A quick and action packed read. Sam is a dirty cop, now doing undercover work in London. His colleagues have their doubts about him, but he tries to stay one step ahead of them. This investigation is looking into thefts on cash deliveries, Sam becomes involved with a group of suspects and more crimes and gang warfare come to light. Despite sam being a "bad un", I did come to like and grudgingly respect him as the book progressed. The plot is well thought out with plenty of twists and turns and kept my interest throughout. The book is not very long and chapters mostly short. The subject matter is sometimes violent and gritty but you get insight into Sam's trust issues.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC, will look for more from this author

The story follows Detective Sergeant Sam Batford as he embarks on a perilous undercover assignment in North London. An armed gang is actively robbing cash vans, and Batford’s superiors are determined to catch them in the act. However, Batford faces dual threats: not only does he have to navigate the dangerous world of organized crime, but he also has to contend with Superintendent Klara Winter, who suspects him of corruption and is intent on exposing him.

As Batford infiltrates the ruthless mob, he finds himself in increasingly precarious situations where his life is at stake. The tension escalates as he must decide whether to continue bending the rules to survive or take a stand and attempt to redeem himself. The narrative raises critical questions about loyalty, integrity, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who operate in the shadows of law enforcement.

For a bent copper, DS Sam Batford isn’t such a bad sort. With a soft spot for the vulnerable or exploited, Batford has his moral compass on the correct setting. Over and above that though, it’s all up for grabs and Batford will take his share. Right from the off, the tension is tangible as Batford forms part of a tight knit undercover operation. The wrong thing said, even the wrong look could not only blow the op but confine Batford to a grisly early retirement. The dialogue comes across as authentic and entirely in keeping with the dicey scenarios that Batford and his colleagues find themselves in, You genuinely get the feeling that one false move could bring the whole house of cards crashing down, A taut thriller that grips you right from the off.