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A deadly archer, a missing woman, and a tainted Detective.
Detective Rob Loxley has had to fight for everything in his career.
The shadows of his past lead many to view him with suspicion. He’s isolated and ostracised, despite his dedication to the job.
In Sherwood Forest, a sadistic archer plays a deadly game. Victims are kidnapped, stripped, and become living targets for a relentless hunter. It’s a cruel game of cat and mouse with fatal consequences.
Assigned the case, Rob discovers a second missing person, and the clock starts ticking. With a relentless anti-corruption officer seeking to undermine him, Rob must work with his feisty new partner, Scarlett, to unravel the twisted clues before another life is lost.
Detective Rob Loxley has had to fight for everything in his career.
The shadows of his past lead many to view him with suspicion. He’s isolated and ostracised, despite his dedication to the job.
In Sherwood Forest, a sadistic archer plays a deadly game. Victims are kidnapped, stripped, and become living targets for a relentless hunter. It’s a cruel game of cat and mouse with fatal consequences.
Assigned the case, Rob discovers a second missing person, and the clock starts ticking. With a relentless anti-corruption officer seeking to undermine him, Rob must work with his feisty new partner, Scarlett, to unravel the twisted clues before another life is lost.
307 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2022
429 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 1, 2023
Detective Rob Loxley is constantly being watched by the anti-corruption unit. When a homeless man is found naked in a shallow grave in Sherwood Forest Loxley and his new side kick Scarlett Stutley start to investigate. The autopsy reveals the murder weapon was a bow and arrow. They find a key witness who saw the abduction of the homeless man and lady from the church group. Its a race against time to find the lady safe. Outstanding characters and brilliant storyline. Looking forward to the next case.
March 11, 2024
A good story with good narration. The choice of main bad guy is getting a bit tired though as it seems to be a recurring theme in so many UK police thrillers these days. Oh, and since when are van reversing lights red?
June 18, 2023
A murder by bow and arrow in Sherwood Forest awaits DS Rob Loxley and his new DC Scarlett Stutely from Nottingham Police, although the discovery of the naked man’s half buried body with stab wounds reveals few clues at first sight. Whilst also investigating the case of a member of the notorious Top Valley Boyz gang who is on their radar for the brutal assault of a child, it takes extensive searches, the post mortem and finally a witness to the kidnapping of homeless Spencer and church kitchen helper Lorraine to set them on the right track. With Lorraine still missing and clearly at risk, time isn’t on the detectives’ side to halt a vicious killer who may have been playing his deadly game for some time. And also catch a mole in the camp.
Rob Loxley is an interesting character. He seems a good detective and an honest man, clearly DCI Nailer, his former DCI Jon Pilgrim and his colleague DS Nick Miller rate him highly but his dubious family history has made him a long-time target for DI Bill Rainault from Anti-Corruption, aided by Rob’s boss DCI Peter Orleton. Despite Rainault’s best efforts he has nothing on Rob and I suspect his pursuit will continue into further stories in this series, as this excellent opening story explodes in a mind-blowing ending which leaves some unfinished business and the way open to book two.
Rob Loxley is an interesting character. He seems a good detective and an honest man, clearly DCI Nailer, his former DCI Jon Pilgrim and his colleague DS Nick Miller rate him highly but his dubious family history has made him a long-time target for DI Bill Rainault from Anti-Corruption, aided by Rob’s boss DCI Peter Orleton. Despite Rainault’s best efforts he has nothing on Rob and I suspect his pursuit will continue into further stories in this series, as this excellent opening story explodes in a mind-blowing ending which leaves some unfinished business and the way open to book two.
November 4, 2023
Being from Nottingham I was quite excited to spot a detective book set in the county. However initially I was a little put off - Rob Loxley, Scarlett, Ellen Dale, Tucker and even Guy Gibson! Really? I feared some sort of Robin Hood remake. However, names aside, its an absolutely cracking read.
Rob has a lot of enemies - most of them his workmates. A couple have decided because he's from a criminal family, he must therefore be corrupt and they have gone out of their way to make his life as uncomfortable as possible.
Meanwhile Rob and his new partner Scarlett have crimes to solve. Someone is running around Sherwood Forest with a bow and arrow (again, really?) hunting live human game. The team are only alerted to the crime when a body is found and a woman is missing.
Oh, could someone alert the author that there's a world of difference between a 'grisly' baby and a 'grizzly' baby - I think he meant the latter!
Its gripping, you really root for Rob and want the real corrupt cops to be found, preferably before they have destroyed his career. I look forward to more!
Rob has a lot of enemies - most of them his workmates. A couple have decided because he's from a criminal family, he must therefore be corrupt and they have gone out of their way to make his life as uncomfortable as possible.
Meanwhile Rob and his new partner Scarlett have crimes to solve. Someone is running around Sherwood Forest with a bow and arrow (again, really?) hunting live human game. The team are only alerted to the crime when a body is found and a woman is missing.
Oh, could someone alert the author that there's a world of difference between a 'grisly' baby and a 'grizzly' baby - I think he meant the latter!
Its gripping, you really root for Rob and want the real corrupt cops to be found, preferably before they have destroyed his career. I look forward to more!
May 28, 2023
📘📘BOOK REVIEW 📘📘
In Bad Faith By AL Fraine
Book 1 of the Detective Loxley Nottinghamshire Crime Thriller series and what a great start. Well written and well plotted and amongst the suspense I enjoyed the fun references to Robin Hood, Nottingham, Archery and Loxleys name as well as a few other authors names!
Briefly, a homeless man and a woman are kidnapped off the streets of Nottingham. The man, stripped naked, suddenly finds himself running for his life from a deadly archer. Three women walking their dogs find the body and Loxley and his new colleague DC Scarlett Stutley are assigned the case. Loxley is a suspected mole for the local criminal gangs and is hated by two of his superiors due to his family history.
The developing relationship between Loxley and Stutley is great and bodes well for future books in the series. Some good twists and turns kept me guessing the killer until the shocking climax. Great read and I’m off to check out book 2!
In Bad Faith By AL Fraine
Book 1 of the Detective Loxley Nottinghamshire Crime Thriller series and what a great start. Well written and well plotted and amongst the suspense I enjoyed the fun references to Robin Hood, Nottingham, Archery and Loxleys name as well as a few other authors names!
Briefly, a homeless man and a woman are kidnapped off the streets of Nottingham. The man, stripped naked, suddenly finds himself running for his life from a deadly archer. Three women walking their dogs find the body and Loxley and his new colleague DC Scarlett Stutley are assigned the case. Loxley is a suspected mole for the local criminal gangs and is hated by two of his superiors due to his family history.
The developing relationship between Loxley and Stutley is great and bodes well for future books in the series. Some good twists and turns kept me guessing the killer until the shocking climax. Great read and I’m off to check out book 2!
April 11, 2023
This is book 1 in the series and it's off to a very strong start. Rob is under constant scrutiny from the anti-corruption unit and some of his own division colleagues but thankfully does have a few higher-up people in his corner. He is assigned to lead the investigation into the discovery of a body in Sherwood Forest which has been killed by someone with a bow and arrow. Assisting him is a new partner.
This was a very enjoyable read. There is a wide variety of characters throughout, some nice and some downright nasty and the tension that Rob encounters in the office with certain colleagues, is palpable. I wasn't sure who the archer was for ages, and then I was sure I had it figured out and I was so wrong!
I really enjoyed the ending and the arrival of 2 characters from another series. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
This was a very enjoyable read. There is a wide variety of characters throughout, some nice and some downright nasty and the tension that Rob encounters in the office with certain colleagues, is palpable. I wasn't sure who the archer was for ages, and then I was sure I had it figured out and I was so wrong!
I really enjoyed the ending and the arrival of 2 characters from another series. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
December 6, 2024
Brought this book because I'm from Nottingham, and thought it would be nice reading about places I know, have been too and can picture as I'm reading.
I almost didn't bother with it when I read that the two main characters were named Loxley & Scarlet, but I started it promising myself that if one of them ends up in a hotel, and the maid is called Marrion, or they go for breakfast in a greasy spoon, and the cook is called Mr Tuck, I would immediately delete it from my Kindle.
Thankfully that's where the tedious links to Robin Hood ended (apart from the whole archer in sherwood forest plot) and the book actually turned out to be pretty good.
I enjoyed the storyline & characters, I thought it was well written and I didn't want to put it down, for wanting to know what happens next. I will definitely be reading the next book, and hope it's as good.
I almost didn't bother with it when I read that the two main characters were named Loxley & Scarlet, but I started it promising myself that if one of them ends up in a hotel, and the maid is called Marrion, or they go for breakfast in a greasy spoon, and the cook is called Mr Tuck, I would immediately delete it from my Kindle.
Thankfully that's where the tedious links to Robin Hood ended (apart from the whole archer in sherwood forest plot) and the book actually turned out to be pretty good.
I enjoyed the storyline & characters, I thought it was well written and I didn't want to put it down, for wanting to know what happens next. I will definitely be reading the next book, and hope it's as good.
May 13, 2023
A new author for me & a new series too - perfect. This is book one in the Detective Loxley Nottinghamshire series & what a cracker of a start.
DS Rob Loxley is under intense scrutiny from some of his colleagues & the anti-corruption unit but at least a few of the powers that be believe in him.
He has a new partner & together they are investigating the death of someone with a bow & arrow in Sherwood Forest.
I really enjoyed this book. References to the legend of Robin Hood, as well as familiar character names (other authors) appearing, broke some of the building tension without detracting from the plot.
Thoroughly recommended & I already have the next two books in the series on my tbr pile.
DS Rob Loxley is under intense scrutiny from some of his colleagues & the anti-corruption unit but at least a few of the powers that be believe in him.
He has a new partner & together they are investigating the death of someone with a bow & arrow in Sherwood Forest.
I really enjoyed this book. References to the legend of Robin Hood, as well as familiar character names (other authors) appearing, broke some of the building tension without detracting from the plot.
Thoroughly recommended & I already have the next two books in the series on my tbr pile.
May 26, 2023
DS Rob Loxley is being watched by his boss, his work mates and also the anti-corruption unit. Does his past make him shady? Some think so but fortunately, a few work mates have his back.
He also has to deal with having a new partner, can he trust her or is she like a lot of the others?
When a homeless man and also a lady who is a pillar of the community go missing at the same time, Rob and Scarlett start investigating.
This is a great start to a new series. I enjoyed the story, it was intense and had a dark plot that left me guessing to the end.
There are some great characters and also some less likeable ones. I did also like the Robin Hood references in the story.
I’m looking forward to reading more in the series.
He also has to deal with having a new partner, can he trust her or is she like a lot of the others?
When a homeless man and also a lady who is a pillar of the community go missing at the same time, Rob and Scarlett start investigating.
This is a great start to a new series. I enjoyed the story, it was intense and had a dark plot that left me guessing to the end.
There are some great characters and also some less likeable ones. I did also like the Robin Hood references in the story.
I’m looking forward to reading more in the series.
July 11, 2025
Just a bang average page turner tbh. Fast paced with likeable main characters but that's it. Wouldn't have read if it wasn't on the family kindle account.
a few things that really just felt bad:
- The "Valley Boyz" (yes, with a bloody Z) and the way they spoke just felt like a terrible stereotype from like 2000
- The copper looking for other corrupt officers was a useless, unrealistic character with a backstory that really didnt achieve what it was supposed to. Waste of time throughout as he wasn't set up properly
- The Lorraine subplot - wtf happened there. built to nothing just to set up the next book I WON'T be reading. Cheers for that author
a few things that really just felt bad:
- The "Valley Boyz" (yes, with a bloody Z) and the way they spoke just felt like a terrible stereotype from like 2000
- The copper looking for other corrupt officers was a useless, unrealistic character with a backstory that really didnt achieve what it was supposed to. Waste of time throughout as he wasn't set up properly
- The Lorraine subplot - wtf happened there. built to nothing just to set up the next book I WON'T be reading. Cheers for that author
December 5, 2025
"In Bad Faith" by A.L. Fraine is the gripping first book in the Detective Loxley Nottinghamshire Crime Thriller series. This dark and fast-paced British police procedural focuses on both an intense murder investigation and the complex personal struggles of its troubled detective. The central character, Detective Sergeant Rob Loxley, is pivotal to the story's emotional depth. Despite his isolation and the scepticism he faces from many colleagues due to his background—having grown up in a criminal family—Loxley is a likeable protagonist. His past leads others to suspect he may be a mole for local gangs, adding a layer of tension and intrigue.
Fans of detective stories and series will absolutely love this.
Fans of detective stories and series will absolutely love this.
April 8, 2023
In Bad Faith by A.L. Fraine is book 1 in his Detective Loxley series. Thoroughly enjoyed this with its mix of interesting characters which I’m looking forward to finding out more about in future books. Set in Nottinghamshire, I enjoyed the references throughout the story of Robin Hood, and also noticed the characters named after authors Meg Jolly and TG Reid. There is something rotten in this Station and a few people are convinced it is DS Rob Loxley. He does have a few champions including a new DC Scarlett Stutely. See what happens in the next book.
April 30, 2023
A new author for me based on a suggestion from a FB crime group, but definitely one I will continue to read more from.
When a homeless gentleman and a church soup kitchen worker go missing it is down to Det Loxley to investigate. And then a body is found killed by a Bow & Arrow.
Det Loxley and a new to the team Detective race against threats of Police Coruption to find the kidnapped before time runs out.
An amazing book that kept me hooked in until the very end. I cannot wait to read more about the characters will be working together.
When a homeless gentleman and a church soup kitchen worker go missing it is down to Det Loxley to investigate. And then a body is found killed by a Bow & Arrow.
Det Loxley and a new to the team Detective race against threats of Police Coruption to find the kidnapped before time runs out.
An amazing book that kept me hooked in until the very end. I cannot wait to read more about the characters will be working together.
May 10, 2023
First book in a new series featuring DS Loxley and based around Nottingham. We are given hints throughout the story that there he has a dubious background although it isn't until the end that we find out more about him. There are two stories running concurrently (1) the disappearance of two people and subsequent murder of one of them and (2) the constant presence of a DI. who is looking into corrupt cops and gets distracted by Loxley. Really great start to a new series.
Thanks to the author for a copy to review.
Thanks to the author for a copy to review.
September 6, 2024
Rob Loxley, against the odds.
Rob is having to work against biased people who keep trying to prove he is a bent copper, always a bad atmosphere but he has got used to it, he fortunately still has a few friends which makes it bearable. He has a case on the go which is coming to a conclusion, when he overheard a conversation about another station needing help as they have just found a body and no one to handle it, Rob was in early and volunteered, everything developed from there. His boss and his side kick was not happy, Brillient book, unexpected ending.
Rob is having to work against biased people who keep trying to prove he is a bent copper, always a bad atmosphere but he has got used to it, he fortunately still has a few friends which makes it bearable. He has a case on the go which is coming to a conclusion, when he overheard a conversation about another station needing help as they have just found a body and no one to handle it, Rob was in early and volunteered, everything developed from there. His boss and his side kick was not happy, Brillient book, unexpected ending.
April 13, 2023
A great book one
A fantastic read! I bought book two in the series when I was half way through this book as I knew I would want to read more. Loxley is a very likable character even if he isn't that likable to his colleagues. There are good reasons but you don't get to find out the truth behind this immediately. It's very intriguing with a great plot and shocking twists. I'm diving in to book two.
A fantastic read! I bought book two in the series when I was half way through this book as I knew I would want to read more. Loxley is a very likable character even if he isn't that likable to his colleagues. There are good reasons but you don't get to find out the truth behind this immediately. It's very intriguing with a great plot and shocking twists. I'm diving in to book two.
July 26, 2024
Someone suggested this book to me as it is set basically in Nottingham - I might feel spooked when I go to the Top Valley Tesco store now, though
I did struggle getting into the story but persisted with 100 pages, and then I was able to carry on and complete it.
The chase in the Forest scene was very similar to one I had read before - not new.
I'm not interested enough to read any of the extra chapters or any of the author's other books - this was enough
I did struggle getting into the story but persisted with 100 pages, and then I was able to carry on and complete it.
The chase in the Forest scene was very similar to one I had read before - not new.
I'm not interested enough to read any of the extra chapters or any of the author's other books - this was enough
March 16, 2023
This is a highly entertaining - and also disturbing - book covering the subject of police corruption. Extremely well written and an excellent start to a new series. Good to see references to characters we know from previous series too. Have downloaded the Epilogue and looking forward to reading that.
Julian Tremayne, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, East Yorkshire
April 26, 2023
Good plot
Well thought characters. Overall a good read. So glad all the sniping characters were not bad guys to the point of being arrested, so they and their bigoted views will continue in the next books for Scarlet to put in place. Scarlett was a great character. Feminine, smart, funny with no over the top need to prove herself as a woman or as a detective.
Well thought characters. Overall a good read. So glad all the sniping characters were not bad guys to the point of being arrested, so they and their bigoted views will continue in the next books for Scarlet to put in place. Scarlett was a great character. Feminine, smart, funny with no over the top need to prove herself as a woman or as a detective.
October 28, 2024
Needed an easy to read book snd this fit the bill although I have a sneaky suspicion I had already read this some years ago but as I had no idea how it turned out I carried on reading snd quite enjoyed it although why authors have to be ‘clever’ with names I will never know. Rob Loxley indeed at least we didn’t have a John Little or a Marion too.
January 1, 2026
There were too many basic errors, should have been better edited. A good, if somewhat violent plot. I get a little tired of characters who are hard done by, Rob was constantly attacked by Internal Affairs who is convinced he is corrupt, why ? Some disjointed things at the end of the book, no doubt aimed at hooking you into reading the next book, not sure I shall be though.
April 17, 2023
An outstanding story extremely well told.
The story was interesting with lots of interesting characters told in a manner that kept you involved in the storyline until the conclusion.
The story was interesting with lots of interesting characters told in a manner that kept you involved in the storyline until the conclusion.
May 9, 2023
In bad faith
Never read this author before but really enjoyed this book, Rob Loxley is suspected of being a bad apple in the force, but with a murder and kidnap to solve, he proves who the bad guys are. Very good recommend on to book 2.
Never read this author before but really enjoyed this book, Rob Loxley is suspected of being a bad apple in the force, but with a murder and kidnap to solve, he proves who the bad guys are. Very good recommend on to book 2.
July 18, 2023
In Bad Faith-good read
Good read. Like the development of characters and background. Was not happy that it took SO LONG to flesh out why Rob was unfairly treated. All in all, as I said, good read. I chose 4 stars because I have not yet come across the perfect book.
Good read. Like the development of characters and background. Was not happy that it took SO LONG to flesh out why Rob was unfairly treated. All in all, as I said, good read. I chose 4 stars because I have not yet come across the perfect book.
April 1, 2024
Not at all!
In Bad Faith? Not at all excellently written, fast paced and gritty. A must read for anyone from Nottingham. Although fiction you will recognise the names of places in the County.
In Bad Faith? Not at all excellently written, fast paced and gritty. A must read for anyone from Nottingham. Although fiction you will recognise the names of places in the County.
January 13, 2026
A really entertaining and fast paced police procedural. I liked the Robin Hood references that a scattered throughout the book. The written is excellent, the story engaging, the characters good and the ending was unexpected. I have already bought the next q. Highly recommended.
April 17, 2023
Wow, for book no. 1 in a series, I didn’t expect the ending that happened.
July 9, 2023
A great holiday read. This is the first in the Detective Loxley series and I shall look out for more.
August 13, 2023
What a great read
Great character's authentic scene of Nottingham a really great story. One criticism the use of duck surely it's me duck. Thanks for writing I enjoyed greatly.
Great character's authentic scene of Nottingham a really great story. One criticism the use of duck surely it's me duck. Thanks for writing I enjoyed greatly.
August 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book despite having worked out who the culprit was from first meeting them. There is an enormous clue given if you notice it.
I look forward to reading more in the series
I look forward to reading more in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews