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Fear or Favour
A drowned man is pulled from floodwaters. Identification is difficult but a routine investigation for DCI Stirling and newly promoted DI Marti Summer. Or is it?
Sensitive material in the dead man’s possession links Stirling’s investigation to the top of Government, and a leadership race for Prime Minister. Favourite to win is Zola Campbell, the grandchild of Windrush immigrants whose rise from humble beginnings to forge a business empire, amassing personal wealth and fame along the way, have made her an iconic figure. Entering politics, her talents earned swift promotion to the top of Government, and now she’s poised to be the first woman of colour Prime Minister. The media is in overdrive, the political stakes are high, and the nation is watching.
Fearing a national scandal that will engulf them all, ACC Steph Tanner wants results – fast! With just days to unravel what connects a quiet man’s drowning to events at Westminster, a hundred miles away, tensions rise as Stirling takes his investigation undercover.
Stirling senses something is missing. But what? Or who? With a suspect to locate, and crypto millions to trace, things are complex enough when MI5 step from the shadows! And just where do Lena Novak and the National Crime Agency fit into it all?
Frightened by Stirling’s methods, Marti Summer fears for her job, and the shame she’ll bring on her family. But Marti has a moral dilemma too - have her own prejudices jeopardised the investigation?
Haunted by tragedy, Stirling’s private life is a mess. Ayesha’s gone, with no explanation. He and Steph Tanner are close, but she’s his boss. And life is about to get still more complicated.
Sensitive material in the dead man’s possession links Stirling’s investigation to the top of Government, and a leadership race for Prime Minister. Favourite to win is Zola Campbell, the grandchild of Windrush immigrants whose rise from humble beginnings to forge a business empire, amassing personal wealth and fame along the way, have made her an iconic figure. Entering politics, her talents earned swift promotion to the top of Government, and now she’s poised to be the first woman of colour Prime Minister. The media is in overdrive, the political stakes are high, and the nation is watching.
Fearing a national scandal that will engulf them all, ACC Steph Tanner wants results – fast! With just days to unravel what connects a quiet man’s drowning to events at Westminster, a hundred miles away, tensions rise as Stirling takes his investigation undercover.
Stirling senses something is missing. But what? Or who? With a suspect to locate, and crypto millions to trace, things are complex enough when MI5 step from the shadows! And just where do Lena Novak and the National Crime Agency fit into it all?
Frightened by Stirling’s methods, Marti Summer fears for her job, and the shame she’ll bring on her family. But Marti has a moral dilemma too - have her own prejudices jeopardised the investigation?
Haunted by tragedy, Stirling’s private life is a mess. Ayesha’s gone, with no explanation. He and Steph Tanner are close, but she’s his boss. And life is about to get still more complicated.
547 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2023
2 people want to read
About the author
Ray Britain
3 books3 followersRay Britain’s third DCI Stirling investigation, 'Fear or Favour' was published 29th January 2023, and follows ‘Forgotten Lives’ (2021) and ‘The Last Thread’ (2017).
As a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) Ray Britain led specialist investigations and was also a Hostage & Crisis Intervention Negotiator, a voluntary role that saw him involved in hostage situations, many firearms operations and numerous suicide interventions. In those specialist roles he supported national counter-terrorism capabilities, and travelled to the USA, India, Europe, Australia and elsewhere. He received several Commendations for his work.
He also worked with the Serious Fraud Office and the Home Office, London, and the Economic Crime Directorate of the City of London Police.
Ray’s real-world experience gives an authentic edge to his stories, immersing the reader in the grim realities, the uncertainties and the frustrations of crime investigation, and the frailties of human nature.
If not writing Ray might be found mountain hiking, watching rugby, skiing, reading, sailing or in the gym.
As a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) Ray Britain led specialist investigations and was also a Hostage & Crisis Intervention Negotiator, a voluntary role that saw him involved in hostage situations, many firearms operations and numerous suicide interventions. In those specialist roles he supported national counter-terrorism capabilities, and travelled to the USA, India, Europe, Australia and elsewhere. He received several Commendations for his work.
He also worked with the Serious Fraud Office and the Home Office, London, and the Economic Crime Directorate of the City of London Police.
Ray’s real-world experience gives an authentic edge to his stories, immersing the reader in the grim realities, the uncertainties and the frustrations of crime investigation, and the frailties of human nature.
If not writing Ray might be found mountain hiking, watching rugby, skiing, reading, sailing or in the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 3, 2023
I was into this book as soon as I started reading. The plot is interesting from the first page and the story pulls you in. As an addict of British crime drama, this was right up my ally and the plot is marvelous. It’s interesting and complex. It’s easy to follow even though there’s a lot going on. I like how the story is divided into days and times rather than traditional chapters. I’m not a fan of politics but for this book, it works.
I really like Stirling but I wish I had read the previous books before this as I feel like then I would know Stirling better. I also like Tanner a lot.
The writing style is brilliant. It’s clear and easy to understand. It one of the things that makes the plot and the book so interesting and so good! Also, the writer’s expertise truly shines through in this book.
All in all, a great crime book and I will now go read the previous books in the series.
I really like Stirling but I wish I had read the previous books before this as I feel like then I would know Stirling better. I also like Tanner a lot.
The writing style is brilliant. It’s clear and easy to understand. It one of the things that makes the plot and the book so interesting and so good! Also, the writer’s expertise truly shines through in this book.
All in all, a great crime book and I will now go read the previous books in the series.
February 3, 2023
A drowned man is pulled from floodwaters. Identification is difficult but a routine investigation for DCI Stirling and newly promoted DI Marti Summer. Or is it?
Sensitive material in the dead man’s possession links Stirling’s investigation to the top of Government, and a leadership race for Prime Minister. Favourite to win is Zola Campbell, the grandchild of Windrush immigrants whose rise from humble beginnings to forge a business empire, amassing personal wealth and fame along the way, have made her an iconic figure. Entering politics, her talents earned swift promotion to the top of Government, and now she’s poised to be the first woman of colour Prime Minister. The media is in overdrive, the political stakes are high, and the nation is watching.
Fearing a national scandal that will engulf them all, ACC Steph Tanner wants results – fast! With just days to unravel what connects a quiet man’s drowning to events at Westminster, a hundred miles away, tensions rise as Stirling takes his investigation undercover.
Stirling senses something is missing. But what? Or who? With a suspect to locate, and crypto millions to trace, things are complex enough when MI5 step from the shadows! And just where do Lena Novak and the National Crime Agency fit into it all?
Frightened by Stirling’s methods, Marti Summer fears for her job, and the shame she’ll bring on her family. But Marti has a moral dilemma too - have her own prejudices jeopardised the investigation?
Haunted by tragedy, Stirling’s private life is a mess. Ayesha’s gone, with no explanation. He and Steph Tanner are close, but she’s his boss. And life is about to get still more complicated.
Wow this was such a great read! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters even though I hadn't read any of the other books in the series it was very easy to pick up the gist of their backstories, and I quickly got in to the story! There were plenty of twists and turns along the way too! I really enjoyed this book - I'm going to read the other ones in the series too!
Sensitive material in the dead man’s possession links Stirling’s investigation to the top of Government, and a leadership race for Prime Minister. Favourite to win is Zola Campbell, the grandchild of Windrush immigrants whose rise from humble beginnings to forge a business empire, amassing personal wealth and fame along the way, have made her an iconic figure. Entering politics, her talents earned swift promotion to the top of Government, and now she’s poised to be the first woman of colour Prime Minister. The media is in overdrive, the political stakes are high, and the nation is watching.
Fearing a national scandal that will engulf them all, ACC Steph Tanner wants results – fast! With just days to unravel what connects a quiet man’s drowning to events at Westminster, a hundred miles away, tensions rise as Stirling takes his investigation undercover.
Stirling senses something is missing. But what? Or who? With a suspect to locate, and crypto millions to trace, things are complex enough when MI5 step from the shadows! And just where do Lena Novak and the National Crime Agency fit into it all?
Frightened by Stirling’s methods, Marti Summer fears for her job, and the shame she’ll bring on her family. But Marti has a moral dilemma too - have her own prejudices jeopardised the investigation?
Haunted by tragedy, Stirling’s private life is a mess. Ayesha’s gone, with no explanation. He and Steph Tanner are close, but she’s his boss. And life is about to get still more complicated.
Wow this was such a great read! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters even though I hadn't read any of the other books in the series it was very easy to pick up the gist of their backstories, and I quickly got in to the story! There were plenty of twists and turns along the way too! I really enjoyed this book - I'm going to read the other ones in the series too!
February 6, 2023
A fast paced, tense and gripping read that had me on the edge of my seat at times.
The weiting style is engaging and the atoryline had me hooked from the very start. The characters are well developed and I didn't know what to trust or who to believe.
A dark and murky read that I just couldn't put down. I am definitely going to be looking for more from the author.
The weiting style is engaging and the atoryline had me hooked from the very start. The characters are well developed and I didn't know what to trust or who to believe.
A dark and murky read that I just couldn't put down. I am definitely going to be looking for more from the author.
February 9, 2023
A fast paced thriller highlighting political intrigue, unscrupulous acts and twisted minds. It’s a long read and takes a while to get in to, but is enjoyable once you do.
February 4, 2023
The third in the DCI Stirling Investigation Series but my first read by this author. In this case Doug Stirling has a new partner, Deputy SIO DI Marti Summer and she isn’t always happy with his rather unconventional methods. And Stirling’s personal life isn’t straightforward either; as followers of Stirling must be aware he is a single man and unable to resist the attractions of the opposite sex! Really well written, told in times and dates rather than chapters, and with a brilliantly executed plot it kept me reading late into the night and it’s a long book!
Briefly, a man is found drowned in a river near Worcester. The current Home Secretary Zola Campbell is pitching for the top job as the current PM is expected to lose a vote of no confidence and Campbell is the front runner. With shocking information in their hands the investigation team are under pressure to get a result.
What links the two events is what makes this thriller a quite brilliant read. Bit by bit the author drip feeds us with information bringing the two events together in a plot involving a death 20 years previous, extortion and murder all on top of the usual political manoeuvrings with the politicians. The tension builds throughout in this fast paced read with a great twist at the end. A very good police procedural and I’m definitely going to be checking out the earlier books.
Briefly, a man is found drowned in a river near Worcester. The current Home Secretary Zola Campbell is pitching for the top job as the current PM is expected to lose a vote of no confidence and Campbell is the front runner. With shocking information in their hands the investigation team are under pressure to get a result.
What links the two events is what makes this thriller a quite brilliant read. Bit by bit the author drip feeds us with information bringing the two events together in a plot involving a death 20 years previous, extortion and murder all on top of the usual political manoeuvrings with the politicians. The tension builds throughout in this fast paced read with a great twist at the end. A very good police procedural and I’m definitely going to be checking out the earlier books.
February 24, 2023
This book wins you over with more than just the writing style and excellent storytelling. There’s something about it that you latch onto and cannot let go. Perhaps, it’s the fact that this could so easily be a current day, real situation and we’d be fighting our way through, trying to solve the riddle before everything crumbles.
I loved how well the book flowed and the way we jumped into the moment, really trying the make the story realistic and exciting.
The characters were interesting and great to get to know. Overall, one excellent read.
I loved how well the book flowed and the way we jumped into the moment, really trying the make the story realistic and exciting.
The characters were interesting and great to get to know. Overall, one excellent read.
February 6, 2023
From the first page I was hooked on this book and it just got better and better. It is fast paced and demanding. I enjoyed that my mind was working the whole time trying to guess who the perpetrator was. The characters are well developed and the plot well written and complex. I loved the multilayered storylines and the mystery. I also enjoyed the length of the book it was a bit longer than the average book but not to long. Just perfect.
February 22, 2023
This is the third book of the DCI Stirling Investigation series. The book can be read as a standalone, but I think is best to read them in order if you want to get to know the main character, Stirling, better and know about his life. This is the first book that I read of the series and really enjoyed it. The author broke down the book in days and times instead of your typical chapter/ sections. From the very beginning the story captures your attention especially Stirling character because you don't know what to think at first, is he the good guy or not. There's multiple characters with stories that at first you don't know what to think but everything comes together. I really enjoyed how the author connected the stories.
If your looking for a new crime fiction series definitely check this one out.
If your looking for a new crime fiction series definitely check this one out.
November 11, 2023
My Thoughts: I really loved this, it drew me in right from the start.
A young man is found drowned in the river by a young girl going for a walk with her mum, with the added complication of the storm by the time they free him he is past being able to identify him..
What seems like a simple suicide/drowning is proved otherwise after the autopsy..
It’s down to DCI Stirling and DI Summer to work out what happened!
Getting to the bottom of it means going back in time when sensitive material comes to light that can cause uproar for one of the candidates who is in the race to become the new prime minister…
The story was gripping, it’s a fairly long book, but it doesn’t feel long because the story it’s just so easy to get lost in.
I didn’t know where it was going, but every time I thought I’d work it out another layer was added!
I really enjoyed being back with Stirling and found Summer to be the perfect partner for him, the banter between them was brilliant and she even managed to find his softer side.
I’m really hoping that there is another book in the series I can’t wait to see what Ray comes up with next!
🐧❤️
A young man is found drowned in the river by a young girl going for a walk with her mum, with the added complication of the storm by the time they free him he is past being able to identify him..
What seems like a simple suicide/drowning is proved otherwise after the autopsy..
It’s down to DCI Stirling and DI Summer to work out what happened!
Getting to the bottom of it means going back in time when sensitive material comes to light that can cause uproar for one of the candidates who is in the race to become the new prime minister…
The story was gripping, it’s a fairly long book, but it doesn’t feel long because the story it’s just so easy to get lost in.
I didn’t know where it was going, but every time I thought I’d work it out another layer was added!
I really enjoyed being back with Stirling and found Summer to be the perfect partner for him, the banter between them was brilliant and she even managed to find his softer side.
I’m really hoping that there is another book in the series I can’t wait to see what Ray comes up with next!
🐧❤️
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews