This book had a slow start, but built up to solving a crime before the old fashioned, pre-computer data days where information about any criminal or historical data can now be found. This is set in the 70s where female police officers still wore skirts and carried purses on the job. Crimes were solved by piecing info together from written records , photos and interviews. I persisted with reading this book and was rewarded with a neat complete ending. I enjoyed the characters and the progress of the crime solving.

Thank you NetGalley and Burning Chair for the eARC.
This is the 2nd in the WPC Samantha Barrie series, but easily read as a standalone.
Sam has settled into her job, is liked by her co-workers and her (secret?) loving relationship is still going strong. But when her best friend and co-worker Steve is arrested on the Isle of Man, suspected of smuggling drugs, she vehemently refuses to believe he's guilty and does everything in her power to prove his innocence. Acting mostly alone (breaking a few rules) she invites danger but plunges on nevertheless.
I loved the the 1970's vibe as well as the irrepressible Sam. It's not quite a cozy, but still made me feel warm: no gruesome details, no serial killer - just a bunch of likeable bobbies who do their best and get along, an absorbing story with a extremely engaging protagonist and some parts that make you smile. Definitely recommended!