I found the treatment of the plot rather superficial. For me the range and depth of the enquiry was worth two separate books. Therefore although the story drips with tension and is well written the element of craft in plot creation and revelation were not quite there.
There is little made of obsession other than a DCI who works long hours, neglects his family and quietly revisits a cold case he’s recreated at home.
If his investigation into his wife’s murder was continuing it was at odds with his description as a genius detective. Surely he would have sufficient experience to realise the case needed a break that would not come from just staring at the notes each and every night. So the premise was not sold to me.
His fall from grace was also unbelievable and smacks of everything that is summed up by the phrase bent coppers. Flood shows poor judgement and in fact his character flaws seem to preclude him from working within any professional field of integrity. Not an ideal witness or senior officer.
The deal to get evidence using an undercover cop does not play out well. Large holes in the plotting and with little chance of success for the people involved.
I feel it is a book not honed and finished well. Full of great ideas and original concepts within the genre but not brought to fruition.
I was not fully sold of the characters, again not fully formed and too many inconsistencies.
The gang only seems to have three members, one vehicle which they keep. Surely, nick a car and torch it usually works for a reason.
I found the reference to the trial an addition suitable for a separate novel and an irrelevance to this story.
I’m sorry even ordering my review thoughts has cost another star, lost from its praise.
A novel full of good ideas released before it was done like a cake not baked and removed from the oven too soon. All the ingredients but lacking style, appeal and that desire for another slice.

Really enjoyed this story. Well written, with a thrilling plot. Would recommend to others, really great read.

This is a cracking good crime thriller from Dai Henley and book two in the DCI Flood series. It starts off at a great pace and just keeps on delivering until the end. We have corruption, murder, drugs, torture and twists and turns. A sure fire winner and well done Dai Henley. An easy 5 stars from me. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and Facebook..