagers, trying to keep a low profile, as they play truant from school. What they witness will definitely not keep them off anyone’s radar. Police are trying to stop a car, armed response officers are authorised. One officer, PC Abigail McNally, identifies an imminent threat, and she shoots. Both occupants of the car die, what follows next is a very tense investigation and trial.
I have been fortunate to read a few fraught, extremely gripping court room dramas in the last year. Split Second has now been added to my list of recommended books, when people as for this genre.
I really liked Abi’s character. I empathised for her family history, and for what her close family member is still enduring. As I followed the unfolding evidence, and the sparring of the Silks, I knew which way I would lean if I were on the jury myself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book in a new series, racing through the pages quickly. The characters DI Charley Mann and DSI Jack Dylan have had their own series separately, but it seems that their working relationship is new. Either way, I definitely need to circle back and read more books from the authors.
As I reached the very last page, the authors dropped their cliffhanger ending. I am now desperate to read the second book in this series, I truly hope they have it well under way; because I really don’t want to wait too long to find out what happens next.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ without doubt or question.
October 13, 2026
My first book by R.C. Bridgestock, the husband-and-wife writing team, and what a fantastic police procedural!
The story follows PC Abigail (Abi) McNally, a female firearms officer who shoots and kills a driver and inadvertently a passenger during a police chase. Believing the driver has something in their hand, Abi makes a split-second decision to shoot. The glare of the sun has blinded her view, and what follows will stay with her long after the incident itself.
DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann are among the officers involved as the investigation unfolds. Two children witness the incident, along with another witness, but, as so often happens, their accounts and recollections differ.
Abi is already dealing with an awful lot in her personal life, including her brother’s suicide, her father’s death and her mum’s dementia following another fall in her care home. It’s difficult not to feel for her, knowing the emotional pressure she’s under when everything happens.
This is a gripping story about the consequences of a split-second decision, the reliability of eyewitness accounts and the impact that one moment can have on so many lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was drawn into the story from start to finish. A fantastic police procedural and a brilliant introduction to R.C. Bridgestock. I can’t wait to read the follow-up!
The story follows PC Abigail (Abi) McNally, a female firearms officer who shoots and kills a driver and inadvertently a passenger during a police chase. Believing the driver has something in their hand, Abi makes a split-second decision to shoot. The glare of the sun has blinded her view, and what follows will stay with her long after the incident itself.
DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann are among the officers involved as the investigation unfolds. Two children witness the incident, along with another witness, but, as so often happens, their accounts and recollections differ.
Abi is already dealing with an awful lot in her personal life, including her brother’s suicide, her father’s death and her mum’s dementia following another fall in her care home. It’s difficult not to feel for her, knowing the emotional pressure she’s under when everything happens.
This is a gripping story about the consequences of a split-second decision, the reliability of eyewitness accounts and the impact that one moment can have on so many lives.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was drawn into the story from start to finish. A fantastic police procedural and a brilliant introduction to R.C. Bridgestock. I can’t wait to read the follow-up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2026
Split Second was a very thought-provoking and tense read. I love a police procedural and a courtroom drama even more so it’s hardly a surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed and sped through this book. I loved the main characters of Jack, Charley and Abi, and it didn’t surprise me when I read the writing duo were ex police officers as it just felt you were in safe hands, keeping the pace up but always felt realistic.
I’ll be honest, this was easily going to be a five star read but, although I was expecting a final twist, I just didn’t find the ending satisfactory. This is very much a personal preference as I think it was well done and I was very relieved to find out that this is the first book in a series.
I was delighted to discover that DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann both have series of their own and I will most definitely be reading previous offerings from RC Bridgestock. I can’t wait for the second book in this new series either.
Just as an aside, I’m not sure the cover really does the book justice. I almost didn’t read it as I thought it looked a bit cozy crime, which it most definitely is not!
Thank you to the publishers and TBC Reviewers Facebook Group for gifting me an eARC of Split Second.
I’ll be honest, this was easily going to be a five star read but, although I was expecting a final twist, I just didn’t find the ending satisfactory. This is very much a personal preference as I think it was well done and I was very relieved to find out that this is the first book in a series.
I was delighted to discover that DS Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann both have series of their own and I will most definitely be reading previous offerings from RC Bridgestock. I can’t wait for the second book in this new series either.
Just as an aside, I’m not sure the cover really does the book justice. I almost didn’t read it as I thought it looked a bit cozy crime, which it most definitely is not!
Thank you to the publishers and TBC Reviewers Facebook Group for gifting me an eARC of Split Second.
October 1, 2026
Split Second was one of those books that drew me in more and more as it went along.
For much of the story, I had this strange mixture of emotions. I desperately wanted things to go Abi’s way, but at the same time there was always that little niggling doubt in the back of my mind. Was I right to believe her? Was there something I was missing? That constant sense of uncertainty created this brilliant mixture of angst and anticipation, and I never felt completely sure of where the story was taking me.
As the court case got underway, I was completely gripped. I genuinely had no idea which way it was going to go and found myself reading with my heart in my mouth. For me, that unpredictability is exactly what I want from a thriller. I don’t want to have worked everything out before the characters do, and with this one I really didn’t know what to believe or what the outcome would be.
And then that ending! I certainly wasn’t expecting to be left there.
I believe Split Second is the beginning of a new series, and if so, I’m really looking forward to seeing where it goes next. I very much hope this is the first of many.
For much of the story, I had this strange mixture of emotions. I desperately wanted things to go Abi’s way, but at the same time there was always that little niggling doubt in the back of my mind. Was I right to believe her? Was there something I was missing? That constant sense of uncertainty created this brilliant mixture of angst and anticipation, and I never felt completely sure of where the story was taking me.
As the court case got underway, I was completely gripped. I genuinely had no idea which way it was going to go and found myself reading with my heart in my mouth. For me, that unpredictability is exactly what I want from a thriller. I don’t want to have worked everything out before the characters do, and with this one I really didn’t know what to believe or what the outcome would be.
And then that ending! I certainly wasn’t expecting to be left there.
I believe Split Second is the beginning of a new series, and if so, I’m really looking forward to seeing where it goes next. I very much hope this is the first of many.
October 4, 2026
This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m glad there will be a follow up. I really enjoyed this book and found it very easy to read.
PC Abigail McNally was an experienced firearms officer who had experienced tragedy in her personal life. Her father was dead, her mother was in a care home and had dementia and her brother Alfie had committed suicide. Her brother’s friend Denis had also recently passed away.
Abi was the closest firearms officer to a gold BMW that was forced to stop after failing to stop when being pursued by her colleagues. Abi had to make a snap decision when she believed that she saw the driver of the car raise their arm and point something at her. Abi fired two shots and the consequences were the worst they could be.
The second half of the book explores the court case and trial against Abi while also looking at her thoughts and feelings. A great read and one I would definitely recommend. I think this book would make a great TV series. I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this series.
PC Abigail McNally was an experienced firearms officer who had experienced tragedy in her personal life. Her father was dead, her mother was in a care home and had dementia and her brother Alfie had committed suicide. Her brother’s friend Denis had also recently passed away.
Abi was the closest firearms officer to a gold BMW that was forced to stop after failing to stop when being pursued by her colleagues. Abi had to make a snap decision when she believed that she saw the driver of the car raise their arm and point something at her. Abi fired two shots and the consequences were the worst they could be.
The second half of the book explores the court case and trial against Abi while also looking at her thoughts and feelings. A great read and one I would definitely recommend. I think this book would make a great TV series. I will definitely be looking out for the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2026
Split Second by R.C. Bridgestock
⭐⭐⭐
This one definitely made me think! A police officer has just seconds to decide whether to fire her weapon, and that split-second decision ends with two people dead. Was it murder, or was she simply doing what she was trained to do?
What I liked: I really enjoyed the moral questions and the way the story made me think about guilt, responsibility, and how one decision can change everything. I also liked the tension surrounding the officer and the consequences of what happened.
What I disliked: The pacing felt a little slow in parts, and I found myself wanting the story to move along a bit faster. Some parts didn’t grab me as much as others. I found the introduction to multiple characters in the beginning of the book to be slightly chaotic. Too many at one time to the point I had to circle back a few times to realize which character was which.
Overall, a solid 3-star read. It wasn’t perfect, but it definitely left me thinking about where training ends and personal responsibility begins.
⭐⭐⭐
This one definitely made me think! A police officer has just seconds to decide whether to fire her weapon, and that split-second decision ends with two people dead. Was it murder, or was she simply doing what she was trained to do?
What I liked: I really enjoyed the moral questions and the way the story made me think about guilt, responsibility, and how one decision can change everything. I also liked the tension surrounding the officer and the consequences of what happened.
What I disliked: The pacing felt a little slow in parts, and I found myself wanting the story to move along a bit faster. Some parts didn’t grab me as much as others. I found the introduction to multiple characters in the beginning of the book to be slightly chaotic. Too many at one time to the point I had to circle back a few times to realize which character was which.
Overall, a solid 3-star read. It wasn’t perfect, but it definitely left me thinking about where training ends and personal responsibility begins.
October 8, 2026
Split Second is a compelling story and extremely well written book, Officer X makes a judgement, right or wrongly, it results in a shooting and the loss of lives, the story follows the consequences that unfold, ultimately leading to Officer X being on trail for the deaths, did she act professionally or were there other factors in play?.
The ensuing investigation and trial are both realistic and extremely detailed, that plays a huge role in how one understands the methodical police process, the investigation and resulting charges, all brought to life I believe from the personal experience and knowledge of the Authors, it definitely adds depth and clarity to the whole process. It is both intense and emotional, the trail gripping and impossible to gauge how the evidence will unfold, or what the outcome might be, that’s quite refreshing, which leaves one eagerly waiting for the next instalment..
The ensuing investigation and trial are both realistic and extremely detailed, that plays a huge role in how one understands the methodical police process, the investigation and resulting charges, all brought to life I believe from the personal experience and knowledge of the Authors, it definitely adds depth and clarity to the whole process. It is both intense and emotional, the trail gripping and impossible to gauge how the evidence will unfold, or what the outcome might be, that’s quite refreshing, which leaves one eagerly waiting for the next instalment..
Review of advance copy
This is such a compelling and authentic read - not surprising when the husband and wife duo who wrote this book have many years of policing experience between them.
A police shooting ending in 2 fatalities is just the beginning for the officer who is charged with murder. The story seems quite straightforward at first - but what is the truth? The narrative details the police investigation and trial which follows. I can't imagine the torment of making the split-second decision to use your firearm in tense circumstances, only to find it leads to someone's death.
It's a well-paced and tense read which balances a level of detail with its gripping storyline, which I read in 2 sittings as I didn't want to put this book down. A great read!
Thank you @randomthingstours for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
A police shooting ending in 2 fatalities is just the beginning for the officer who is charged with murder. The story seems quite straightforward at first - but what is the truth? The narrative details the police investigation and trial which follows. I can't imagine the torment of making the split-second decision to use your firearm in tense circumstances, only to find it leads to someone's death.
It's a well-paced and tense read which balances a level of detail with its gripping storyline, which I read in 2 sittings as I didn't want to put this book down. A great read!
Thank you @randomthingstours for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
October 7, 2026
First book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced and kept me wanting to read on, even at 4am when I seemingly wake up for my new "norm" now.
It follows the story of firearms officer, Abi, who is deployed along with her team to a chase involving a BMW with two occupants who could have firearms in the vehicle. Vehicle is stopped and two shots are fired, killing both occupants. Abi, becomes officer X and is charged with murder. The court case is then the second half of the book with a "did she it didn't she" do it on purpose. I enjoyed this, although I thought the ending was predictable as it's the same for majority of court room novels, but it didn't take away my enjoyment.
My only gripe, I don't like the cover. Reminds me of an old fashioned book and I wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't a kindle book.
It follows the story of firearms officer, Abi, who is deployed along with her team to a chase involving a BMW with two occupants who could have firearms in the vehicle. Vehicle is stopped and two shots are fired, killing both occupants. Abi, becomes officer X and is charged with murder. The court case is then the second half of the book with a "did she it didn't she" do it on purpose. I enjoyed this, although I thought the ending was predictable as it's the same for majority of court room novels, but it didn't take away my enjoyment.
My only gripe, I don't like the cover. Reminds me of an old fashioned book and I wouldn't have picked it up if it wasn't a kindle book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been very fortunate over the past number of years to have become friends with Bob and Carol Bridgestock having made some connections while reading their DI Dylan series. I’ve also ready the DI Charley Mann
So imagine my surprise when I received a proof copy of their latest book ‘Split Second’
I was not disappointed. This is a new direction in their writing but I was not disappointed at all. From turning the first page to finishing I was hooked. Turning each page was a joy and a reminder of that split second decision a Firearms Officer has to think about everyday they are on duty.
I recommend for those who like to delve into Police Fiction all of their books and non more so than this one.
Well done both of you.
So imagine my surprise when I received a proof copy of their latest book ‘Split Second’
I was not disappointed. This is a new direction in their writing but I was not disappointed at all. From turning the first page to finishing I was hooked. Turning each page was a joy and a reminder of that split second decision a Firearms Officer has to think about everyday they are on duty.
I recommend for those who like to delve into Police Fiction all of their books and non more so than this one.
Well done both of you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bob and Carol kindly sent me a copy to read pre-publication. I have read a few of their books from the first days of their writing career. As former members of the UK police, they speak from experience and with sense of reality often missing from other writers. Even more freaky, a lot of the action is set 15 minutes walk from where I live, so I was definitely in the zone. A police procedural, but based around a police shooting incident that results in two deaths and was this murder or protection the public. It's a great read, and it was reminiscent of one of my favourite writes Michael Connelly, particularly, the Lincoln Lawyer series. I wasn't comfortable with the ending, but other readers do like the twist. Having said that, it was 95% compelling and an excellent read
Review of advance copy
3 stars.
I was a little disappointed with this pick from Goldsboro’s Crime Collective. It was…fine. Simply fine.
The story follows a police officer who makes a split-second decision that costs two people their lives, and what follows is the trial and its aftermath.
Honestly, I felt zero emotional connection to any of the characters. It was all just very bland. This story could have said so much more about gun violence, racial injustice, and the realities facing police officers, but I felt like it just…didn’t.
There were also a lot of characters, or at least a lot of character names, that I kept forgetting, especially while listening on audio. The narrator was fine. The story was fine. Everything about this book was just fine.
I was a little disappointed with this pick from Goldsboro’s Crime Collective. It was…fine. Simply fine.
The story follows a police officer who makes a split-second decision that costs two people their lives, and what follows is the trial and its aftermath.
Honestly, I felt zero emotional connection to any of the characters. It was all just very bland. This story could have said so much more about gun violence, racial injustice, and the realities facing police officers, but I felt like it just…didn’t.
There were also a lot of characters, or at least a lot of character names, that I kept forgetting, especially while listening on audio. The narrator was fine. The story was fine. Everything about this book was just fine.
October 8, 2026
I was that invested in this story that I found myself thinking about it even when forced to put it down and return to the real world around me. Incredibly powerful writing that felt so authentic that at times it was difficult to believe it was not a true crime report rather than a book of fiction.
I’d also use the phrase, professionally written, given the plot was exposed with an authority that left me openly trusting the team leading the investigation into am armed officer shooting a suspect dead. It also triggered a belief in the innocence of the officer as the evidence of the case was revealed in court. I was wholly invested in her and her situation.
But if there was a moment Split Second became an absolute 5* it was that remarkable ending. Wow, just wow!
Highly recommend
I’d also use the phrase, professionally written, given the plot was exposed with an authority that left me openly trusting the team leading the investigation into am armed officer shooting a suspect dead. It also triggered a belief in the innocence of the officer as the evidence of the case was revealed in court. I was wholly invested in her and her situation.
But if there was a moment Split Second became an absolute 5* it was that remarkable ending. Wow, just wow!
Highly recommend
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A gritty, authentic and compelling start to this new series by RC Bridgestock.
I was fully invested in the story, both the police procedural aspect and the legal side given that as part of my job, I deal with defending claims in respect of Use of Force, albeit from a civil perspective.
Exploring, in detail the decisions made in a split second, and what the belief of Officer X was at the time was interesting, and seeing the effects the incident has on them was heartbreaking.
The story ends on a cliffhanger, and I need the next book NOW! I need to know what happens next!
A 5 star read to start September!!
I was fully invested in the story, both the police procedural aspect and the legal side given that as part of my job, I deal with defending claims in respect of Use of Force, albeit from a civil perspective.
Exploring, in detail the decisions made in a split second, and what the belief of Officer X was at the time was interesting, and seeing the effects the incident has on them was heartbreaking.
The story ends on a cliffhanger, and I need the next book NOW! I need to know what happens next!
A 5 star read to start September!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My thoughts
This is a compelling read. Based on a real life case dealt with by Bob Bridgestock. It held me from the beginning and didn’t let go until the very end.
It asks important questions about how we deal with things in a split second. More importantly, how we all remember things differently, even if there are several people seeing the same thing.
The book is gripping, gritty and in places utterly shocking. The way the story is set up is utterly brilliant and mirrors so much that has recently happened in the world.
This is well worth reading. Don’t miss it.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the authors for the advanced reading copy of this book.
This is a compelling read. Based on a real life case dealt with by Bob Bridgestock. It held me from the beginning and didn’t let go until the very end.
It asks important questions about how we deal with things in a split second. More importantly, how we all remember things differently, even if there are several people seeing the same thing.
The book is gripping, gritty and in places utterly shocking. The way the story is set up is utterly brilliant and mirrors so much that has recently happened in the world.
This is well worth reading. Don’t miss it.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the authors for the advanced reading copy of this book.
October 4, 2026
When PC Abigail Mc Nally, a fire arms officer finds herself on the wrong side of the law through a split second decision that she made. Her life becomes very difficult suspended from the job she loves, did she make the right decision or was there more to it? This is the first book I have read by the husband & wife team and looking forward to the second book in the series. I found it a very interesting read because it's based in Calderdale, living in Kirklees myself I reconised all the places that were mentioned which made it more interesting somehow. I have now downloaded the DI Dylan set of books that is how much I enjoyed this it feels like I've missed out.
October 15, 2026
I really wanted more feeling from this book. It feels like the main character is numb and that's all the feeling that comes across. I guess I was hoping for a more passionate response from someone - other than the odd person hating on cops in general and Abi McNally in particular, it was all very detached. The concept is interesting, maybe a little frightening how a person doing their job can have their life turned upside down.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a great suspense filled thrilling read, I loved the characters and the way they worked together.
My first read by this author and this book combined characters from other series, which means I will be adding those to my series to start.
Loads of plot twists and a gripping storyline that really got me thinking.
Written well with a fascinating plot this was a book that I couldn’t put down
My first read by this author and this book combined characters from other series, which means I will be adding those to my series to start.
Loads of plot twists and a gripping storyline that really got me thinking.
Written well with a fascinating plot this was a book that I couldn’t put down
October 4, 2026
An intriguing book it opens on the aftermath of a police shooting and then the ongoing investigation into the police person who fired. Which is something I don’t think I’ve ever read before, everything that Bob and Carol writes has real heart and is rooted in their real world experience of the police, this is an exceptional gripping read. 5* from me
October 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It had a fascinating premise and I couldn't stop reading.
Whilst I did predict the ending, I think the concept and execution were brilliant. I have been rather saturated on police procedural novels of late, but I enjoyed this one. It's well worth a read.
(The narrator of the audiobook is well worth a listen too, she was fabulous)
Whilst I did predict the ending, I think the concept and execution were brilliant. I have been rather saturated on police procedural novels of late, but I enjoyed this one. It's well worth a read.
(The narrator of the audiobook is well worth a listen too, she was fabulous)
October 7, 2026
This is the first book I have read by these authors and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The premise was unique and kept my attention from the very beginning. It had a gripping storyline and I loved reading all the details about the court case. I will certainly be reading their previous books and I hope there is a follow-up to this one.
Review of advance copy
I am going to keep this short. I was not thrilled with the charcters in this book from the start, but I decided to go along with the story, which held my interest. But then the authors committed the the ultimate sin in a mystery. The introduced new evidence in the last 10 pages!
Unforgiveable!
Unforgiveable!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2026
This was a foray into something quite different for me, a police procedural. I have to say I was totally gripped from the very beginning and am more than happy to give it 5 *.
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