A hard read, set in the late 1970s, when women and people of minority groups had a very had time trying to do their jobs in the police, both from the general public and extremely biased colleagues. Sadly it felt all too real. Leigh, female with attitude and Des, Chinese, are partners in an otherwise white male CID group in Liverpool. The body of a young man is found but no-one comes forward or admits they knew him. They discover other missing young men and Leigh includes her own brother, James. It's a gritty story, underworld horror, lies, and everything you really don't want to read about. Leigh has had a very hard time of it with her missing brother, break up of parent's marriage, father's second marriage and mother's unpleasant character now reinforced through developing dementia. Leigh herself is a mess - too much drinking, don't care attitudes. Des has a more conventional Chinese British upbringing but now has to cope with the death of his father. She reacts to misogynistic comments by foul mouthing and aggression, he by politeness but quiet seething. Although the main case is sorted at the end there is a clear follow-on signposted not least because there is a 6 month gap between the last chapter and the epilogue. The story certainly has the feel of the time so is well written from that point of view; however, most of the characters are rather unlikely even if they have good reasons to act as such. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.