Author:Jonathan Lewis
In the stinking mud of a great tidal river, a body lies half submerged. Sir Tommy Best, adored British actor, has fallen to his death through a hole in the walkway above. The saintly Sir Tommy was friend to the starving and penniless, to kings and stars. He was also totally blind and reliant on his brilliant guide dog, Suzy. But she is nowhere to be found. It seems unimaginable that Suzy would have led him into danger, so is it murder? And where is she? When she finally turns up, it is only to deepen the mystery. She is stressed and tense and soon Chief Superintendent 'Fatso' and Detective Chief Inspector Ned realise that only one person in the force can possibly help. Kate, police dog handler extraordinaire, known affectionately as the Dog Tart, suggests they find Nick Parsons, who trained Suzy, in the hope that he can get the dog to lead them to the truth. The search for Nick Parsons culminates in a highly unusual plan, in which Ned will become blind for one night and with Suzy the guide dog, re-enact Sir Tommy Best's last fateful walk. The truth which they uncover is utterly horrible.
Gripping
—— Dog Today[A] well-balanced combination of instruction, mystification and action ... a very promising debut
—— Literary ReviewThe highly descriptive passages and the way we are given insight into the mind of Ned and Kate remind me of Chandler and his world-weary detective heroes. By the end of the first page, I was hooked ... Lewis has a way of making his characters interesting and amusing and loveable ... I cared about these people and that is what will make me look out for another book, hopefully another story involving Ned and Kate, by this promising author ... The writing is careful; every word is needed and considered. It is witty without being slick. Not a book to skip through but one to be enjoyed and savoured. I enjoyed every word.
—— Eurocrimea neat plot, interesting social commentary and compelling writing...Don't miss.
—— Literary Review[Leon] is a master at weaselling her way into the venal byways of human selfishness and laying them bare. ... There's a quietness to the crimes here that is more powerful than outlandish violence, and which points to the philosophical bedrock from which Leon so effectively works.
—— Scottish Sunday HeraldA new force to reckon with in suspense
—— Donna Andersa darkly disturbing tale of murder and madness. Lief is a bold new voice in the suspense genre who demonstrates a talent for intricate plotting and ominous atmosphere. Someone to watch!"
—— Romantic Times MagazineIt's something the Americans always used to do slightly better, the escaped maniac who's coming after people, and eventually catching up with them, and this one'sno slouch. Heart-stoppingly entertaining.
—— Books MonthlyYour heart will be pounding long after you've turned the final page
—— LISA GARDNER