A serious fire at Rose Cottage near Aylesbury in which a body is found starts a chain of events that encompasses a 1995 cold case in which £35 million is stolen in an audacious train robbery. The team which investigates the death is led by DCI Simon Ridley who is head of a Divisional Serious Crime Team. The principal character though is DC Jack Warr and the rest of the team are DS Laura Wade who is more than a bit in lust with Jack and DC Anik Joshi. The case takes Jack on a fascinating journey of self discovery during which he becomes irrevocably different to his old self in many ways. The intriguing story is told in different timelines- in the present day and some backtracking to the days before and around the train robbery.

One of the standout aspects of the book are the characters, Jack is especially interesting because he is so conflicted about his job and is luke warm in his efforts. He is adopted and the search for his birth father and the case are intertwined and when he learns the truth it leaves him with a foot in two worlds which he is determined to use to his advantage. Ridley is a great character too and nothing gets past him! Jack’s partner Maggie and his adoptive parents are very likeable too and Jack is a warmer person with them. The female gang are really interesting and it’s hard not to admire their audacious and clever planning. The plot initially seems complicated and you do have to concentrate (no bad thing!) but it all falls into place. The pace is quite fast although I think there’s a dip in the middle but I guess that mirrors the case stalling. There is plenty of twisty intrigue and mystery especially as part of the investigation leads to the old dastardly world of East End gangs and gangsters with all their brutality and this makes the story gritty and grisly on occasion. I like the ending as it’s surprising and it sets the reader up well to see where Jacks story goes next. Sign me up for Book 2!!

Overall, an entertaining read from one of the queens of the British Crime Fiction genre.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books, Zaffre UK.