Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 June 2023

This is the third in the highly acclaimed series featuring Kamil Rahman, however, it is my first read by the author (though after reading this I will be rectyfying this), I can say though that it easily reads as a stand alone.

I found this to be a compelling read, wonderfully written and very relevant for today, more of a Police thriller, I loved the way the characters came across, Rahman is different to the norm, for me his character made the book, he seems to be someone definately with a past (that may be more apparant in the first two books), this, played out a little with reminders of his time in India. Now out to prove himself in the Met, he has tenacity and determination to suceed and looks at things in a more logical way. I found the interplay with Anjoli, his not quite girlfriend to be some of the best scenes in terms of human relationships.

On the whole I found the characters written in a way that gave them an air of believeability, you got a real sense of who each were and their role within the story, Anjoli was a definite standout though

The plot for me was superbly constructed, slick in its build up, there was plenty of scope for red herrings and the author does not dissapoint, there are plenty of twists along the way, the final denoument was outstanding in its reveal. You get two plots for the price of one, though both relevant. You can also see the authors background in bringing the plot to life on the page

The writing gives you a real sense of place within the community around Brick Lane and a feel for the area, in fact this is a strongly written book full of murder and mystery


It is a book which tackles racism within the Police and doesn’t shirk this in any way, for me that just added to the story in terms of realism sadly prevalent in certain circles. By the end though I felt that there was a certain respect building if not one of friendship, though this has along way to go


I was drawn into the story from the opening prologue which at first had me intrigued but is central to the plot line, definitely engaging, at times I found the book hard to put down, there is a real gritty down to earth feel about the book, a standout read, it plays on many themes

Overall this was highly enjoyable read, which will appeal to all who lover there crime fiction, one to recommend. 5*