The Score by Howard Marks is published in hardback by Harvill Secker, priced £12.99 (ebook £8.51). Available now.
Howard Marks, aka "Mr Nice", returns with his follow-up to 2011's Sympathy For The Devil, with DS Catrin Price on admin duty while recovering from the trauma of her last case.
Cryptic contact with a troubled friend reignites her thirst for duty, taking her to the desolate environment of the Brecon Beacons.
A missing girl, with few leads bar a YouTube video, the discovery of bodies at an abandoned mine shaft and a possible connection with a lauded drugs baron sees Price end up in London, where reminders of her previous life lie in waiting.
An engaging, well-paced crime novel, Marks teases out enough intrigue and clues to keep the reader interested, with the paranoia and mental state of Price a key element as the narrative progresses.
The writer's influences are dotted throughout - the name checking of obscure bands, a penchant for Nick Drake, the drug references.
The harsh imagery of rural Wales is also significant to the story, mirroring the emotional turmoil of the protagonist.
Critics may tire of some stereotypical elements, particularly within the force - an alcoholic detective who's handy with his fists - but overall this is a worthy addition to the genre.
8/10
(Review by James Cleary)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here