Book review: Gallowstree Lane

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By Kate London
Published by Corvus

 Synopsis: When a teenage boy steps out of the shadows of Gallowstree Lane and asks a passer-by for help, it's already too late. His life is bleeding out on the London street. 

 The murder threatens to derail Operation Perseus, a cover police investigation into the Eardsley Bluds, an organised criminal network. Detective Kieran Shaw can't and won't allow that to happen. But fifteen-year-old Ryan has other ideas. He's witnessed the death of his best friend, and now he wants someone to pay…

 As loyalties collide, a chain of events is triggered that threatens everyone with a connection to Gallowstree Lane. 

 How did this book end up in my hands? This was another successful serialisation via The Pigeonhole.

 Was it a page-turner? Definitely, yes. I probably would have read it much quicker if I had had a physical copy in my hands. However, I’m glad I didn’t because I was slightly out of my depth in the world of police investigations and organised crime and I appreciated the time I had to absorb the unfolding events between one instalment and the next.

 Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? Yes, I was very pleased as I have a feeling this kind of books can get so terribly complicated sometimes. I remember reading It All Falls Down and feeling like there was almost too much going on at the same time.

 Did I like the ending? [no spoilers] I can’t say any more than a simple ‘yes’ without giving anything away.

 Three words to describe it. Urban. Intriguing. Intense.

 Do I like the cover? Yes, I love the cover. It is gritty and haunting, which I think matches the book perfectly.

 Have I read any other books by the same author? No, and I didn’t realise this book was part of a series. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on essential background information so that was great. Plus, I get to read more stories featuring DS Sarah Collins and PC Lizzie Griffiths, which is also great!

 Will I be recommending this book? Yes, especially if you enjoy police procedural fiction (I think that’s the term), strong female characters and an extremely evocative setting.

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