SYNOPSIS:
After a police operation ends in catastrophe, DCI Eve West is suspended. She faces expulsion from the force, until John Duran - a violent criminal Eve incarcerated, still serving his sentence - offers to help clear her name. But nothing comes without a price.
Duran wants Eve to help free a fellow prisoner, who he claims has been wrongly convicted of murder. But as her investigation takes a dark turn, Eve finds that more than just her job is at stake, and realises Duran is a dangerous man to trust . . .
MY THOUGHTS:
This is the first book in the Eve West series and I loved it. Eve is given a tip-off that Liam Betts, a man she has been longing to talk to for weeks, is laying low at an address in London. She convinces her boss, and lover, to go and pay Betts a visit. However, when they arrive things are not as straightforward as they first appear and it ends with dire consequences. Eve is suspended whilst an investigation takes place. She then receives correspondence from John Duran, a murderer who Eve helped put behind bars, he has some news for her that will help her case at the disciplinary hearing. Agreeing to visit him at Bellevue Prison, Duran explains that in order to hand over any information he has he wants her to investigate another inmate, Sean Farrell, who says he is innocent of killing Jane McNeil and has already spend 10 years inside for a murder he didn't commit. Reluctantly, Eve joins forces with Dan Cooper of the 4Justice charity, in investigating the Farrell case.
This novel was such a page-turner. I loved Eve. A women who was comfortable in her own skin, who doesn't have the need for material goods, is strong, opinionated and very independent. Dan was also an endearing character, although I must admit I didn't particularly take to him at first, but he grew on me throughout the book. When we meet Dan he is at an all time low, his girlfriend and partner of 4Justice has left and he is sleeping in the office. The charity is not doing well and the deadline for proving Farrell's innocence is closing in. He doesn't take too kindly to Eve stepping on his toes and investigating the case too but over time the pair realise that in order to join forces and work together they need to put their trust and faith in one another. As the story evolves so too does their working relationship.
There was a lot going on in this book, with a host of colourful characters and many twist and turns along the way. I loved the investigative feel of the novel and found the complex but comprehensive storyline extremely appealing. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough and was desperate to find out what happened to Jane McNeil and the reason for her murder. Although the Farrell case takes up the bulk of the novel there is the underlying story of Eve's suspension and past that linger throughout the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. You know that even when you find out who was responsible for the murder of McNeil there is still another backstory to uncover. It feels like the book just keeps on giving. There were some fabulous, shocking and nail biting moments that I didn't foresee along with a steady pace that didn't let up.
Overall a brilliant twisty storyline with strong aloof characters who develop alongside the plot. A very enjoyable and memorable read. I look forward to reading more in the Eve West Series.
Many thanks to Emma at damppebbles for inviting me to join the blog tour.
Elena Forbes worked for a number of international investment groups before becoming a full-time writer. She is the author of four previous thrillers in the Mark Tartaglia series, the first of which, Die with Me, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger Award. She lives in central London.
Social Media:
Website: http://www.elenaforbes.com/
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