Title: Payback
Author: R.C. Bridgestock
Series: DI Charley Mann #1
Publisher: The Dome Press
[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.
[My Review]
Payback kicks off this new crime series with a bang, introducing us to plucky DCI Charley Mann, who has returned to her hometown after having moved to London under challenging circumstances many years ago. I haven’t read anything by writing couple R.C. Bridgestock before, so haven’t got to experience their highly prasied DI Jack Dylan series, but from reading Payback I can see why they are such a popular writing duo.
In this novel, we slowly start to unpick what happened in Charley’s past, without focusing too much on what’s already happened – the story definitely centres around the case in hand, but offers us an insight into what’s moulded Charley into the detective she has become today. The plot is tight and well written – you can tell they have plenty of police experience – and Charley’s colleagues feel well-rounded and convincing. There are definitely some surprises around an ex-flame, who is a troublesome reporter, and the story moves along at a good pace without being too accelerated – there’s some interesting police procedural details to keep fans of those types of crime books interested, as well as enough of a backstory to the characters in the Police, plus a few twists to keep things interesting.
I’d really recommend Payback to anyone looking for a quality, enjoyable crime series. It has a dark edge to it which adds some grit, and DCI Charley Mann is a likable character who I’d really like to read more of, so I’m already looking forward to reading book two!
[Rating: 5/5]
Many thanks to The Dome Press for providing a copy of this novel, on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review, and for inviting me onto the blog tour.
[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.