I was delighted to receive an advance copy of 'The Red Hollow', the second in the William Garrett series from Natalie Marlow. Once again I was faced with a fast paced romp through Birmingham and the West Midlands as gruff-but-troubled Billy and strong-but-sensitive Phyll travel to a local psychiatric facility where Phyll's brother is a patient.

What followed was a beautifully written (some of the descriptions really make my heart sing!) murder mystery with, at it's heart, a battle between good, old-fashioned crime fiction and a character-rich family saga. I loved it. All the clues were there, leading me through the many twists and turns that kept me guessing right up to the last couple of chapters. Another excellent instalment of this series, and I hope for many more.

Perfect for fans of historical crime fiction who like their stories a little darker.

5 stars

An excellent read. I have read the first book which I think helps me appreciate William's angst over Ronnie and Queenie. William Garrett (Billy) is a private investigator. He works out of Needless Alley in Birmingham and has a secretary called Phyl, who also poses as a life model. Phyl & Billy are looking through the paper to see if they can pick up any work. Having in the last book alienated their usual souce. Phyl's brother is at a sanatorium. Like Billy, Freddy is a casaulty from the first world war trenches. The Doctor leading the asylum wants them to investigate a break-in. Billy & Phyl go down to Red Hollow. Phyl stays behind to spend time with her brother and William returns to Birmingham because of his son's christening. Phyl is supposed to go back on the train and meet him there...

It's a well crafted story and I found it fascinating the detail that was given and the twists and turns. If you like Peaky Blinders I think you will enjoy this dark read. Highly recommended.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.