Where Crows Land – Paul McCracken
This gripping thriller is set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and chronicles the dramatic events when a former detective, Joseph Carter, sets out to gain redemption from the consequences of an old case that cost him everything.
Carter is still haunted by the murders of his niece and brother-in-law at the hands of a serial killer he was trying to track down. One year on, the killer has returned and Carter, now a disgraced detective gone private, launches a personal vendetta to catch him this time around.
My thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours for the opportunity to join the blog tour for Where Crows Land. I recieved a review copy ahead of joining the tour.
Joseph Carter has been in the police and was working on a particularly horrific case when his life turned upside-down. A killer had been snatching victims and setting their bodies alight, their burning remains found around Belfast almost like a taunt to the authorities.
Carter discovered that his niece had been snatched and was almost certain to be the next victim. A meet was agreed to pay a ransom but rather than follow procedure and notify his colleagues Carter and his brother in law rushed off to try to secure his niece’s release. It ended badly and Carter was left a bloodied and bruised sole survivor. The killer was never found.
Spinning forward to current days and Carter has had to leave the force after he shouldered full blame for the (potentially) avoidable deaths of his brother in law and niece. He now works as a private investigator but still makes use of a couple of police contacts where he can.
Carter becomes embroiled in a new case but there appears a connection to the events which led to the death of his niece. Not prepared to be bested for a second time Carter throws himself fully into this new case and is adamant he will get justice or retribution for past events.
This felt a relentless read, it’s not a long book but the action comes thick and fast. Paul McCracken keeps Carter spinning from one incident to the next. It felt intense at times, no respite for a driven Investigator who will lose perspective, patience and his self control to get the information he needs from suspects.
The police are aware of Carter’s obsession and determination but there is only so much sympathetic former colleagues can do to keep Carter out of jail as he over-steps the mark I his pursuit of a truth which will give him closure.
Punchy, intense and with a pleasing endgame.
Where Crows Land is available in digital format and can be ordered here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08PFWTLV3/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1
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