This is not a helpless woman in peril novel, as Con reveals in her narration the way she is drawn into the investigation and taking risks. Some of the characters are also memorable, Rose, for example, almost brings a mythical element to the book with her kind insight into what Con really needs. There are some fascinating passages describing the rebuilding of Edinburgh and the cranes on the skyline. These places are contrasted with the formalised and opulent beauty of the family home. The description of place is especially good, with all the dirt of city streets and well known pubs and other buildings. The narration of this novel is well paced, with moments of high drama and more placid soul searching mixed well. There are some desperate scenes as the reader, along with Con, realise that both her professional life and her actual life are in peril. As family matters draw her back into the thinly disguised conflict with her mother, she realises how difficult it is to separate her private life and work challenges. There is much to disturb her even away from London and the constant presence of the press means that she is still seeking a disguise. Retreating back to Edinburgh where she was a student, she is offered shelter by a family friend with seemingly strange powers. She suddenly becomes involved with Detective Chief Inspector Bain, working for the National Crime Agency, and realises that she is increasingly drawn into an investigation that is far reaching. Within minutes of calling for help when she finds a young man in a terrible state, Con discovers that she must reenter the station from where she is suspended until the trial of those allegedly involved in corruption. This tense and well written story is a gripping read, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book. A tragic discovery near her flat marks the beginning of a case which will test her to the very limits. The fact that she has rejected her family and has become a dedicated police officer despite her relationship with the wealthy and famous is very well handled. The clever idea of this book is the contrast with her childhood spent in a manor house and a privileged family background. As she was instrumental in putting one of the country’s richest businessmen in prison, as well as witnessing at least one messy death, she has become a person of interest to press reporters and photographers who always seen to be camped outside her front door.

Con has a past reason for her current suspension on full pay as a detective police constable, and it’s a complex one. This is London life in the raw, with small and smelly flats, the effects of drugs on people, and the everyday trials of living in largely anonymous housing estates. The second in a series, it works perfectly well as a standalone book, describing a traumatic time for the young police officer. This is a story narrated by the “posh cop” Constance Fairchild.

In Search of Lucy by Lia Fairchild