A so so police procedural set in the bygone nostalgic era of 1980's Britain following the investigation into the accidental death of a soldier during a dispute.

A well written novel to start a series featuring DI Nick Lowry. Set in the mid 1980s following the Fauklan War, it builds upon the historical and cultural differences at the time.

While engaging at the time, it is not a book that will set the world on fire. Having said that, I was happy to sit and read it, finding it an easy and enjoyable read.

Being an Essex girl I was looking forward to this read and it certainly didn't disappoint. I seemed to know where they were at all times

Blackwater (DI Nick Lowry, #1) was a three star read for me, and only just.

I was excited to be approved for this book for many reasons. I love English Police Procedurals - they tend to be very atmospheric and evocative of whatever era they are set. Fail #1. This book lacked atmosphere. Even the language used in places was years out of date.

The characters are usually earthy, gritty and realistic. Fail #2. I could not feel any connection with any of the characters, irritation - yes, frustrations - yes, connection, no.

The plot is usually taut and tense and interspersed with a little of their private lives as light relief. Fail #3. By the end I didn't give a damn about Nick's (or any other characters for that matter) private life. I was fed up with his bubble-brained wife and their constant neglect of their child. There was no tension (plotwise), just in my shoulders as I got more and more frustrated the more I read. The only sigh of relief I gave was when I turned the final (virtual) page.

The only reason I didn't rate Blackwater 2.5 stars, is that every now and then a glimmer or really good writing shone through. Not enough to make me want to read any more of this series though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for providing a digital ARC of Blackwater by James Henry for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.