From the Cradle by Mark Edwards and Louise Voss

Reviewer: Gillian Hamer, author of The Charter, Closure, Complicit, Crimson Shore & False Lights (www.gillianhamer.com)

What we thought: I’ve read some of Mark Edwards solo thrillers in the past, so was interested to see how this crime thriller collaboration with Louise Voss would stack up. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and thought the book was well plotted, well-paced and held the reader’s attention right to the final page.

The opening scene is quite brutal, but in a more subtle way than many crime novels that open with a big crash and bang murder scene. Here, we are introduced to DI Patrick Lennon at his lowest point in his life, which immediately sets up a bond between the main protagonist and the reader.

The story revolves around missing children investigations and murders, and the resolution of the crime or crimes was actually unique and a refreshing change from many kidnap-type plots. The particular strength of the novel for me was the characterisation. Each character, whether on the police side, the victim’s families or the suspects were well crafted and believable, with a very competent and clever use of dialogue and dialect throughout.

For crime fiction fans out there who fancy something new, this novel comes highly recommended and I look forward to reading further novels from this talented duo.

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Peter James, Val McDermid, Ian Rankin.

Avoid if you don’t like: Family secrets and lies.

Ideal accompaniments: English afternoon tea with a glass of fizz.

Genre: Crime Fiction.

Available from Amazon