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DCI Doug Stirling #1
The Last Thread
Accused of pushing a boy to his death in a failed suicide intervention, DCI Doug Stirling is suspended from duty. Attacked in the media and haunted by the boy’s smile as he let go of Stirling's hand, he must look on helplessly as the incompetent Chief Inspector Ballard who is intent on destroying him investigates the boy’s death, supported by the vindictive Deputy Chief Constable, McDonald.
Weeks later, an anonymous call leads the police to a remote location and the discovery of a burnt-out car containing the body of an unidentified man who has been savagely murdered. Short of experienced senior investigators, ACC Steph Tanner has no choice but to take a professional risk. Throwing Stirling the lifeline he needs to restore his reputation, Tanner appoints him as SIO to lead the investigation.
But with no witnesses, no forensic evidence and more theories than investigators, Stirling's investigation has far too many 'loose threads' as he uncovers a complex, interwoven history of deception, betrayal and sadistic relationships. Was the victim connected to the crime scene? Is the murder as complex as it appears? Or is there a simpler explanation? Still traumatised by the boy’s death and with time the enemy, does Stirling still have what it takes to bring the killer, or killers, to justice before McDonald intervenes?
Things are already difficult enough when DC Helen Williams joins the investigation, a determined woman who seems intent on rekindling their past relationship. And is Ayesha, the beautiful lawyer Stirling has grown fond of, connected to the murder somehow?
Weeks later, an anonymous call leads the police to a remote location and the discovery of a burnt-out car containing the body of an unidentified man who has been savagely murdered. Short of experienced senior investigators, ACC Steph Tanner has no choice but to take a professional risk. Throwing Stirling the lifeline he needs to restore his reputation, Tanner appoints him as SIO to lead the investigation.
But with no witnesses, no forensic evidence and more theories than investigators, Stirling's investigation has far too many 'loose threads' as he uncovers a complex, interwoven history of deception, betrayal and sadistic relationships. Was the victim connected to the crime scene? Is the murder as complex as it appears? Or is there a simpler explanation? Still traumatised by the boy’s death and with time the enemy, does Stirling still have what it takes to bring the killer, or killers, to justice before McDonald intervenes?
Things are already difficult enough when DC Helen Williams joins the investigation, a determined woman who seems intent on rekindling their past relationship. And is Ayesha, the beautiful lawyer Stirling has grown fond of, connected to the murder somehow?
578 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Ray Britain
3 books3 followersRay Britain’s third DCI Stirling investigation, 'Fear or Favour' was published 29th January 2023, and follows ‘Forgotten Lives’ (2021) and ‘The Last Thread’ (2017).
As a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) Ray Britain led specialist investigations and was also a Hostage & Crisis Intervention Negotiator, a voluntary role that saw him involved in hostage situations, many firearms operations and numerous suicide interventions. In those specialist roles he supported national counter-terrorism capabilities, and travelled to the USA, India, Europe, Australia and elsewhere. He received several Commendations for his work.
He also worked with the Serious Fraud Office and the Home Office, London, and the Economic Crime Directorate of the City of London Police.
Ray’s real-world experience gives an authentic edge to his stories, immersing the reader in the grim realities, the uncertainties and the frustrations of crime investigation, and the frailties of human nature.
If not writing Ray might be found mountain hiking, watching rugby, skiing, reading, sailing or in the gym.
As a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) Ray Britain led specialist investigations and was also a Hostage & Crisis Intervention Negotiator, a voluntary role that saw him involved in hostage situations, many firearms operations and numerous suicide interventions. In those specialist roles he supported national counter-terrorism capabilities, and travelled to the USA, India, Europe, Australia and elsewhere. He received several Commendations for his work.
He also worked with the Serious Fraud Office and the Home Office, London, and the Economic Crime Directorate of the City of London Police.
Ray’s real-world experience gives an authentic edge to his stories, immersing the reader in the grim realities, the uncertainties and the frustrations of crime investigation, and the frailties of human nature.
If not writing Ray might be found mountain hiking, watching rugby, skiing, reading, sailing or in the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 22, 2018
When I interviewed Ray on my blog last year, he explained that writing a book had been an unfulfilled ambition for much of his adult life. Ray confided the catalyst for writing the book that became The Last Thread was reading a popular crime fiction novel and being irritated at its many inaccuracies. As a former Senior Investigating Officer, he was well placed to spot them! His objectives for The Last Thread were to create a story that engaged the reader’s attention, kept them guessing and accurately reflected the realities of crime investigation. I’m happy to say that Ray has succeeded on all those counts.
The Last Thread presents a positive view of the Police force, conveying the professionalism and dedication of those involved in investigating crime and bringing culprits to justice. The multi-disciplinary nature of modern policing comes across as Stirling and his team call upon the assistance of specialists in search, forensics, IT and accounting as part of their investigation. The book also provides a realistic insight into the impact on family life of unpredictable and often anti-social hours as well as the psychological effect on police officers of some of the awful things they witness.
What comes across is the meticulous processes involved in modern day policing: documenting actions and decisions, collecting, logging and sifting evidence, creating action lists, developing investigation strategies. All against a background of negotiation for budget and resource, ever-present internal and external scrutiny and uncertain support of senior officers.
The dramatic events of the prologue immediately pull the reader into the story. With the privileged access of a reader, you may make connections between characters and have suspicions about the probable culprit sooner than the investigation team. However, like me, you’ll probably find you didn’t get everything right.
DCI Doug Stirling makes an engaging lead character. Committed to his job albeit with a slightly complicated love life, there are hints of things in his past that I hope the author plans to explore further in subsequent books. As the investigation unfolds, Stirling is faced with a possible conflict of interest between his professional and personal life. However, using his experience, knowledge and dogged determination he eventually discovers that last ‘loose thread’ that reveals the full picture – or does it?
If you’re a fan of crime fiction, and police procedurals in particular, then I think you will love The Last Thread. It’s probably fair to say some readers may find the meticulous attention to the detail of police procedure detracts slightly from the pace of the book. Personally, I loved the sense of authenticity with the footnotes providing all the explanation you might need of technical terms used. Some of the scenes involving pathologists and scenes of crime might be a little graphic for the squeamish. At the very least, I wouldn’t recommend reading them whilst eating your supper.
The Last Thread is an accomplished debut novel and I look forward to reading the author’s next book.
The Last Thread presents a positive view of the Police force, conveying the professionalism and dedication of those involved in investigating crime and bringing culprits to justice. The multi-disciplinary nature of modern policing comes across as Stirling and his team call upon the assistance of specialists in search, forensics, IT and accounting as part of their investigation. The book also provides a realistic insight into the impact on family life of unpredictable and often anti-social hours as well as the psychological effect on police officers of some of the awful things they witness.
What comes across is the meticulous processes involved in modern day policing: documenting actions and decisions, collecting, logging and sifting evidence, creating action lists, developing investigation strategies. All against a background of negotiation for budget and resource, ever-present internal and external scrutiny and uncertain support of senior officers.
The dramatic events of the prologue immediately pull the reader into the story. With the privileged access of a reader, you may make connections between characters and have suspicions about the probable culprit sooner than the investigation team. However, like me, you’ll probably find you didn’t get everything right.
DCI Doug Stirling makes an engaging lead character. Committed to his job albeit with a slightly complicated love life, there are hints of things in his past that I hope the author plans to explore further in subsequent books. As the investigation unfolds, Stirling is faced with a possible conflict of interest between his professional and personal life. However, using his experience, knowledge and dogged determination he eventually discovers that last ‘loose thread’ that reveals the full picture – or does it?
If you’re a fan of crime fiction, and police procedurals in particular, then I think you will love The Last Thread. It’s probably fair to say some readers may find the meticulous attention to the detail of police procedure detracts slightly from the pace of the book. Personally, I loved the sense of authenticity with the footnotes providing all the explanation you might need of technical terms used. Some of the scenes involving pathologists and scenes of crime might be a little graphic for the squeamish. At the very least, I wouldn’t recommend reading them whilst eating your supper.
The Last Thread is an accomplished debut novel and I look forward to reading the author’s next book.
October 15, 2017
I couldn’t help but be intrigued when I heard about this book, not least because this is a book written by someone who has been on the front-line of policing. That’s not to say I didn’t approach the book with some degree of trepidation as the author was at pains to stress that his novel would reflect real-life policing and I wondered if the reality would quash the exciting storylines, after all most of us realise that what we see on TV and read in some (not all) novels can’t possibly reflect the more painstaking aspects of policing in modern Britain. I needn’t have worried at all, the author has the mix of reality and fictional plotting perfectly balanced and the knowledge that this could be ‘real’ made the resulting read more meaningful.
Our protagonist is DCI Doug Stirling and we first meet him on top of a bridge working in a voluntary role negotiating with a youngster who is about to commit suicide. Not the early damp start to the day that anyone would enjoy and yet the author had me in the moment from the first page willing Doug to be able to save a young life. It’s not to be and we see the stress the DCI is under especially when the Police Complaints Commission become involved in what seems like a never-ending investigation into what happened on the fateful day. Doug tries to put it behind him and due to a lack of professional officers he is working on the gruesome death of a man found murdered in a burnt out car but ordered to keep a low-profile while he’s under investigation. This is where the story really hots up and the mystery thickens by the minute, especially when a firm identification of the victim is made.
The Last Thread is an outstanding debut with an exceptional plot which is complex yet not so much so that I ever lost any of the threads, let alone the last one! The characters are well-rounded, perhaps a little too earnest at times but of course they are modelled on those who are dedicated to the job and not the detectives of old with a permanent pint in their hand and a life full of angst to forget. There are a couple of the rottener types of detectives to keep the book spiced up and the author also provides some of the office banter that keeps far less intellectually puzzling working lives turning up and down the country.
The Worcester setting was something of a surprise as it is an area that I am familiar with, and I'm delighted to say the descriptions match my fairly frequent trips to this city.
The Last Thread was a great read, I’m delighted to note that the title implies that Doug Stirling will be returning, soon I hope as a book written from someone who has lived the life but can also tell a cracking good tale is just what this crime lover needs.
Our protagonist is DCI Doug Stirling and we first meet him on top of a bridge working in a voluntary role negotiating with a youngster who is about to commit suicide. Not the early damp start to the day that anyone would enjoy and yet the author had me in the moment from the first page willing Doug to be able to save a young life. It’s not to be and we see the stress the DCI is under especially when the Police Complaints Commission become involved in what seems like a never-ending investigation into what happened on the fateful day. Doug tries to put it behind him and due to a lack of professional officers he is working on the gruesome death of a man found murdered in a burnt out car but ordered to keep a low-profile while he’s under investigation. This is where the story really hots up and the mystery thickens by the minute, especially when a firm identification of the victim is made.
The Last Thread is an outstanding debut with an exceptional plot which is complex yet not so much so that I ever lost any of the threads, let alone the last one! The characters are well-rounded, perhaps a little too earnest at times but of course they are modelled on those who are dedicated to the job and not the detectives of old with a permanent pint in their hand and a life full of angst to forget. There are a couple of the rottener types of detectives to keep the book spiced up and the author also provides some of the office banter that keeps far less intellectually puzzling working lives turning up and down the country.
The Worcester setting was something of a surprise as it is an area that I am familiar with, and I'm delighted to say the descriptions match my fairly frequent trips to this city.
The Last Thread was a great read, I’m delighted to note that the title implies that Doug Stirling will be returning, soon I hope as a book written from someone who has lived the life but can also tell a cracking good tale is just what this crime lover needs.
October 8, 2017
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I was contacted by the author asking if I wanted to read the book in exchange for an honest review and after reading the blurb for the book I knew that this was definitely a book for me as it really did grab my attention. I started the book with an open mind as I do for all new authors to me and I was gripped by the story within a few pages.
The writing style was brilliant and it really drew me in to the story which is quite hard hitting and gritty at times, dealing with some tough subjects but they are handled very well and boy did the story take me on a roller coaster of a ride!! I really do recommend this book and am so pleased that I was contacted about reading it - no hesitation in giving the book a 5 star rating - I loved it!!
I was contacted by the author asking if I wanted to read the book in exchange for an honest review and after reading the blurb for the book I knew that this was definitely a book for me as it really did grab my attention. I started the book with an open mind as I do for all new authors to me and I was gripped by the story within a few pages.
The writing style was brilliant and it really drew me in to the story which is quite hard hitting and gritty at times, dealing with some tough subjects but they are handled very well and boy did the story take me on a roller coaster of a ride!! I really do recommend this book and am so pleased that I was contacted about reading it - no hesitation in giving the book a 5 star rating - I loved it!!
November 27, 2017
3.5*
The Last Thread begins with a distressing prologue as DCI Doug Stirling is called to a motorway bridge near the station, as a voluntary negotiator. A young boy is balanced on the outside edge of the bridge threatening to jump. Stirling’s attempts to save the teenager were unsuccessful and his actions were called into question. While under investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, Stirling is suspended from active duty. When an anonymous caller a few weeks later reports a burnt out car with a body inside, a lack of man power results in Stirling being appointed as Senior Investigating Officer on the case.
A lack of evidence and witnesses don’t help the progression of the investigation but as the case progresses slowly a convoluted picture begins to emerge. Stirling’s personal life is not running smoothly either, with someone from his past drawn into the investigation and a new relationship hitting a rocky patch.
In a letter to the reader at the end of the book, the author explains that as a professional investigator he’s often frustrated by the misrepresentation of police investigations in fiction. I’m sure this story is as realistic as it gets, with the limited resources and internal politics police forces have to deal with. However, I did feel the narrative needed a run through with an editor to tighten it up. It’s a complex plot which could have been more exciting and fast paced, but was a little too detailed and drawn out in places. There were quite a few unnecessary anecdotes from various characters which also slowed the story down for me. Sometimes, for a fiction book, less is more.
Having said that, the foundation and the bones of the story are very good and the fact the author knows his stuff inside out lends a huge amount of authenticity. Doug Stirling would make a great protagonist for a series and I enjoyed the main characters. The denouement came as a surprise, which is always a good thing.
I chose to read and review The Last Thread based on a copy of the book supplied by the author.
The Last Thread begins with a distressing prologue as DCI Doug Stirling is called to a motorway bridge near the station, as a voluntary negotiator. A young boy is balanced on the outside edge of the bridge threatening to jump. Stirling’s attempts to save the teenager were unsuccessful and his actions were called into question. While under investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, Stirling is suspended from active duty. When an anonymous caller a few weeks later reports a burnt out car with a body inside, a lack of man power results in Stirling being appointed as Senior Investigating Officer on the case.
A lack of evidence and witnesses don’t help the progression of the investigation but as the case progresses slowly a convoluted picture begins to emerge. Stirling’s personal life is not running smoothly either, with someone from his past drawn into the investigation and a new relationship hitting a rocky patch.
In a letter to the reader at the end of the book, the author explains that as a professional investigator he’s often frustrated by the misrepresentation of police investigations in fiction. I’m sure this story is as realistic as it gets, with the limited resources and internal politics police forces have to deal with. However, I did feel the narrative needed a run through with an editor to tighten it up. It’s a complex plot which could have been more exciting and fast paced, but was a little too detailed and drawn out in places. There were quite a few unnecessary anecdotes from various characters which also slowed the story down for me. Sometimes, for a fiction book, less is more.
Having said that, the foundation and the bones of the story are very good and the fact the author knows his stuff inside out lends a huge amount of authenticity. Doug Stirling would make a great protagonist for a series and I enjoyed the main characters. The denouement came as a surprise, which is always a good thing.
I chose to read and review The Last Thread based on a copy of the book supplied by the author.
January 25, 2021
This was the 'real deal' when it comes to police procedurals. Written by a former police detective, he writes realistically of his work experience and knowledge of police procedure.
The plot was complicated, though the various threads were joined eventually until the 'last thread' brought the various story-lines together.
This was quite a long novel, sometimes delving into the minutiae of police procedure. It was also a novel which realistically portrayed the plight of real-life police who in addition to working long hours on their cases, must factor in tight police budgets, endless paperwork, low manpower, complicated decision making, all the while having to be cognizant of police hierarchy despite incompetent, untrustworthy men in supervisory roles. Never mind their personal lives...
It took me a few chapters to become fully immersed in this story, but once I did the pages almost turned themselves. Neither fast nor slow paced, it moved along well. I could have done with a few less pages of the day to day procedure, but all in all it was a satisfying read.
I plan to read the next DCI Doug Sterling novel in due course. (A novel which hopefully will divulge his real name.) He was an interesting and complex protagonist whom I want to get to know better.
Recommended to those readers who enjoy realistic police procedural mysteries.
The plot was complicated, though the various threads were joined eventually until the 'last thread' brought the various story-lines together.
This was quite a long novel, sometimes delving into the minutiae of police procedure. It was also a novel which realistically portrayed the plight of real-life police who in addition to working long hours on their cases, must factor in tight police budgets, endless paperwork, low manpower, complicated decision making, all the while having to be cognizant of police hierarchy despite incompetent, untrustworthy men in supervisory roles. Never mind their personal lives...
It took me a few chapters to become fully immersed in this story, but once I did the pages almost turned themselves. Neither fast nor slow paced, it moved along well. I could have done with a few less pages of the day to day procedure, but all in all it was a satisfying read.
I plan to read the next DCI Doug Sterling novel in due course. (A novel which hopefully will divulge his real name.) He was an interesting and complex protagonist whom I want to get to know better.
Recommended to those readers who enjoy realistic police procedural mysteries.
November 21, 2017
IT'S AN EDGE OF YOUR SEAT READ!!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Key characters leading the investigation:
Doug Stirling is a Detective Chief Inspector.
Bill Edwards is a Detective Inspector.
Dave Pearson is a Detective Superintendent.
John Ballard is a Chief Inspector.
Stephanie Tanner is the Assistant Chief Constable.
Ayesha is the story’s ‘love interest’.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story is set in and around the beautiful cathedral city of Worcester.
DCI Stirling is called to negotiate with a 15 years old boy on the outside edge of a bridge. He arrives at the scene and slowly walks to the bridge. Stirling talks to him and gets the boy to take his hand; but he let’s go of Stirling's hand and falls to his death. Stirling is devastated and wonders if there was anything he could have done to prevent it. An investigation of the incident begins with Chief Inspector John Ballard to head the case. Ballard has an axe to grind with Stirling and hopes to discredit him. Meanwhile, Stirling is put on restricted duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
A man sits waiting in his car in a remote area, expecting someone, anxious about what the meeting is about and unsure if they will arrive.
Headquarters receives an anonymous call. Even though Doug is on restricted duty, ACC Tanner agrees that Doug must take the case. Still haunted by the death of the teenager at the bridge, Doug attends and when he arrives, he finds a dead man in a Jaguar car that has been set on fire.
What happens next is absolutely thrilling! Does Doug find out who the man in the car was? Why was he murdered? Is the murder as complex as it seems, or is there a simpler explanation? You'll just have to read it to find out!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ray has weaved an incredible story of betrayal, deceit and revenge. Doug is a complicated man; he's excellent at what he does as a DCI but he's hesitant in his private life. The characters he's created are multifaceted, with many perspectives to consider.
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OMG! OMG! The ending is mind-blowing! You think you know who the killer is....and you're blindsided when the killer is revealed! Doug and his team finally put the pieces together and solve the crime.
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Ray Britain’s debut book! I enjoyed his attention to detail; especially in police procedure. It helps the reader understand the process. I was shocked by the ending; I could not put it down! I just kept reading and reading! This is a SOLID THRILLER and I look forward to a sequel (I hope!). OUTSTANDING, RAY!!
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Key characters leading the investigation:
Doug Stirling is a Detective Chief Inspector.
Bill Edwards is a Detective Inspector.
Dave Pearson is a Detective Superintendent.
John Ballard is a Chief Inspector.
Stephanie Tanner is the Assistant Chief Constable.
Ayesha is the story’s ‘love interest’.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story is set in and around the beautiful cathedral city of Worcester.
DCI Stirling is called to negotiate with a 15 years old boy on the outside edge of a bridge. He arrives at the scene and slowly walks to the bridge. Stirling talks to him and gets the boy to take his hand; but he let’s go of Stirling's hand and falls to his death. Stirling is devastated and wonders if there was anything he could have done to prevent it. An investigation of the incident begins with Chief Inspector John Ballard to head the case. Ballard has an axe to grind with Stirling and hopes to discredit him. Meanwhile, Stirling is put on restricted duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
A man sits waiting in his car in a remote area, expecting someone, anxious about what the meeting is about and unsure if they will arrive.
Headquarters receives an anonymous call. Even though Doug is on restricted duty, ACC Tanner agrees that Doug must take the case. Still haunted by the death of the teenager at the bridge, Doug attends and when he arrives, he finds a dead man in a Jaguar car that has been set on fire.
What happens next is absolutely thrilling! Does Doug find out who the man in the car was? Why was he murdered? Is the murder as complex as it seems, or is there a simpler explanation? You'll just have to read it to find out!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ray has weaved an incredible story of betrayal, deceit and revenge. Doug is a complicated man; he's excellent at what he does as a DCI but he's hesitant in his private life. The characters he's created are multifaceted, with many perspectives to consider.
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OMG! OMG! The ending is mind-blowing! You think you know who the killer is....and you're blindsided when the killer is revealed! Doug and his team finally put the pieces together and solve the crime.
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Ray Britain’s debut book! I enjoyed his attention to detail; especially in police procedure. It helps the reader understand the process. I was shocked by the ending; I could not put it down! I just kept reading and reading! This is a SOLID THRILLER and I look forward to a sequel (I hope!). OUTSTANDING, RAY!!
November 18, 2017
Three point five stars.
The Last Thread is a contemporary police crime novel set in and around Worcester.
It starts with a tense situation: a suicide attempt on a busy road-bridge with DCI Stirling asked to step in as chief negotiator. A daring photographer later splashes Stirling’s involvement all across the media. As a result, Stirling finds himself removed from day-to-day policing as part of an internal investigation. Hampered further by those with political aspirations to rise through the ranks, he is kept ignorant of any news about the ‘jumper’s’ case.
However, when a body is found in a burnt-out car, staff shortages mean that Stirling is brought back to lead this new investigation. The team discovers a trail of abuse, extortion, lies and deceit as an area-wide investigation digs deep into the past. Through no fault of his own, Stirling stumbles across the mother of the ‘jumper’ when following leads on the trail of the murder.
Using methodical policing the team get a result, but have they got the right person? Is the confession a believable one? Can the police budget stretch so that every enquiry can be taken?
Ray Britain’s background is in professional investigating. Frustrated by inaccurate and improbable popular crime series, he wrote this book to reflect real life experiences with budget cuts, short staffing, political and media influences which today’s UK police forces face. Has he achieved this? Yes he has, and I think those who work in this profession may enjoy this book; it champions their cause.
However, the purpose of a novel is also to entertain. I believe a strict editor could have tightened the story to increase both the pace and the tension. Also, the author introduced us to a large number of characters, which real police work requires, but I struggled to create clear pictures of them in my mind. At times, I felt several also echoed the author’s voice rather than the character he was creating. Deeper and less clichéd character development, especially of the main characters, may have helped to implant those important memorable images, which will come with further writing experience.
Overall, a good example of real police life, which I wanted to enjoy, but I found the lengthy investigation procedures which hamper the profession today grew a little tedious to read about; I felt they could have been cut down while still remaining authentic.
The Last Thread is a contemporary police crime novel set in and around Worcester.
It starts with a tense situation: a suicide attempt on a busy road-bridge with DCI Stirling asked to step in as chief negotiator. A daring photographer later splashes Stirling’s involvement all across the media. As a result, Stirling finds himself removed from day-to-day policing as part of an internal investigation. Hampered further by those with political aspirations to rise through the ranks, he is kept ignorant of any news about the ‘jumper’s’ case.
However, when a body is found in a burnt-out car, staff shortages mean that Stirling is brought back to lead this new investigation. The team discovers a trail of abuse, extortion, lies and deceit as an area-wide investigation digs deep into the past. Through no fault of his own, Stirling stumbles across the mother of the ‘jumper’ when following leads on the trail of the murder.
Using methodical policing the team get a result, but have they got the right person? Is the confession a believable one? Can the police budget stretch so that every enquiry can be taken?
Ray Britain’s background is in professional investigating. Frustrated by inaccurate and improbable popular crime series, he wrote this book to reflect real life experiences with budget cuts, short staffing, political and media influences which today’s UK police forces face. Has he achieved this? Yes he has, and I think those who work in this profession may enjoy this book; it champions their cause.
However, the purpose of a novel is also to entertain. I believe a strict editor could have tightened the story to increase both the pace and the tension. Also, the author introduced us to a large number of characters, which real police work requires, but I struggled to create clear pictures of them in my mind. At times, I felt several also echoed the author’s voice rather than the character he was creating. Deeper and less clichéd character development, especially of the main characters, may have helped to implant those important memorable images, which will come with further writing experience.
Overall, a good example of real police life, which I wanted to enjoy, but I found the lengthy investigation procedures which hamper the profession today grew a little tedious to read about; I felt they could have been cut down while still remaining authentic.
April 22, 2021
Clever, gripping and satisfying.
I’ve never read a police procedural drama before, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But what I got was a complex murder investigation that revealed surprise after surprise while still feeling wholly authentic and believable. The experience and expertise of the author are evident in the details of the case and procedures and also in the emotional impact upon DCI Stirling.
At times, there was perhaps a little too much focus on seemingly mundane (although I don’t doubt, highly accurate) details; in the earlier chapters, this gives a somewhat slower pace. The nature of the narrative first introduces several scenes and characters who don’t always appear to be related - of course, they are. This changing of POV took a little while for me to get into, but once I’d become used to the rhythm of the narrative, it didn’t cause any issues with the flow of my reading.
Despite a slightly slower paced start, once the climax begins to build, it really builds, and the pages turn themselves. Having watched my fair share of detective dramas, there is sometimes a risk of investing your time in a case that becomes less interesting as more is revealed. This is so far from my experience with this story; at times, I was reading with a mouth gaping like a trout - genuinely shocked by the unexpected twists. The ending was really satisfying; no questions left unanswered, and everything feels so firmly within the bounds of reality.
A great experience as my first dip into the world of police procedurals!
I’ve never read a police procedural drama before, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But what I got was a complex murder investigation that revealed surprise after surprise while still feeling wholly authentic and believable. The experience and expertise of the author are evident in the details of the case and procedures and also in the emotional impact upon DCI Stirling.
At times, there was perhaps a little too much focus on seemingly mundane (although I don’t doubt, highly accurate) details; in the earlier chapters, this gives a somewhat slower pace. The nature of the narrative first introduces several scenes and characters who don’t always appear to be related - of course, they are. This changing of POV took a little while for me to get into, but once I’d become used to the rhythm of the narrative, it didn’t cause any issues with the flow of my reading.
Despite a slightly slower paced start, once the climax begins to build, it really builds, and the pages turn themselves. Having watched my fair share of detective dramas, there is sometimes a risk of investing your time in a case that becomes less interesting as more is revealed. This is so far from my experience with this story; at times, I was reading with a mouth gaping like a trout - genuinely shocked by the unexpected twists. The ending was really satisfying; no questions left unanswered, and everything feels so firmly within the bounds of reality.
A great experience as my first dip into the world of police procedurals!
May 25, 2019
The first novel by author Ray Britain.
A crime story following DCI Stirling and his team. I liked Stirling and loved the fact he is quite a complex character that has lots about him and I enjoyed the relationships between him and his other characters. There were a lot of characters in the book and I had to make sure I remembered them all.
The book is very detailed in the way it follows the investigations and you can tell that the author has had a career in the police force. I would say it’s more real life policing than other crime books which is interesting but makes it slightly slower paced.
The book is very gritty and kept me guessing what was going to happen next. Great twists and turns.
Really enjoyed it and would highly recommend certainly looking forward to read about Stirling and his team again.
A crime story following DCI Stirling and his team. I liked Stirling and loved the fact he is quite a complex character that has lots about him and I enjoyed the relationships between him and his other characters. There were a lot of characters in the book and I had to make sure I remembered them all.
The book is very detailed in the way it follows the investigations and you can tell that the author has had a career in the police force. I would say it’s more real life policing than other crime books which is interesting but makes it slightly slower paced.
The book is very gritty and kept me guessing what was going to happen next. Great twists and turns.
Really enjoyed it and would highly recommend certainly looking forward to read about Stirling and his team again.
November 16, 2024
An enjoyable deep dive into a crime novel from the an ex-police officer. Clearly a story which had been crafted from a wealth of first hand knowledge and which overall added to the enjoyment of journey on which we were taken to solve the crime. Some elements of the story were a bit grittier than I have enjoyed in the past.
However overall a gripping book, from which I learnt more about crime investigation and I look forward to reading the next installment.
However overall a gripping book, from which I learnt more about crime investigation and I look forward to reading the next installment.
April 24, 2019
Excellent book. My first proper book in a long time. It’s given me an appetite to start reading again. Just love murder mysteries especially crime ones. I really Hope for a book two.
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