This is the first in a new series featuring Sergeant Jessica Raker. I enjoyed it so much that I’m looking forward to further books in the series.

Jess Raker is a firearms officer in the Metropolitan Police. One day, she has no option but to shoot a criminal – who dies – and his disreputable family put out a contract on her head. At the scene, she also discovers that her husband has been having an affair, so when she’s advised to relocate, she sees it as an opportunity to give him a second chance.

Jess grew up in Lancashire and a vacancy for a sergeant is available in a rural area, so she moves the family there. She teams up with Samira, a PCSO, and they work well together. They’re both really good characters in the book and I warmed to them straight away.

Unfortunately for Jess, her enemies are still on the lookout for her.

A great storyline and this promises to be an excellent series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

The first book in a new crime series following police sergeant Jess Raker who is the target of an organised crime gang out for revenge following the killing of one of their sons during an armed robbery. Jessica is forced to move back north for the safety of her and her family. Once there she is quickly put to work investigating several murders.

Jessica is a great main character. Strong but not without thought for others. Her are Samira both stand out as ones I want to read more about. The book was fast paced and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I did think the last third was very rushed and it felt quite unfinished in some aspects although some bits were neatly ended. Her family is quite a part of the first half then not really mentioned again. I’m sure they’ll pop up in future books but it felt quite disjointed. This didn’t stop me enjoying the book but I hope the second one will feel more fully fleshed out the entire way through.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
This is the 1st in the Sergeant Jessica Raker series and what a great start it is, I loved it.
She's a good character, strong, feisty and resourceful -
even though there's a mob boss out to have her killed.
Her PSCO Samira Patel is very likeable and the 2 work well together.
The story itself is excellent: there's tension, action, and blips in Jess' private life and it all works well together with a scary, but ultimately very satisfying ending. Can't wait for the 2nd in the series!