This is the sequel to the Streets of Darkness set in the troubled streets of Bradford which I loved. Harry now has a year old son, Aaron, and the famiy rift created with him marrying a Muslim, Saima, continues to tear him apart. The moral ambiguity of his character is increased with his actions in this novel, perhaps inevitable given that it opens with the discovery of a murder victim that turns out to be Tara, Harry's beloved niece, and Ronnie's daughter. The seeds of a brutal and violent story are set in motion as Harry tries to find out what happened and his drug lord brother, Ronnie, seeks a bloody retribution. The author has taken many of the contemporary issues that have affected the Asian community, like the need to control their sons and daughters with oft heartbreaking and tragic outcomes and gives us characters that represent them. Additionally, there is the inclusion of the sordid revelations of child abuse and paedophilia amongst some Asian men which are utilised by the author to create a dark and compelling narrative of the deadly ripples of repercussion that follow.

Harry is excluded from the police investigation led by DI Palmer, but that is not going to stop him. He delves into Tara's life, and discovers a young, feisty and independent woman who left home upon discovering the criminal nature of her father's empire. She had a close friend, Sarah Brewster, who gives Harry a good idea of what Tara had got herself involved with and attempts to save a mother and daughter. Ali, a damaged man, seeks to fulfil his personal desires, willing to go against his criminal bosses to achieve his flawed dream. In a twisted investigation, a guilt ridden Harry comes up against a dangerous and powerful criminal ring and faces the inescapable fact that he and Ronnie are destined to clash as they walk different paths. Harry and Ronnie become acquainted with the mysterious and broken Girl Zero, with horrific implications for the brothers.

This is a well written book which I enjoyed reading. However, I miss the sweet and tender relationship Harry had with Saima, his focus is now more on his son, Aaron. Additionally, whilst there is an authenticity in the characters, and a reflection of issues covered in the media, I think there is a gaping hole that needs to be filled with ongoing feisty Asian female characters that do not end up dead, like Tara. The fraught complications of religious divisions and traditions with repressive rules on sexuality and marriage, coupled with deeply ingrained sexism is well captured by the author. A gripping and relevant read. Thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.