Martin Bodenham – Crime And Justice

‘Crime and Justice’ by Martin Bodenham is a book that highlights how far some people will go to protect their careers, especially within politics. Crime and Justice is a story that involves corruption and a rape case that could destroy everything the Seattle Mayor has worked for.

Patti Rainsford has just announced her candidacy for the state governor, then her son is accused of rape and assault of a 17-year-old girl. This could mean her candidacy is in major trouble and she is ruthless enough to do anything to make it go away. Then we have Clark a crime lab worker who is debt-laden and his wife’s career is not looking at all good. He is given a decision he can’t just walk away from as it could everything in one go, though he may never escape from his actions ever again. Finally, there is the detective, who sees the possibilities of solving this rape case.

She throws her whole self in to discover the truth and nail the suspect. Things don’t appear to be unfolding as she expects, but instead of just letting it go, she becomes more determined to prove the truth.

My first read by Martin Bodenham and it won’t be my last at all. The plot is a really intriguing one in that Clark has a decision to make that has repercussions whichever choice he makes and they are both enough to change the course of his life permanently. The book takes no time to throw us in the centre of Clark’s struggles with his dilemma. Detective Linda Farrell, is assigned the case and she realises that she needs to get the right man for this rape and sexual assault case and quick. Her marriage is struggling and she is a woman who doesn’t take any notice of the correct police procedure, she is one on her own. These things are affecting her career and she knows of she can wrap this up she will be resurrecting her career. To put it bluntly, Detective Linda Farrell is a woman on a mission!

I was completely drawn into this book, Clark with his complicated problems and moral dilemma, Farrell with her single-mindedness, and the Mayor…willing to do anything to save her career. Brilliantly written and plotted to make me think it could go in any direction at any point. The characters were a mixed bag, the Mayor, well, she was pretty unlikeable immediately and I like Linda Farrell with her doggedness throughout and her relatability. Clark, well he was in a proper no-win situation that made me feel sorry on one hand and the other made me think well, some of the things were of his own making.

A gripping thriller that comes with moral dilemmas that have you thinking all the way through and twists that give an air of unexpectedness. All in all a really interesting and entertaining story, with a great police officer, that I would love to read more about in the future.

Thanks to Damp Pebbles Blog Tours and Down & Out Books for me to give you my thoughts today.