I'm not going to lie, I found this book a bit of a challenge. A hotchpotch of various characters somehow linked to a murder, or are they, and at the end of it I still actually didn't know who the killer was.

Maybe it's just me which would be surprising as I read a lot of crime fiction and don't normally struggle. In recent months this was not one of my favourite reads. Shame really as the title really gripped me and I was look8ng forward to reading the work. I'd give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! What a fantastic thriller and rollercoaster of a read it is. Featuring DS Max Lomax, Special Operations, and a whole host of interesting characters, it's an exciting read for lovers of thrillers and one I can highly recommend. I loved the intricate plotting and the London setting, as well as the social issues portrayed. I hope there is more to come from Max. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Set around the multi-million pound industry of land purchase and development, the story revolves around claims of dirty money. Johnny Nunn, homeless and keen to keep his head down, has knowledge that could bring the whole show crashing down on the lead developer of a London housing project. The stakes are high and with one vocal protester already dead under highly dubious circumstances, the list of those wanting Johnny silenced is only growing longer.

The narrative is driven by dialogue, whether that be from a copper, a nark, an executive or Johnny himself, and is always incisive and on trend. The level of threat builds steadily and the characters are plausible and relatable, none more so than the detectives working at street level with those whom life has and continues to rain upon.

I loved the south London and Kent settings. A spiky read that juxtaposes big business with a brutal underworld that most of us, thankfully, will never be part of.