Synopsis:
Charley Mann left Yorkshire for the Met and a fast-track career – but now she’s back, she’s in charge and the area’s first young, female DI.
Her hometown, the Yorkshire countryside, and her old friends all seem unchanged, but appearances can be deceptive.
When a brutal murder is discovered, Charley is forced to question everything, and the interest of her ex – reporter Danny Ray – doesn’t make it easier.
Review:
This is the first book I've read by husband and wife writing duo R.C. Bridgestock. I've heard nothing but good things about their previous novels so I was looking forward to 'Payback' immensely. I don't read heaps of books in the crime genre but the synopsis sounded great and I was in the mood for something gritty and gripping.
'Payback' introduces the character of DI Charley Mann who has recently moved back to her hometown after a stint in London. On her return she has to deal with lots of faces from her past, particularly childhood friend turned reporter, Danny Ray. I really liked Charley and her go-getter attitude. She is tough and feisty and because she was such an interesting character, she carried the story well. There are lots of references to things that have happened in her past which was intriguing and helped to draw me in.
The action kicks off almost immediately with the discovery of a body and the murder investigation is hardly underway before a second body turns up. It's up to Charley and her team to uncover who is responsible and why. I'm not a fan of crime stories which are too graphic but I think 'Payback' got the balance right. There were a few bits that made me slightly squeamish but I'm sure would be right up the alley of any die-hard crime fans.
There are plenty of twists throughout the story which I loved and my brain was definitely working hard trying to figure it all out.
A great read and hopefully R.C Bridgestock will be back with more books about Charley Mann in the future. I think they've come up with a winning character that readers will want more of.
About the Authors:
R.C. Bridgestock is the name that husband and wife co-authors Robert (Bob) and Carol Bridgestock write under. Between them they have nearly 50 years of police experience, offering an authentic edge to their stories.
The writing duo created the character DI Jack Dylan, the ninth book of which was published by The Dome Press in 2019, along with their backlist.
Bob was a highly commended career detective of 30 years, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent. During his last three years, he took charge of 26 murders, 23 major incidents, over 50 suspicious deaths and numerous sexual assaults. He was also a trained hostage negotiator with suicide interventions, kidnap, terrorism and extortion. Bob was seconded to a protracted enquiry investigating alleged police corruption in another force. He worked on the Yorkshire Ripper and Sarah Harper murder, and received praise from Crown Court Judges and Chief Constables alike for outstanding work at all ranks, including winning the much-coveted Dennis Hoban Trophy.
As a police civilian supervisor, Carol also received a Chief Constable’s commendation for outstanding work. The couple are the storyline consultants / police procedural on BAFTA-winning BBC1 police drama Happy Valley and series 3 of ITV’s Scott and Bailey, and are presently working with Scott Free Production scriptwriters on two commissioned TV drama series.
The couple pride themselves on being up-to-date on past and present day UK police procedures, and as a result, Bob is regularly sought by UK television, radio and national and local newspapers for comment on developing major crime incidents etc. They have also taken part in BBC Radio 4 (Steve) PUNT P.I.
Carol and Bob are also patrons and ambassadors for several charities.
I have not read the novel written by these authors yet. This review certainly encouraged me to buy and read this book.
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