The first novel in Huw Evans' debut trilogy, Retrospective is an entertaining, fast-paced action thriller that combines a gripping narrative with vivid immersion in the world of 1980s London, amid lethal investigations warped in time.
Graeme James, a downtrodden office employee working a dead-end job, lives a mundane, everyday existence in the twenty-first century, his life falling apart. Facing an uncertain future, he heads to his favorite bar in London's West End where he gets knocked out drunk,only to find himself in a different season and a different year. It's July 1983 and he has no idea what happened or how he got there.
In this alternate reality, Graeme turns out to be a highly trained police officer who can tackle dangerous criminals and handle weapons. Teamed with the gorgeous, strong-willed Sergeant Emily Braithwaite in New Scotland Yard's elite Special Response and Investigations Unit, Graeme finds himself hot on the trail of a gang of violent criminals that have been targeting jewelry stores across London.
With the blessing of their boss, the gruff but fair George Donaldson, Graeme and Em start putting together clues about the next robbery. At the same time, Graeme's twenty-first century life comes to a head with his alternate existence in the 1980s, leading him to question both who he is and which of his worlds is real. To further complicate matters, he and his partner are being targeted by a hitman seeking revenge.
I absolutely loved this book because it grabbed me from the very first page and refused to let go. As someone who enjoys a good mystery, the addition of a time-slip element made it irresistible. Watching Graeme James transform from a regular, beaten-down modern office worker into a total badass in the 1980s was incredibly satisfying. It is the perfect mix of high-stakes action and deep personal mystery.
The author writes with an energetic and incredibly visual style. He does not waste time with unnecessary fluff, keeping the sentences punchy and the plot moving at a breakneck speed. The way he describes the gritty atmosphere of 1980s London makes you feel like you are walking the rainy, neon-lit streets right alongside the characters. It is a very cinematic way of writing that plays out like a movie in your mind.
The narration of the story is perfectly tuned to Graeme’s confusion and ultimate adaptation to his new reality. Because the story is told so closely through his perspective, the reader experiences the shock of the time jump right with him. It makes the unfolding mystery feel deeply personal. You aren't just watching a detective solve a case; you are trying to figure out a broken timeline together.
The dynamic between Graeme and Sergeant Emily Braithwaite is another highlight of the book. Their partnership feels natural and full of spark, balancing the darker, violent threats they face from the local gangs and the shadowy hitman. Combined with their gruff boss, George Donaldson, the team dynamic anchors the wild concept of the book in a very believable, classic police-procedural reality.
Overall, this debut novel is a fantastic achievement that leaves you begging for Book 2. The cliffhangers are sharp, the action sequences are thrilling, and the existential dread Graeme feels about his two conflicting lives is genuinely moving. If you want a fast, entertaining read that perfectly balances sci-fi themes with a gritty crime thriller, this is the book for you.
There is a particular kind of book that makes you rearrange your own shelves afterward, sliding a new title in next to old favorites, and Retrospective has earned its spot beside Blake Crouch and Stuart Turton on mine.
The most obvious kinship is with Crouch's Dark Matter, which shares that same dizzying question of what your life might have looked like if one decision had gone differently. Where Crouch sends his protagonist sideways through countless versions of reality, Evans sends Graeme backward into a single, richly imagined decade, and that choice gives Retrospective a steadiness that lets the robbery investigation breathe alongside the bigger existential puzzle. It trades some of Crouch's vertigo for a sturdier plot, and that feels like a fair trade to me.
There is also a clear cousin in Stuart Turton's The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, another book that scrambles identity in service of a genuine whodunit rather than using it as decoration. Turton's puzzle box is more elaborate, but Evans matches him for pure readability, and Graeme's confusion never once slows the plot the way identity puzzles sometimes can.
If you came to this after loving Stephen King's 11/22/63 for the way it drops a modern mind into a fully realized past, you will feel instantly at home in Evans's version of 1980s London. Both books understand that time travel only lands emotionally if the destination feels real enough to miss, and both writers clearly did their homework on the textures of the eras they chose.
What sets Retrospective apart from all three is its detective partnership. Graeme and Sergeant Emily Braithwaite have the kind of easy, competent rapport that fans of classic investigative duos will already be primed to love, and it gives the book a warmth its more cerebral cousins sometimes lack.
If your shelves already lean toward reality bending thrillers with real mysteries at their core, make room for this one.
This is an exciting debut novel that kicks off the Graeme James trilogy with a bang. It is an entertaining action thriller that blends a classic crime story with a mind-bending time-travel mystery. The book instantly grabs the reader's attention by taking a regular guy from the modern world and throwing him straight into the gritty, vibrant past of 1980s London.
The story follows Graeme James, a man whose 21st-century life is completely falling apart. After a night of heavy drinking at his favorite London bar, he wakes up to find himself mysteriously transported back to July 1983. In this new reality, he is no longer a bored office worker; instead, he is a highly skilled police officer working for an elite unit at New Scotland Yard, forced to figure out his new identity while hunting down dangerous jewelry thieves.
The narration of the book is clever and keeps the reader guessing from start to finish. By telling the story through Graeme’s eyes, the author allows us to feel his confusion and excitement as he navigates this strange situation. The narrative beautifully balances a thrilling police investigation with a deeper, psychological mystery as Graeme questions his own sanity and tries to figure out which of his two lives is actually real.
The writing style of the author is simple, direct, and highly visual. He does a fantastic job of bringing 1980s London to life, making the historic setting feel incredibly immersive. The dialogue is sharp and natural, especially the interactions between Graeme, his strong-willed partner Sergeant Emily Braithwaite, and their gruff boss George Donaldson, which helps make the characters feel grounded and relatable.
The pace of the novel is fast and energetic, rarely giving the reader a moment to slow down. The author paces the plot perfectly, constantly raising the stakes by introducing a deadly hitman out for revenge and building tension as Graeme's two different timelines begin to collide.
It was a highly enjoyable read for me. If you love fast-paced thrillers with a clever twist and a great sense of nostalgia, this book is definitely worth picking up.
This book takes the standard time-travel trope and infuses it with the raw grit of a classic British cop drama. The contrast between Graeme’s soul-crushing modern existence and his sudden awakening as a lethal, elite officer in 1983 is brilliantly executed. It offers the ultimate form of escapism, wrapped in a high-stakes puzzle that makes you question the stability of time itself.
The author delivers a writing style that is incredibly sleek, efficient, and visual. He avoids getting bogged down in the complex physics of time travel, choosing instead to focus on the immediate, visceral reality of the 1980s. The prose is fast and accessible, packed with sharp dialogue that perfectly captures the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of New Scotland Yard during that era.
The narration is brilliantly handled, keeping the reader locked tightly inside Graeme’s disoriented but highly capable perspective. You feel the genuine whiplash of a man whose brain remembers a mundane office job, but whose muscles automatically know how to disarm a violent criminal. This psychological tug-of-war elevates the narrative from a simple crime story into a fascinating study of identity.
The supporting cast provides a fantastic anchor for the reality-bending plot. Sergeant Emily Braithwaite is a phenomenal character—fierce, intelligent, and fiercely independent—making her the perfect partner to help Graeme navigate the chaotic streets. Together with their tough-but-fair boss, George Donaldson, the team dynamic feels authentic, gritty, and deeply compelling as they hunt down the jewelry thieves.
Ultimately, this book is an explosive start to a promising trilogy that hits every single mark. It offers the perfect blend of nostalgic 1980s atmosphere, relentless action sequences, and a mind-bending central mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page. The author has crafted a deeply satisfying, unputdownable thriller that will leave you desperate for the next book.
The book forces both the main character and the reader to constantly evaluate what is actually happening. Is Graeme experiencing an elaborate mental breakdown caused by stress, or has he genuinely stepped into a split reality? This psychological layer elevates the book beyond a standard action novel into something much more thought-provoking.
Graeme's internal conflict is handled with great care and simplicity. Even while he is successfully raiding criminal hideouts and decoding clues in 1983, part of his mind is still tied to his 21st-century struggles. He constantly remembers his old life, creating an ongoing mental battle between his past memories and his present circumstances. This struggle makes his journey feel very human, relatable, and emotionally grounded.
The storyline cleverly weaves his modern problems with his retro challenges until both worlds begin to crash into each other. Just as he starts feeling comfortable in his new life as a skilled detective, reminders of his modern life start creeping back in. This constant pull between two timelines keeps the reader guessing about how the story will eventually resolve itself, adding a great deal of suspense.
The narrative also explores deep themes about second chances and self-worth. In his 21st-century life, Graeme felt like a failure who had lost control of his destiny. In 1983, however, he is given a fresh start where he possesses bravery, skill, and purpose. The book subtly asks whether a person's circumstances define who they are, or if a change of environment can reveal hidden strength within someone.
This psychological depth makes this book a very engaging read for fans of mind-bending thrillers. The story keeps you guessing clear up to the final pages without ever becoming overly confusing or hard to follow. It balances complex psychological questions with simple, straightforward storytelling in a really impressive way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book opens with an ordinary, relatable premise that quickly morphs into an extraordinary adventure. The story follows Graeme James, a man stuck in a dreary office job whose life feels like it is completely unraveling. Desperate for a escape, he visits his favorite pub in London, gets heavily intoxicated, and blacks out. Instead of waking up with a simple hangover, he finds himself transported decades back into the past, landing abruptly in July 1983 with zero explanation.
The shift between the modern 21st century and the vibrant 1980s forms the core pull of this mystery. Graeme does not just wake up as a visitor in 1983; he discovers he has a completely different identity altogether. In this alternate reality, he is no longer an unskilled paper-pusher, but a highly skilled, formidable law enforcement officer.
The author does a fantastic job building intrigue around whether Graeme is experiencing time travel, a vivid delusion, or a parallel universe. Once Graeme adapts to his new era, the story shifts into a high-stakes police procedural. He is assigned to New Scotland Yard's Special Response and Investigations Unit, where he is thrust directly into an active, high-profile case.
The plot revolves around stopping a ruthless, organized gang of violent thieves who are terrorizing and robbing high-end jewelry stores across London. The investigation requires Graeme to use physical skills and tactical knowledge he never knew he possessed.
What keeps you turning pages is the clever balancing act between action and mystery. As Graeme works through complex clues alongside his capable partner, he continuously encounters surreal moments where his modern memory clashes with his 1980s life. The mystery deepens because every step closer to stopping the crime wave also brings him closer to figuring out why his timeline split.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for readers who love mind-bending plots with plenty of action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book immediately caught my attention because of its unusual premise. Graeme James is introduced as a man whose life has become almost painfully ordinary. He works in an unfulfilling office job and feels that everything around him is falling apart. Then, after a drunken night in a London bar, he wakes up in July 1983. He has somehow entered a different time and, even more strangely, a different version of his own life. The opening creates plenty of mystery and makes it easy to keep reading because there are so many questions that need answers.
Graeme's transformation is one of the most enjoyable ideas in the book. Instead of being the unsuccessful office worker we first meet, he is now a trained police officer with impressive skills. He can use weapons, deal with criminals, and put himself in dangerous situations. Yet emotionally, he is still struggling to understand what is happening. This creates an interesting situation where Graeme has the abilities of one person but the memories and confusion of another.
The police investigation provides the main action of the story. Graeme works alongside Sergeant Emily Braithwaite, who is intelligent, confident, and strong-minded. Their task is to stop a gang of violent criminals who have been robbing jewellery stores throughout London.
At the same time, the book does not forget Graeme's personal situation. His life in the twenty-first century keeps coming into conflict with the life he is now living in 1983. This raises interesting questions about memory, identity, reality, and the choices that shape a person's life.
I found this book to be a creative and entertaining beginning to the Graeme James series. The story has enough action to keep crime-fiction readers interested while the time-travel and alternate-reality elements give it something different. Overall, it is a refreshing combination of crime, suspense, mystery, and science fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a fascinating story that combines a normal man's unhappy life with a completely unexpected adventure in another time. Graeme James begins as someone many readers can easily understand. He has an ordinary office job, but he is unhappy with where his life is heading. His days feel repetitive, and he seems to have little hope of changing his situation. Everything changes after a night at his favourite London bar when he drinks heavily and wakes up in July 1983. From that moment, nothing about his life is straightforward anymore.
The idea of waking up in another year is already intriguing, but the novel takes it further by giving Graeme an entirely different life. He discovers that in this alternate reality he is a skilled police officer working with New Scotland Yard. Suddenly, the man who seemed incapable of finding direction in his modern life is someone trained to face criminals and dangerous situations.
His partnership with Sergeant Emily Braithwaite is another strong part of the novel. Emily is beautiful, strong-willed, and capable, and she brings a different energy to the investigation. Together, she and Graeme are assigned to track a violent gang responsible for jewellery-store robberies around London. Their boss, George Donaldson, also adds to the police-world atmosphere. He is described as gruff but fair, which makes him feel like the kind of boss who expects his team to do their job but is willing to trust them.
The suspense becomes stronger when Graeme and Emily realise that they are not only investigating criminals but are also in danger themselves. A hitman is looking for revenge and begins targeting them. This gives the story a more personal sense of danger. At the same time, Graeme continues to struggle with the question of his two lives.
The story leaves plenty of questions to keep the reader interested, making it an enjoyable first book in what promises to be an intriguing series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is a spectacular debut that offers the perfect escape for fiction lovers. It delivers exactly what it promises: a fast-paced, entertaining ride through a beautifully reconstructed 1980s London. It is a thrilling adventure that leaves a lasting impression and a strong desire to read the next installment immediately.
What stood out to me the most, and made me absolutely love this book, was the sheer thrill of Graeme’s transformation. We have all dreamed of escaping a dead-end job, but waking up as a lethal, highly trained Special Response officer takes it to a whole new level. The wish-fulfillment aspect, paired with genuine danger, makes this an incredibly fun and satisfying read.
The writing style is crisp, direct, and focused heavily on driving the plot forward. Evans has a knack for writing action sequences that are clear, easy to follow, and genuinely exciting. The pacing is tight, ensuring that the mystery of the jewelry store robberies keeps building alongside Graeme's personal crisis without either storyline dragging.
The narration does a fantastic job of capturing the psychological toll of Graeme’s situation. Even as he tackles violent criminals with newfound, muscle-memory skills, the narrative never lets you forget that he is a man trapped between two different lives. This contrast adds a wonderful layer of tension to an already exciting cop story.
The partnership at the core of the book is beautifully written. Graeme and Emily share an immediate, believable chemistry built on mutual respect and shared danger. Watching them piece together clues under the watchful eye of George Donaldson feels reminiscent of classic detective television, giving the book a warm, familiar comfort despite the high stakes.
In this book, the author has managed to capture the absolute essence of 1980s London, making it feel less like a historical setting and more like a living, breathing character. The transition from Graeme’s depressing twenty-first-century life to the vibrant, dangerous world of 1983 New Scotland Yard was brilliantly handled and kept me hooked until the very end.
The writing style is delightfully straightforward and remarkably clean. Evans does not try to overcomplicate the time-travel mechanics, which I deeply appreciate. Instead, he focuses on the raw emotion, the fast action, and the sensory details of the era. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and perfectly fits the hard-boiled cop persona that Graeme suddenly finds himself embodying.
The narrative voice handles the dual-reality plot with great skill. The pacing is relentless, shifting seamlessly from high-speed jewelry heist investigations to Graeme’s quiet moments of panic as he questions his own sanity. The narration strikes a perfect balance between an action-heavy police investigation and a psychological mystery, keeping the reader constantly guessing about what is truly real.
I particularly loved how the relationship between Graeme and Emily developed. Emily Braithwaite is written as a strong, highly competent officer who holds her own, rather than just being a sidekick. Their interactions, alongside the leadership of the old-school boss George Donaldson, give the story a lot of heart amidst all the flying bullets and dangerous car chases.
This is a triumphant start to a trilogy that hits all the right notes. It delivers plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments while keeping you emotionally invested in Graeme's survival. For anyone who loves retro cop shows, gritty action movies, or mind-bending mysteries, this novel is an absolute must-read.
This book hooks the reader right from the opening pages. The story starts in modern times with Graeme James, a man whose life is completely unraveling in a soul-crushing office job. His escape to a West End pub leads to a heavy night of drinking, but instead of waking up with a standard hangover, he wakes up decades in the past.
The story takes off once Graeme realizes he is stuck in July 1983. However, he is no longer a weak, miserable clerk; in this era, he is a skilled, tough police officer. This sudden transformation creates an exciting mystery that keeps you turning pages to figure out what is actually happening to him.
The dynamic between Graeme and his new partner, Sergeant Emily Braithwaite, is easily one of the best parts of the book. Joining New Scotland Yard’s Special Response and Investigations Unit, they make a formidable team. Their mission to track down a ruthless gang of jewelry thieves gives the plot a great, fast-paced momentum.
The 1980s London setting is wonderfully constructed. The author paints a gritty, vibrant picture of the decade, complete with retro policing methods and classic crime-thriller vibes. The old-school investigation style contrasts sharply with Graeme's modern memories, adding a fun layer of nostalgia to the narrative.
Tension ramps up as Graeme and Emily draw closer to the criminal gang. The addition of a dangerous hitman seeking revenge elevates the stakes from a routine police procedural to a high-octane survival story. Every chapter brings a new sense of urgency to their mission.
What truly elevates the novel is Graeme’s internal struggle. As his modern memory collides with his 1980s reality, he is forced to question his own sanity and identity. It is a thrilling, action-packed read that successfully blends time travel with classic crime fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The author does a mind blowing job of transporting readers directly into London during the summer of 1983. The setting isn't just a backdrop; it feels like a living character that influences every scene. From the retro fashion and technology to the specific atmosphere of 1980s London, the novel accurately captures the spirit of the era. Readers who lived through the decade will feel nostalgic, while younger readers will get a vivid tour of the past.
The contrast between modern living and 1980s police work is highlighted through Graeme’s eyes. Lacking modern tools like smartphones, instant internet searches, and advanced DNA profiling, the detectives must rely on classic investigative techniques. They use payphones, physical paper files, legwork, and pure intuition to solve crimes. This low-tech environment makes the detective work feel much more tactical, grounded, and rewarding to follow.
The author also contrasts the gloomy, dull atmosphere of Graeme's 21st-century life with the gritty, fast-paced world of 1980s crime fighting. In his modern life, Graeme feels invisible and trapped in routine, but in 1983, every decision has immediate, life-or-death consequences. This contrast gives the setting a psychological weight, making the reader question which era is actually better for Graeme's mental well-being and sense of purpose.
The dark underworld of 1980s London is depicted vividly, particularly through the violent jewelry heist gang. The crimes feel real, dangerous, and high-stakes, giving Scotland Yard a formidable enemy to tackle. The atmospheric descriptions of London's streets, old pubs, and high-end jewelry stores paint a complete picture that pulls you straight into the decade's unique gritty charm.
I absolutely loved the book and I highly recommend it to all my fellow bookworms🤩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Graeme James spends the opening chapters of Retrospective doing something wonderfully relatable, quietly panicking while trying not to let anyone notice. One moment he is stuck in a life that stopped meaning much to him, and the next he is standing in 1983 wearing a police uniform, expected to know things he has never learned and love people he has never met. Huw Evans commits fully to that disorientation, and it pays off, because the uncertainty never feels like a gimmick once you realize how carefully the emotional groundwork was laid before the twist even lands.
What impressed me most is how confidently the story moves between genres without ever feeling like it is juggling too much. The investigation into the jewelry store robberies gives the plot its forward motion and its share of genuinely tense set pieces, while the mystery of Graeme's two lives supplies the emotional undertow that keeps the pages turning even between action beats. Neither half steals focus from the other, and that balance is far harder to pull off than it looks.
Graeme carries the book, but Sergeant Emily Braithwaite is the reason the investigation truly sings. She is sharp, unshakeable, and never written as a prop for someone else's arc. Their partnership develops through real competence and earned trust rather than convenient chemistry, and every scene between them was a highlight for me.
Then there is 1980s London itself, rendered with enough texture to become a character in its own right without ever slowing the plot down. Smoky pubs, precinct politics, and the era's particular flavor of grit all feel lived in rather than researched.
This is a confident, layered debut, and I am already impatient for the next installment in Graeme's story.
Picture Sam Tyler's disorientation from Life on Mars, drop it into London instead of Manchester, and hand the whole thing a fully formed crime plot of its own. That is roughly the experience of reading Retrospective. If you fell hard for that premise, or for its sequel series Ashes to Ashes, which sent Alex Drake back to almost this exact same slice of early eighties London, you already know how well this setup works, and Evans proves it works just as well on the page.
Ashes to Ashes is honestly the closest cousin here. Both put a modern investigator into early eighties London policing, both toy with the possibility that the whole thing might be a delusion, a coma, or something stranger, and both use that uncertainty to raise the emotional stakes of an otherwise straightforward criminal case. Graeme's slow, careful process of accepting his new reality echoes that same tension beautifully, and anyone who loved watching Gene Hunt's world through an outsider's eyes will love watching Graeme navigate 1983 with that same mix of confusion and growing competence.
There is a touch of Source Code here too, in the way ordinary procedural details carry extra weight once you realize the ground beneath the hero might not be solid. Anyone who enjoyed Quantum Leap's format, dropping a familiar mind into an unfamiliar life and trusting the story to make sense of it, will recognize the same pleasure in watching Graeme figure out who he is supposed to be while the real mystery keeps ticking along underneath him.
Add a London thick with the kind of grit that films like The Long Good Friday captured so well, and you get a book that feels like it was written by someone who watched all the right shows and still found something genuinely new to do with the idea.
If you love retro cop shows and high-concept sci-fi, then this book is a fantastic choice. The author begins the story with a relatable modern tragedy—a man whose life is completely falling apart. Graeme's descent into a drunken stupor in London’s West End sets up a dramatic and surprising shift in reality.
The jump to July 1983 gives the novel an instant jolt of energy. Suddenly, Graeme goes from being a helpless spectator in his own life to an elite officer in New Scotland Yard. The sudden shift in his abilities and status creates an intriguing puzzle that instantly grabs your attention.
The crime plot at the center of the story is straightforward and compelling. Graeme and his partner, Emily, are hunting down a violent gang robbing jewelry stores across London. The procedural elements are grounded, realistic, and written in clear, simple language that keeps the story moving along effortlessly.
The character dynamics are another strong point. Boss George Donaldson brings a classic, gruff authority to the unit, while Sergeant Emily Braithwaite acts as a brilliant, sharp-witted anchor for Graeme. Their teamwork feels natural, and their bond grows stronger as the danger around them escalates.
The plot thickens when a lethal hitman enters the picture, hunting down Graeme and Emily. This added threat turns the novel into a pulse-pounding chase where the heroes are simultaneously hunters and prey. The constant danger ensures there is never a dull moment.
Beyond the action, the psychological core of the novel is what stays with you. Graeme's struggle to figure out if he is dreaming, crazy, or actually living in 1983 creates brilliant suspense. The author delivers a fun, mysterious adventure that is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a perfectly paced book that grabs your attention from the very first page and never lets go. The author wastes no time getting straight to the point, launching Graeme from a miserable pub night straight into a high-stakes 1980s crime scene. The swift pacing ensures that there are no slow or boring chapters, making it an easy book to finish in just a few sittings.
The plot structure is extremely clean and effective, blending two different genres seamlessly. You get the thrill of a sci-fi time-travel story combined with the grit and structure of a traditional British police procedural. The dual focus—solving a massive jewelry heist case while avoiding a deadly hitman—guarantees that there is constant momentum throughout the entire book.
The writing style is simple, clear, and direct, making it accessible to all types of readers. You do not need to wade through overly complex prose to enjoy the story; the focus stays firmly on action, character interactions, and suspense. The dialogue is punchy, the scene descriptions are crisp, and the plot twists hit with real impact when they arrive.
The climax brings all the different plot threads together in an exciting, satisfying manner. The confrontation with the violent robbery gang, the showdown with the vengeful hitman, and the truth about Graeme's dual reality all converge at once. The author manages to deliver high tension while answering key questions, leaving the reader thoroughly entertained by the end.
This book is an absolute treat for fans of fast-paced thrillers, mystery novels, and police procedurals. It delivers a clever story without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail, making it a very enjoyable read. It serves as an exciting launchpad for the rest of the Graeme James novel series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is an exciting mix of crime, mystery, time travel, and personal discovery. The story begins with Graeme James, an ordinary office employee whose life has become dull and disappointing. He spends his days in a dead-end job and feels that his future is going nowhere. One night, after getting extremely drunk at his favourite bar in London's West End, something strange happens. He wakes up to discover that he is no longer in his own time. It is July 1983, and he has absolutely no idea how he got there.
What makes the story especially interesting is that Graeme's identity seems to have changed along with his surroundings. In this new reality, he is not an unhappy office worker but a highly trained police officer. He knows how to handle weapons, deal with criminals, and face dangerous situations.
Graeme is partnered with Sergeant Emily Braithwaite, a strong, confident, and intelligent police officer. Together, they investigate a gang responsible for a series of violent jewellery-store robberies across London. Their investigation involves following clues, understanding criminal behaviour, and trying to predict where the gang will strike next.
I also enjoyed how the author connects the crime story with Graeme's personal struggle. He is not only trying to catch criminals; he is also trying to understand what has happened to him. His twenty-first-century life continues to affect his thoughts as he becomes more involved in his 1980s existence.
Overall, this book is an engaging opening to the Graeme James series. I liked the combination of mystery, police investigation, alternate reality, and time travel because it gives the story several different dimensions. This book is a good choice for readers who enjoy crime fiction with a clever science-fiction twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This novel does a fantastic job of balancing a classic cop thriller with a mind-bending reality crisis. Graeme James is a highly relatable protagonist who is suddenly forced to question his own sanity when he wakes up decades in the past. The stakes are raised instantly as he joins an elite Scotland Yard unit to chase down a violent gang.
The plot moves quickly as Graeme is paired with the strong-willed Sergeant Emily Braithwaite. Together, they form a great team that carries the weight of the investigation. Their dynamic brings a lot of energy to the story as they hunt for clues across London.
What makes the book so interesting is the constant mystery surrounding Graeme's true identity. He has the skills of a trained officer, but the memories of a regular modern man. This conflict keeps the reader guessing about what is actually going on inside his head. Their boss, George Donaldson, adds a nice layer of classic grit to the police department. He allows Graeme and Emily to do their jobs, even when the situation gets incredibly dangerous. This support helps push the investigation forward into dangerous territory.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because of the constant tension between Graeme's two lives. You are forced to wonder which world is real and which one is just an illusion or a dream. This psychological puzzle makes the action sequences feel much more important and meaningful.
With a deadly hitman also tracking the main characters, the story delivers plenty of suspense. It manages to be both an action-packed crime story and a clever puzzle about time. It is a brilliant read that leaves you wanting more.
This book is an absolute blast for anyone who loves a good mystery wrapped in a time-travel twist. The way the author drops a modern, down-on-his-luck office worker straight into the gritty world of 1980s London is brilliant. The sudden shift from a boring twenty-first-century routine to high-stakes police work keeps you hooked from the very first page.
The book starts by showing us Graeme’s miserable modern life, which makes his sudden time jump even more exciting. Waking up in July 1983 after a night of heavy drinking is a fantastic hook. You instantly want to know how he got there and what is going to happen to him next. Once Graeme arrives in the past, the story transforms into a fast-paced detective adventure. He goes from being a helpless desk worker to a sharp, weapon-handling officer in an elite police unit.
The setting of 1980s London feels incredibly alive, authentic, and atmospheric. The author does a wonderful job of making the reader feel the change in the era, from the streets to the technology. It serves as the perfect backdrop for a dangerous criminal investigation.
I really liked this book because the pacing never slows down, making it an easy and gripping read. Watching Graeme navigate this strange new reality while chasing jewelry thieves kept me turning the pages. It is a perfect blend of history, mystery, and science fiction.
This novel sets up a fantastic trilogy that promises even more excitement. It balances the confusion of time travel with the thrills of a classic cop show. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and entertaining escape.
As the first book in a trilogy, this book sets a high bar for modern sci-fi thrillers. The author masterfully blends the grit of New Scotland Yard with a fascinating psychological puzzle. Graeme’s struggle to figure out how he traveled back to July 1983 adds a great layer of suspense to the plot.
The contrast between Graeme's failing modern life and his newfound purpose as a badass 1980s lawman is incredibly satisfying. In the present, he has nothing going for him, but in the past, he is an essential hero. This makes his journey feel empowering and deeply engaging for the reader.
The criminal case involving the jewelry store robberies provides a strong, driving plot for the characters. It gives Graeme a clear mission while he tries to understand his strange situation. The action scenes are written clearly and keep the excitement level very high.
Emily Braithwaite is a fantastic partner for Graeme, offering both support and a strong personality to clash with his confusion. Their partnership feels real and grows naturally as the danger around them increases. They make a team you truly want to root for.
I loved this book because it takes a familiar concept like time travel and makes it feel fresh and dangerous. The threat of a hitman seeking revenge ensures that the characters are never truly safe. It keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Ultimately, this is a masterful debut that successfully kicks off an entertaining trilogy. It leaves you with gripping questions about time and identity that will make you think long after finishing. It is a must-read for fans of fast-paced mysteries.
I absolutely loved this book because it successfully mashes two of my favorite genres together: the gritty British police procedural and the reality-bending sci-fi thriller. The premise of a down-on-his-luck office worker waking up as an elite, highly trained detective in 1983 is brilliant. It provides an immediate hook that makes it almost impossible to put the book down once you start reading.
The descriptions are sharp and evocative without slowing down the story. Whether the author is describing a mundane, depressing modern office or a chaotic shootout in a 1980s jewelry store, his prose keeps you fully immersed in the moment.
The narration flows effortlessly, maintaining a sense of urgency that matches the ticking clock of the investigation. The author handles the mystery of Graeme's displaced existence exceptionally well. As a reader, you are constantly balancing the thrill of the ongoing criminal investigation with the overarching question of how and why Graeme crossed timelines.
The cast of characters adds immense value to the narrative. Emily Braithwaite is a fantastic foil for Graeme, bringing strength and stability to his chaotic situation, while George Donaldson provides that classic, comforting authority figure dynamic. The added threat of a vengeful hitman ensures that the stakes never drop for a single chapter.
This book is a masterclass in how to start a trilogy with a bang. It is entertaining, unpredictable, and packed with nostalgia that never feels forced. The author has created a highly memorable protagonist in Graeme James, and I cannot wait to see where his fractured timeline takes him next.
I absolutely fell in love with this book because of how well it handles its central mystery. The idea of waking up in 1983 as a highly trained New Scotland Yard officer is a brilliant setup, and the author does not disappoint. It is a thrilling ride that makes you question reality right alongside the main character, keeping you hooked from the first page to the last.
The writing style is wonderfully accessible and highly engaging. Evans focuses on creating a strong sense of momentum, making the book incredibly hard to put down. His prose is simple but effective, easily bringing to life both the mundane despair of modern life and the gritty, dangerous reality of the 1980s criminal underworld.
The narration keeps the reader trapped in Graeme's perspective in the best way possible. You feel his confusion, his adrenaline rushes during shootouts, and his growing dread as his two lives begin to collide. The pacing of the narrative is excellent, perfectly balancing the immediate threat of a gang of jewelry thieves with the overarching mystery of time.
The characters are incredibly memorable and easy to root for. Emily Braithwaite is an outstanding partner—smart, tough, and fiercely loyal—while their boss, George Donaldson, provides the perfect blend of strict discipline and fair leadership. The looming threat of an unforgiving hitman adds a constant sense of danger that keeps the tension sky-high.
This book is an exceptional thriller that successfully breathes new life into the time-travel genre. The author has created a fantastic world, and this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a truly gripping adventure.
What made me love this book was the sheer relatability of the protagonist mixed with an extraordinary situation. We can all sympathize with Graeme’s miserable modern life, which makes his sudden leap into a high-stakes, 1980s police unit incredibly exciting to follow. It is a fantastic escape story wrapped inside a very dark and gripping crime thriller.
The writing style is incredibly smooth, clear, and easy to read. Evans has a great talent for maintaining high levels of suspense without making the plot feel overcrowded or confusing. The descriptions of the jewelry store heists and the subsequent investigations are written with a sharp clarity that keeps you totally locked into the action.
The narration flows beautifully, capturing both the fast-paced excitement of the police work and the psychological tension of Graeme’s fractured mind. As the investigation deepens, the narrative does an excellent job of raising the stakes, making you care just as much about Graeme’s identity crisis as you do about catching the bad guys.
The bond between the main characters adds a wonderful layer of depth to the story. Emily Braithwaite is a fantastic, strong-willed protagonist who complements Graeme perfectly, and George Donaldson provides a great, grounding presence as their boss. The added element of a hitman out for revenge ensures that there is never a dull moment.
This book is a spectacular start to the Graeme James Novel series. It is a clever, action-packed ride that offers a wonderful mix of retro vibes and modern storytelling tension. Huw Evans has written a real winner here, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great mystery.
Retrospective is a fascinating combination of crime thriller, time-slip fiction, and psychological mystery. Huw Evans immediately creates an intriguing situation by taking Graeme James, an unhappy office worker from the twenty-first century, and placing him unexpectedly in 1983 London. What makes the premise especially interesting is that Graeme isn't simply transported into the past he discovers that, in this reality, he is an experienced police officer. Watching him attempt to understand this impossible situation while everyone around him seems to know exactly who he is creates a strong sense of curiosity.
The police investigation gives the novel plenty of momentum. Graeme and Sergeant Emily Braithwaite are tasked with tracking a dangerous gang responsible for jewelry-store robberies, and their investigation steadily becomes more complicated. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two characters because they bring different strengths to the story, while the threat of a hitman adds another layer of danger. The investigation also gives Graeme a reason to keep moving forward even while he is desperately searching for answers about himself.
What really makes the novel memorable is the uncertainty surrounding Graeme's two lives. The reader is encouraged to question whether his modern existence, his 1983 identity, or something else entirely represents the truth. Evans balances this mystery with action and an atmospheric portrayal of 1980s London, making Retrospective an entertaining and distinctive thriller. It is a strong beginning to a series that leaves plenty of questions waiting to be answered
The book begins by introducing us to a deeply relatable protagonist who feels stuck in the monotony of twenty-first-century life. Graeme James is at rock bottom, making his sudden, unexplained leap into the past feel like both a shock and a bizarre second chance.
Waking up in 1980s London completely changes the tone of the book. Graeme is thrust into a life he does not remember living, where he possesses impressive physical combat and weapon skills. Watching him navigate a reality where he is a capable hero rather than a defeated office worker is immensely satisfying.
The plot focuses heavily on the criminal underworld of 1983. Assigned to investigate a violent string of jewelry store heists, Graeme must rely on raw instincts and traditional police work. Under the supervision of their tough boss, George Donaldson, the team races against the clock to stop the next big hit.
The relationship between Graeme and Sergeant Emily Braithwaite gives the story real heart. Emily is strong, sharp, and capable, serving as the perfect partner for Graeme as he tries to keep his composure. Their chemistry adds a warm, personal element to an otherwise tense and dangerous investigation.
As the story progresses, the danger becomes personal. A hitman targeting the duo puts their lives on the line, proving that Graeme's new life is far more dangerous than his old office routine. The action sequences are well-crafted, straightforward, and filled with genuine suspense.
Overall, it is an engaging, easy-to-read novel that leaves a lasting impression and I highly recommend it to everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a captivating novel that asks an interesting question: what if you woke up one day as a completely different version of yourself? Graeme James starts out as an ordinary man suffering through a miserable modern existence, making his sudden transition into the past all the more dramatic.
Transported to July 1983, Graeme finds himself in the middle of an intense law enforcement career. The transition from an office desk to the Special Response and Investigations Unit at New Scotland Yard offers a dramatic contrast that instantly hooks the reader into his journey.
The main storyline revolves around stopping a high-stakes crime wave. Armed criminals are terrorizing London jewelry shops, and Graeme must use skills he didn't know he had to help solve the case. The detective work is straightforward, exciting, and easy to follow.
The supporting characters shines throughout the book. Sergeant Emily Braithwaite is a fantastic character—tough, intelligent, and deeply supportive of Graeme. Together with their firm leader, George Donaldson, the team forms a memorable unit that you root for during every tough situation.
The story hits peak tension when a vengeful hitman targets the partners. This element elevates the stakes, making every decision a matter of life and death. The combination of armed robberies and a personal vendetta creates an explosive narrative arc.
At its core, the book is a compelling exploration of identity. As Graeme's memories of the twenty-first century clash with his daily life in the 1980s, the tension rises to an impressive level. It is a clean, entertaining read with a clever twist on the traditional crime genre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The novel opens on a tragic note, showing the protagonist, Graeme James struggling to cope with a collapsing life in the modern world. His choice to drown his sorrows in a West End bar sets off a sequence of events that changes everything.
When Graeme regains consciousness, he finds himself decades back in time during the summer of 1983. Instead of being an average worker, he is now a elite officer equipped with impressive tactical skills. This mysterious setup immediately hooks you as you try to figure out the truth behind his situation.
The story quickly settles into an exciting police investigation. Graeme is assigned to track down a gang of violent thieves hitting jewelry shops across London. Working out of New Scotland Yard, the team relies on grit and smart detective work, giving the story a wonderfully authentic 1980s feel.
Also I would like to mention that- Sergeant Emily Braithwaite is a standout figure who provides both strength and clever insight to the cases. Alongside their no-nonsense boss, George Donaldson, the unit feels like a tight-knit family facing immense outside threats.
Things turn dangerous when a ruthless hitman begins hunting Graeme and Emily. The constant threat of violence keeps the story moving at a rapid pace, balancing procedural detective work with heart-pounding survival action.
What makes this book truly special is the existential dread Graeme experiences. He is constantly caught between two lives, forced to determine which timeline is real and who he truly is. It is a fast-paced, highly enjoyable mystery that keeps you hooked until the very end. Highly recommending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The protagonist of the story is Graeme James. He starts off as a flawed, sympathetic protagonist struggling through a mid-life slump. Watching him transition from a defeated 21st-century office worker into a confident, tough detective in the 1980s is immensely satisfying. The contrast between his confused internal thoughts and his sharp, professional external actions creates a lot of great character depth.
A major highlight of the novel is the partnership between Graeme and Sergeant Emily "Em" Braithwaite. Em is a standout character—she is strong-willed, highly intelligent, and capable of holding her own in dangerous situations. The natural chemistry and growing trust between Graeme and Em give the story an emotional heart. Their banter feels natural, and their mutual respect makes them a formidable dynamic duo that you genuinely root for.
When it comes to action, the novel delivers frequent, thrilling sequences. The stakes escalate rapidly when a dangerous hitman looking for revenge targets Graeme and Em directly. The combat scenes, gunfights, and police chases are described clearly without becoming overly complicated or chaotic. The added personal threat from the assassin turns up the tension, ensuring that the main characters are never truly safe.
In short, if you enjoy character-driven crime fiction with dynamic partnerships and solid action, this book delivers on all fronts. The blend of crime-fighting and personal danger keeps the narrative energetic from start to finish. Graeme and Em make a fantastic team, and their story leaves a lasting impression that makes you want to follow them into future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a character-driven action book that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. We meet Graeme James at his absolute lowest point in the 21st century. Struggling with a dead-end career and personal failure, his escape to a London bar leads to an unexpected blackout—and an unexplainable arrival in July 1983.
The setting of 1980s London is vividly constructed without slowing down the story's momentum. Graeme discovers he is not just a visitor to this period, but a member of an elite Scotland Yard unit. Watching an average guy handle firearms and fight off ruthless criminals offers immediate excitement and strong escapism.
The procedural aspect of the story is equally well executed. Working alongside Sergeant Emily Braithwaite, Graeme dives into a series of dangerous jewelry heist cases. Their boss, George Donaldson, offers the perfect balance of firm leadership and support, allowing them the freedom to piece together the evidence.
As the investigation unfolds, the narrative shifts toward deeper questions of reality. Graeme's memories of his modern-day struggles begin to collide directly with his daily life in 1983. The author handles this mind-bending dynamic with clarity, keeping the reader focused on Graeme's emotional state.
The inclusion of a targeted hitman adds a layer of constant danger that propels the story forward. Every clue solved brings Graeme and Emily closer to both the thieves and their own assassin.
Overall, it is an ideal read for fans who love police procedurals with an unusual twist. Highly recommending this book to everyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The author delivers a captivating opening installment in Retrospective, seamlessly bridging sci-fi concepts with gritty crime drama. The plot centers on Graeme James, a man whose 21st-century life is crumbling under the weight of a dead-end job and everyday misery. When a heavy night of drinking at a West End bar shifts him unexpectedly into July 1983, the story jumps directly into high gear.
The shift in tone between Graeme's modern-day struggle and his 1980s reality works brilliantly. In this retro timeline, he transforms into an elite officer with New Scotland Yard. Gone is the helpless office worker; in his place is a skilled combatant ready to take down violent gang members targeting London's jewelry stores.
Partnered with Sergeant Emily Braithwaite, Graeme navigates the high-stakes environment of the Special Response and Investigations Unit. Emily is a fantastic foil—sharp, strong-willed, and highly capable—bringing great chemistry to the partnership. Under the direction of their gruff superior, George Donaldson, the duo works methodically to trace the gang's next target.
What sets this book apart is the psychological tension surrounding Graeme’s identity. As the investigation progresses, his 21st-century memory clashes continuously with his 1980s presence.
The stakes rise even higher when a vengeance-seeking hitman sets his sights on Graeme and Emily. This added threat gives the mystery a fast, relentless pace. The author builds a solid foundation for the series with this detailed, exciting first volume.
Overall it is a fantabulous book and I highly recommend it to all my fellow readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.