Cambridge Black by Alison Bruce
A cold case waits to be solved . . . and a killer waits in the wings.
Amy was seven years old when her father was arrested for murder. His subsequent trial and conviction scarred her childhood and cast a shadow over her life until, twenty-two years later, new evidence suggests he was innocent and Amy sets out to clear his name.
But Amy is not the only person troubled by the past. DC Gary Goodhew is haunted by the day his grandfather was murdered and is still searching for answers, determined to uncover the truth about his grandfather’s death and find his killer.
But, right now, someone is about to die. Someone who has secrets and who once kept quiet but is now living on borrowed time. Someone who will be murdered because disturbing the past has woken a killer.
Another incredible adventure with Gary Goodhew but this time it’s even better – it features his Grandmother Ellie. I’ve been waiting patiently in the wings for Ellie to feature more prominently and I’ve finally been rewarded for my patience!
I’ve had the great pleasure of reading all seven books in the Goodhew series and I have to say that apart from the first couple, this has been my favourite! Alison Bruce writes with a distinct passion and gives a unique voice to Cambridge, allowing the city to come alive with a colourful and intelligent narrative.
Cambridge Black immediately picks up from the previous story where we lost one of my favourite characters, I was devastated! The pace is intense from the outset and doesn’t let up until a thrilling finish.
Characterisation is as on point as ever and Kincaide doesn’t disappoint at all. He never really does. You’ll either love him or hate him – I’ve always disliked him but as a character he definitely adds flavour to the book, he’s the seasoning to a very good recipe. He’s up to his old tricks and then some, always one to try and hurt Goodhew and once again he stops at nothing to try and cause his nemesis problems. Whether he succeeds or not you’ll just have to read the book!
This time around I felt the characters connected on a greater level than previously and the relationships all helped to move the numerous plots and sub plots along at a rapid pace. I can’t quite put my hand on it but it’s possible the cold case played a big part.
As with all her books Cambridge Black works well as a stand alone book but to get the most out of it, reading the back catalogue is a must! You won’t be sorry!
But the last word has to go to Ellie and Gary’s relationship. The book (s) come alive whenever Ellie or Joe (Gary’s Grandfather) are mentioned and I was so thrilled to discover a hidden past this time around. Ellie is a wonderful old bird and I always think she’s the grandmother we all want and need at some point in our lives.
Absolutely superb.
- Hardcover: 288 pages
- Publisher: Constable (23 Feb. 2017)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1472119630
- ISBN-13: 978-1472119636
