Broken Silence

DS Nikki Parekh #2

by Liz Mistry

When DS Felicity Springer is reported missing after a police training conference, the countdown to find her begins…

On her way home after an exhausting weekend, with colleagues she can’t wait to escape, Felicity notices something odd about the white van in front of her. A hand has punched through the car’s rear light and is frantically waving, trying to catch her attention.

Desperate to help, Felicity dials 999 and calls it in. But whilst on the phone, she loses control of the car on the icy road, crashing straight into the vehicle ahead.

Pinned in the seat and unable to move, Felicity feels a sudden whoosh of cold air across her face. Someone has opened the passenger door… and they have a gun.

With Felicity missing and no knowledge of whether she is dead or alive, DS Nikki Parekh and DC Sajid Malik race to find their friend and colleague.

But Felicity was harbouring a terrible secret, and with her life now hanging in the balance, Nikki can only hope that someone will come forward and break the silence…

The next gripping crime thriller in the D.S. Nikki Parekh series, for fans of Angela Marsons and L.J. Ross

Readers LOVE Liz Mistry:

‘I devoured this over two nights, literally not being able to put it down.’ 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

‘Amazing… A story so twisted it makes your head spin in a good way.’ 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

‘An excellent crime thriller… Entertaining and exciting and a particularly satisfying finale… Engrossing.’ 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

‘Gripping from beginning to end, and I enjoyed each and every moment of it!’ 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

‘From the first page to the last it kept you gripped.’ 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

‘Great read!’ 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

‘A cracking good read.’ 5 stars, NetGalley reviewer

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Suspense, Audiobook, Procedural

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2020

About the author

Born in Scotland, Made in Bradford sums up Liz Mistry’s life. Liz uses her experiences of living and working in the inner city to flavour her writing. Her gritty crime fiction police procedural novels set in Bradford embrace the city she describes as ‘Warm, Rich and Fearless’ whilst exploring the darkness that lurks beneath.
Struggling with severe clinical depression and anxiety for a large number of years, Liz often includes mental health themes in her writing. Being a debut novelist in her fifties was something Liz had only dreamed of and she counts herself lucky, whilst pinching herself regularly to make sure it’s all real. One of the nicest things about being a published author is chatting with and responding to readers’ feedback and Liz regularly does events at local libraries, universities, literature festivals and open mics. She also teaches creative writing too.

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I liked this, I really did but I did have a few little gripes with it. Also, I thought it would be the next instalment in Liz Mistry's very excellent DI Gus McGuire series. Unfortunately not, because i did love the Gus McGuire series. Its the second book already in a new series that I didn't even know about. Okay, moving along...

DS Nikita (Nikki) Parekh is an outspoken, grumpy, pig-headed, big-hearted, determined, ball-breaking police detective who doesn't take excrement from anybody. I like that, I really do but I found some of the dialogue and internal musings a bit, well - let's just say youngish. In this book a new crime kingpin is set to take over Bradfield and his enforcers are using extreme violence to get rid of anybody not with the program. We have a missing police officer, a dead villain, slavery, more mutilated dead bodies, people trafficking and its all set to go off with a bang one night stretching police resources to breaking point and beyond.

I liked Nikki and her team, I really did but, in addition to the dialogue thing it seemed unthinkable to leave this escalating investigation in the hands of such a small and junior team. I mean I hope that's not the reality of modern British policing. Nevertheless it was a great story and I'll be very interested to see where the author takes this series next. If you like Liz Mistry's books you will not be disappointed with this. Thanks to Netgalley, HQ Digital and Liz Mistry for my review copy.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Nikita Parekh #2

Set in Bradford. Nikki and Saj are back. This time they are investigating murder and modern day slavery. Bodies are being found all over the city. Felicity Springer is a senior policewoman who went missing after a conference. It's believed that she's been kidnapped. Nikki doesn't like Felicity but she is determined to find out what had happened to her colleague.

This story pulled me in from the beginning. It's fast paced with a great cast of characters. It isn't an easy book 5omread due to the subject matter. This is a gripping edge of your seat read. Nikki and Saj are racing against the clock to,find Felicity before any harm is done to her. This is a well written story. In fact, it's turning out to be a really good series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I would like to thank NetGalley HQ Digital and the author Liz Mistry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driving home after leaving a conference early, DS Felicity Springer, happens to notice something strange about the van in front of her. A hand has pushed through the van's rear light and is waving, obviously trying to get her attention.

She places a 999 call and crashes into the van when her phone drops to the floor.

DS Nikki Parekh and DC Sajid Malik race to find their friend colleague. They find her car ... empty. Her purse is there ... along with some blood.


Where did she go? Who took her? Why?

What Parekh and Malik learn when investigating is that Felicity was harboring a terrible secret. And no one is talking ....

This is a well written crime fiction spotlighting DI Parekh and her colleague, DC Malik. Having recently been apprised that she has temporarily been promoted to DI, she's not happy. In fact, she's surly, a bit resentful, and she's even a tad upset over having to investigate whatever has happened to DS Springer. They aren't friends .. and probably never will be. Malik is the one who tries to keep her focused, to try to keep her manageable.


There's lot of action with some surprising twists and turns along the way to an unexpected explosive conclusion. Although 2nd in the series, I do recommend reading them in order, although this one reads easily as a stand alone. I look forward to seeing more of this series.

Many thanks to the author / HQ Digital / Netgalley for the digital copy of BROKEN SILENCE. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

DS Felicity was missing and it was up to DS Nikki Parekh and Sajid Mailk to find Felicity and the secrets she was hiding.

My second book by this author, the core story had murders and slavery at the backdrop. With body count rising and a cop missing, Nikki and Saj had to work fast to get to the truth. The story was fast paced, the writing crisp. Pages turned almost continually on my need to get to the truth.

Nikki was gutsy and quite frank in her repartee. She was a kick-ass heroine who got results. My eyes were drawn to her and it was she who compelled me to read it at one go.

A fun read, though a difficult topic of human trafficking

[Surjit Parekh · Rating 5 out of 5]

When DS Felicity Springer is reported missing after a police training conference, the countdown to find her begins…
On her way home after an exhausting weekend, with colleagues she can’t wait to escape, Felicity notices something odd about the white van in front of her. A hand has punched through the car’s rear light and is frantically waving, trying to catch her attention.
Desperate to help, Felicity dials 999 and calls it in. But whilst on the phone, she loses control of the car on the icy road, crashing straight into the vehicle ahead.
Pinned in the seat and unable to move, Felicity feels a sudden whoosh of cold air across her face. Someone has opened the passenger door… and they have a gun.
With Felicity missing and no knowledge of whether she is dead or alive, DS Nikki Parekh and DC Sajid Malik race to find their friend and colleague.
But Felicity was harbouring a terrible secret, and with her life now hanging in the balance, Nikki can only hope that someone will come forward and break the silence…

My thoughts about this gripping police procedural 2nd outing Broken Silence in the D S Nikki Parekh series was outstanding brilliant characters a detective that who is fearless bold and bad ass who takes on the villains at there feet this time D S Nikki Parekh and her team race against time to save her friend and colleague D S Felicity Springer who has been taken by group of criminals who are doing human trafficking talented author Liz Mistry has created a nail biting police procedural that grips you from the start that you do not want to put down a race against time edge of your seat thriller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💥💥💥💥💥

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Felicity Springer can't wait to leave the Conference. Suspecting that she might be over the drink/drive limit she chooses the smaller roads to go home. She notices something odd about the white van she is following. Someone has knocked out the back light & a hand is waving at her. She calls it in, although the number plate is obscured. He phone falls to the floor & she crashes. When the police find the car there is blood & no sigh of Felicity.

DS Parekh doesn't like Felicity but that doesn't stop her doing her best to find her. Bradford is a city with lots of crime. There have been lots of rumours of people trafficking & a young girl's body thrown out of a car in an upmarket suburban area seems to point to this. Nikki & her partner Saj are kept on their toes.

The accounts of the folk imprisoned was horrifying. There were many strands to this story but they were well woven together. The characters were engaging- if a bit larger than life at times. I missed the first book in this series. It might have been useful to have read it as events are mentioned & have some bearing on the story, but not enough to stop this being a good 'stand-alone'. That having been said I will be looking out for the next in the series. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very gripping from the very beginning till really the lats page. Fast pace of action which makes you hold your breath all the time!! I had read "Last Request" by Liz, found it good, and "Broken Silence" even better. I also enjoy the main characters whom I would gladly meet! I will definitely recommend/offer this book while waiting the next one with Nikki! Thank you Liz for letting me read this story on NetGalley.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Nikki Parekh series and it's a cracker!

The action starts from the first page and doesn't let up until the very last chapter.

I was totally hooked and found myself unable to put it down. I just had to know who "Xavier" and "Cyclops" were.

The plot is quite dark and it does make you think how some sick humans treat others.

A great read that I will highly recommend.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

*5 Stars*

ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really good read and had interesting characters. I felt that some got what they deserved and some were unfortunate. Good ending for some. I enjoyed this and would recommend.

[Sylvia Dinnage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken silence

I chose this rating as Liz history is a very exciting writer and vs Nikki pareke is so exciting to follow her through the investigation of crime with Danni her side kick I cannot wait to read the next one in her series

[Julie Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read for a long time, really enjoy Nikki and Saj working together. Great story with so much heartbreak in it. Also good to have personal family background stories too. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one.

[Tracy Quarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. Great story and characters. Gritty but also dark humour. A good book to disappear into.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Silence is dedicated to Baroness Lola Young and Kevin Hyland 'for opening my eyes to Modern-Day Slavery' and it is also 'mostly for all those victims of this appalling abuse of human rights.' Although the story itself is fictional, the fact it is inspired by the awful reality for so many people who are currently enduring terrible abuse at the hands of modern-day slave traders is utterly heartbreaking. It's not an easy subject to read about but I commend Liz Mistry for shining a light on the subject; it's vital that people are made aware so they can take action if they suspect it is happening near them. With this in mind, there are links at the end of the book to organisations who can help.
The book opens at the end of what seems to be a chase scene, as a character called Stefan is captured by his aggressive pursuers and informed by the ominously named Bullet that he has been told to hit him where it hurts - and that he is going to enjoy doing it. It's a disturbing prologue but who Stefan is and what is happening to him isn't revealed for a while as the storyline then switches to following DS Felicity Springer, the morning after the night before. It seems that a heavy night of drinking resulted in her making a choice she bitterly regrets and she leaves the 'Making Bradford Safe' conference she attended wracked with guilt. On her drive home she follows a white van and becomes concerned when she spots a hand waving for attention through the rear light. She calls 999 and demands assistance but the falling snow means visibility is poor. She crashes into the van and before she has a chance to react, a figure in a balaclava points a gun at her. Broken Silence is the second book in the DS Nikki Parekh series and in Last Request, Springer ,'The Spaniel' is Nikki's nemesis so it's fascinating to not only see a different side of her here but also to follow Nikki's confused thought processes as she investigates the disappearance of a colleague she detests but desperately wants to find safe. It's not necessary to have read Last Request but I would recommend it if you can to truly appreciate the development of the characters - and because it's a cracking read!
Nikki is a wonderful character and is rapidly becoming one of my favourites. She is such a complex woman, at work she is a dedicated detective who struggles with following orders and at home she is trying hard to be more present in her family's lives but finds it difficult to open up to her partner, Marcus. She is a strong woman but it's clear she is tormented by events in her past and the rubber band she wears on her wrist to snap against her skin when she finds it especially hard to cope is testament to how fragile she really is. One of the most intriguing aspects of Broken Silence is the juxtaposition between how Nikki is viewed by different people and how she sees herself. She might be a thorn in Felicity's side but a taunt by their boss, DCI Archie Hegley that she should be 'more like Parekh' actually spurs Springer into fighting for her survival as she questions what Nikki would do in a similar situation. Meanwhile, both her romantic and professional partners, Marcus and Saj respectively, know Nikki is more damaged and vulnerable than she lets on and in a book which exposes the worst of humankind, their constant love and support for her, even if she lets them down on occasion, is heartwarming.
Saj - DC Sajid Malik - also faces his own issues as a gay Muslim officer. His boyfriend, Langley is keen to move their relationship on but Saj is terrified how some of the more devout members of his family will respond. As always, Liz Mistry encapsulates the challenges of living in a diverse, multicultural city like Bradford, acknowledging both the sense of community and the racial and religious tensions. The vivid sense of place extends beyond the urban however, and the remote, rugged countryside also has an essential role to play in the story.
I've purposely not mentioned too much about the plot because I don't want to give anything away but I wish that what I read wasn't reflected in the current reality for too many people in real life. There are harrowing scenes of violence and abuse which highlight how easily people who were just trying to do the best for their families can be cruelly tricked and manipulated until they are trapped in situations it's almost unbearable to imagine. There is also a subplot which empathetically examines another important contemporary topic and I suspect the ongoing impact of what occurs here will continue to be explored in future books. Parts of the novel follow the mastermind behind the organised crime gang targeting Bradford and although I guessed their identity, I found these chapters to be uncomfortably compelling as they give a glimpse into the mind of a truly corrupted individual. Broken Silence is a chilling, poignant reminder of the worst of humanity but even more vitally, it also gives a voice to those who are suffering at the hands of these people traffickers. Gripping, perceptive and poignant from start to finish, I can't wait to see what comes next for DS Nikki Parekh in this superb series.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is a violent and at times horrific thriller.
It does draw you in though and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The characters are brilliant although difficult to engage with.
Well worth a read.
I could not put it down.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Felicity Springer just wants to go home. The police conference was awful, she feels like death warmed over and it's snowing! Thinking she maybe a touch over the limit from the previous evening Felicity decides to avoid the main roads and finds herself in a nightmare situation when she realises someone in the van ahead of her is in danger. Calling 999 and then losing control of her car in the bad weather is the last thing she remembers.

DS Nikita Parekh doesn't like DS Springer but with partner DC Sajid Malik, finds herself trying to discover what happened to her missing colleague at the same time as investigating a growing number of murder cases. As the tension begins to mount in her beloved home town of Bradford Nikki suspects things are only going to get a great deal worse before they start to improve.

This is a powerful novel about people trafficking and modern day slavery which made, in some parts, for difficult reading. In the author's notes Liz Mistry says she attended a conference on these topics but has toned things down for her second book in the DS Parekh series! However much she has done so it is still an horrific indictment of life in this country and how difficult it is to stop these terrible things happening to some of the most vulnerable people in society.

Although this isn't an easy book to enjoy because of the subject matter it is a definite page turner and first class example of a police procedural mystery. The story is fast paced, the characters realistic and the relationships between the main protagonists are believable and interwoven with a caustic sense of gallows humour. This is the second book in this series and while the first does get a few mentions nothing is given away. I haven't read the previous installment but absolutely will be doing so now I've discovered just how good this series is.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review. This book is exceptionally good and I can't wait for the next one.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of Broken Silence, the second novel to feature DS Nikki Parekh of the Bradford Police.

When DS Felicity Springer leaves a conference she feels hungover and embarrassed but it doesn’t stop her following the van in front of her when she sees a hand hanging out the back. Then she crashes into it and disappears. Nikki and her partner DC Sajid Malik are given the case and this is only the start of an eventful week for them.

I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Silence which is a high octane read with a disturbing and upsetting theme. It is told from various points of view, but, rather than being distracting as I often find in this approach, it makes the novel more absorbing as each character has a compelling tale to tell and the reader can’t help but root for most of them, bad guys excluded obviously because they are so bad you just want them unmasked and punished. All will become clear when you read the novel.

The novel is non stop action with a high body count and plenty of domestic and professional drama. There is no time to relax as Nikki and Saj race from one crime scene to the next when not bickering about the secrets Nikki is keeping and the bigger ones her boss, Archie is keeping. It is well done as it keeps the tension high and the reader guessing. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would be revealed next.

DS Nikki Parekh is fast becoming one of my favourite characters. She is prickly and often a lightening rod for conflict but she’s smart, dogged and direct. I like that she’s not perfect, often unsure of herself outside work and an outright moaning Minnie at times but so natural and relatable. She makes the novel a great read.

Broken Silence is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Mike Rimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on two days

Could not put this down. Written in such a gripping fashion and so cleverly composed, this is one of the best thrillers I have read. Liz you are a genius writer.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

When DS Felicity Springer is reported missing after a police training conference, the countdown to find her begins. On her way home after an exhausting weekend, with colleagues she can’t wait to escape, Felicity notices something odd about the white van in front of her. A hand has punched through the car’s rear light and is frantically waving, trying to catch her attention.
Desperate to help, Felicity dials 999 and calls it in. But whilst on the phone, she loses control of the car on the icy road, crashing straight into the vehicle ahead. Pinned in the seat and unable to move, Felicity feels a sudden whoosh of cold air across her face. Someone has opened the passenger door… and they have a gun. DS Nikki Parekh and DC Sajid Malik race to find their friend and colleague even though Nikki dislikes Felicity. But Felicity was harbouring a terrible secret, and with her life now hanging in the balance, Nikki can only hope that someone will come forward and break the silence
This is the second book in the series, it could be read on its own but maybe I’m biased as I was born & bred in Bradford so the series is a must read for me. It drew me in from the start & held me gripped until the end. There are plenty of different strings as well as twists & turns but all are resolved in the end. A fast paced well written book that I recommend & I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Sue Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMW, there are such despicable humans in this world, I know this is fiction, but this is so true to the world we live in today, and that is just one of the things I love about this excellent author.

I unfortunately have not read book one in this new series (never able to catch up) so I dived in with book two and will not miss book three.

DS Nikki Parekh is one tough cop who is determined to catch her man, she seems to be a bit impatient at times and will do things her way if she must. Love her partner Sajid, who is also having to deal with his own personal problems during this investigation.

At times I felt exhausted myself, just reading about how Nikki and her team work tirelessly to catch these ruthless criminals. What a busy case it is and so many crimes being committed at the same time.

Nail biting suspense throughout.

Great read and highly recommended

[Jackie Murrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid crime drama, set in Bradford, and involving a ruthless crime syndicate involving human trafficking and some really nasty torture and murder. A policewoman stumbles across one of their operations and disappears, intensifying the search for the culprits. The lead detectives are likeable enough and the story fast-paced, but I found it lacking in depth and it just didn’t gel with me. I found the on-trend LGBT emphasis a bit forced and the characters often cliched- the baddies were revealed by their misogynistic, racist or homophobic jibes early on- and it wasn’t hard to work out who was behind the various offences.. So an OK read, but I have read better books on this subject.

[Linda Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Set in Bradford, police officer Nikki Parekh is juggling being a mum of 3 with a demanding job. When a colleague goes missing after following a suspicious vehicle, the team are pulled in to a world of people trafficking and modern day slavery. This is a real page turner which will keep you guessing til the end. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.

[Donna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the DS Nikki Parekh series. (I will definitely be looking to purchase book 1 and 3 which is in the offing!)

Broken Silence was a great read. Straight from the off, you are into the action. This is a fast-paced read, but the characters still have time to develop, and that is an art form in itself in my opinion. I felt really invested in all of the characters and had genuine feelings for each one.

The different chapters are told from different viewpoints of each of the main characters. This can sometimes be confusing, but Liz Mistry has really nailed this on and it only adds to the brilliance of the book and helps the storyline to develop.

This is a great, diverse, action packed read which kept me on the edge of my seat. It is one of those where I stayed up until after midnight so I could get to the end and see what happened!

It also touches on some very ‘real’ topics, such as mental health but more importantly, Modern Day Slavery which is very relevant in our world today, though it made me realise just how little we hear about this topic through the media / news etc. This made me sad, so it inspired me to further research these issues for my own education. A definite must read for the crime / thriller enthusiasts amongst us.

Definitely one to look out for.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ebook Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I would like to thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Broken Silence is book 2 in the DS Nikita Parekh series. I have not read book 1, nor any other books by this author, but I felt like I could get into the characters of the book and the setting well enough to follow along without having read the first book. I do suspect, though, that it might be more enjoyable to read the books in order, so I'll be looking for book 1 in this series.

I enjoyed the character of DS Parekh and her take-charge/put up with nothing from no one attitude, but found some of her inner dialog a bit off. And the small police force handling such a large case seemed a bit odd to me, too, but maybe that is because I am reading this as an American, not familiar with other countries police forces.

I found the book to be captivating and exciting, I wanted to see what would happen next, and I will look for Ms Mistry's next books.!

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki and Saj are back, this time with an investigation that is both complex and emotive. Their colleague, 'Springer,' has gone missing, bodies start being dumped across Bradford, and names in high places are making money trafficking people into the city and selling them on.

This is another excellent read. Nikki and Saj make a great duo, and although covering a serious topic, the story did have moments of humour, mainly due to Nikki's boss, Archie, and his 'proverbials.'

The story highlights the issue of human trafficking, and the situations people can find themselves in. Used, abused, overworked, then in many cases, disposed of. Stefan and Maria's experiences are just two of the any that could be happening anywhere in the UK.

This is another great piece of crime fiction from Mistry. I'm looking forward to reading book 3!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki and her sidekick Saj find themselves embroiled in a massive human trafficking and modern slavery ring. A catalogue of associated crimes are protecting the profits from this business and distracting police from the heart of the business.

And who are the mastermind characters Xavier and Cyclops behind this lucrative business. They seem well connected. Will they be unmasked in Scooby Doo fashion at the culmination of this drama.

I was grateful to NetGalley for a pre publication version of Liz Mistry’s novel. This caused two frustrations however. First I hadn’t known this was the second book in a series and there’s a lot of back references that get in the way. Second lots of the chapter titles were missing and wholly new scenes ran into each other without even a paragraph break. So I did need my wits about me. Set in Bradford there was a good sense of time and place. All in all 4 stars.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW 🤩 another fantastic read in a great series!! I love the main characters in this series and the author enhances their personalities with every book . Storyline was gripping from the start and a real page turner ! Highly recommend this book , series and author

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book

[L.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real find! As my first book by Liz Mistry, I know I'll be reading much more of her work from here on. 

DS Felicity Springer leaves the conference centre feeling wiped-out, as though she'd drunk too much when she's convinces she hadn't but can barely remember what happened at all. To avoid the likelihood of being stopped by police on her way home she takes the back roads. the weather is awful but she makes out a hand sticking out of the rear light on the van in front of her and, ever the policewoman, decides to pursue. Still not feeling great, she puts in a call to the police but then drops her phone ...

The police are alerted to Springer's call, and when she doesn't reply they race to track her vehicle ...only to find it empty apart from her bag and some blood. 

Nikki Parekh and her colleague Saj Malik are charged with finding her, a daunting task given that Nikki and Felicity aren't exactly bosom buddies. But Springer's disappearance is not the only crime occurring in Bradford over the coming days. Bodies are found in remote locations, fires break out throughout the city and the emergency services are overwhelmed. It appears there's a new Mister Big in town and he intends to make his mark. 

This is a gritty novel that had me enthralled from the outset. It covers contemporary themes such as homophobia, sexism, racism and the story revolves around modern-day slavery. It's compelling and utterly addictive. 

Highly recommended! 

Readers who enjoy fast-paced stories with intriguing and interesting characters will enjoy this tense slice of reality. An amazing story. 

[Gary Dowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cracking read. Great characters and a fast paced storyline with plenty of twists. Difficult subject matters on occasions as the police and personal stories are handled well. Highly recommended.

[Mrs Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of the series and a excellent follow up Novel which in my opinion is better than the first. I Whizzed through the book as I was excited by the 'twist and turns' of the characters stories.

Will definitely be getting the third book in the series.

[Geoff Hopkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very unusual for me but I gave up on this book at 35% through. By then, hardly anything of consequence had happened in relation to the plot. For too much padding about relationships and feelings for me. A certain of amount of character building narrative is expected/ necessary but the balance seemed way out here. And I had enjoyed the previous book in the series.