In the smoky, rain-soaked streets of 1962's East End of London, DI Jack White is the kind of detective you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley. With a bad haircut that matches his tough-as-nails attitude, White carries a heavy burden of guilt, one that no amount of alcohol can wash away. Stephen Ainley's "The Broken Detective" plunges readers into this gritty world where shadows hide secrets, and redemption is a distant flicker.

From the very first page, Ainley immerses us in the stark reality of White's life. The weight of memories of those he might have saved but didn't hangs heavy over him, creating a complex character with layers of vulnerability beneath the gruff exterior. It's a masterful portrayal of a detective who's as broken as the cases he's trying to solve.

When a young girl goes missing and a man's wife vanishes without a trace, the question arises: Are these crimes or something more sinister? The beauty of "The Broken Detective" lies in its ability to keep readers guessing. Ainley weaves a web of mystery and intrigue, and just when you think you've got it all figured out, the rug is pulled from under you.

This crime thriller has a dark sense of humor. Ainley injects wry wit and biting sarcasm into the narrative, providing moments of levity in a world that's shrouded in shadows. It's a delicate balance that he handles with skill, adding depth to the characters and a touch of humanity to the darkness.

But it's Jack White who steals the show. His relentless pursuit of the truth, even in the face of his own demons, is admirable. He's the kind of detective you root for, flaws and all. His determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost, drives the narrative forward with an irresistible momentum.

"The Broken Detective" is a crime thriller that reminisces to the noir classics of yesteryears. It's a tale of flawed characters, murky mysteries, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Stephen Ainley's writing is mesmerizingly dark and light, creating a world where even the most broken souls can find redemption.

"Ainley's 'The Broken Detective' is a masterclass in atmospheric crime fiction, with a flawed yet utterly relatable protagonist at its heart."

"In the gritty streets of 1962's East End, Stephen Ainley weaves a web of mystery and redemption that keeps you guessing until the very end."

"DI Jack White is the detective we've been waiting for—a flawed hero with a sharp wit. 'The Broken Detective' is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers."

"Ainley's dark sense of humor adds a unique and captivating layer to 'The Broken Detective.' It's a crime thriller that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining."

"With an authentic setting, complex characters, and a relentless pursuit of justice, 'The Broken Detective' is a gripping and unforgettable journey."

"Stephen Ainley's writing is a symphony of tension and intrigue. 'The Broken Detective' is a crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat."

"Ainley's novel is a dark and gripping tale of redemption, where even the most broken souls can find a glimmer of hope."

"If you're a fan of crime fiction with a twist of dark humor, 'The Broken Detective' should be at the top of your reading list."

I have read only 40% of this and am not going to continue. It needs an editor and considerable tightening up. There is a lot of deadwood and awkward phrasing that made me itch to correct it.

Some of the sentence structure sounds immature: this happened then that happened then something else happened. It's like a draft for a story, and a good editor could probably help.

I was going to say I won't leave feedback, but I think I should. I'm not interested enough in the plot to finish it, sorry. I won't post a review anywhere else.

I struggled to get into this book. Once I did, I enjoyed the story, although the delivery of the story wasn't satisfying for me. Sorry.