‘The Huntsmen’ by Tony J.Forder is the first book to feature DS Royston Chase and DC Clare Laney. I love DI Bliss which is another Tony J. Forder creation so was really looking forward to this new book from him. The cover teased me with a promise I only hoped would be followed through within the pages.
We are introduced to DS Chase as he is called out to a fatal road collision. He is given the task of identifying a girl who died alongside the ex-Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police. Paired with the bold and strident DC Claire Laney, Chase is given the task of closing the case quickly and quietly. The girls DNA links her to a case of a girl who disappeared from her home twenty years earlier. Chase and Laney take up the challenge of not falling for coincidence and begin to dig deeper into the ex-Chief Constable’s life. As they embark upon finding the truth they suddenly discover opposition that are willing to do anything to stop them. The fact that the establishment looks after its own means that they soon find themselves fighting for their reputations as well as saving the case. Chase and Laney are determined to identify the girl, whatever the consequences are.
DS Royston Chase, a copper with a brain injury that means he has no filter, this leads to many a remark he sometimes wishes he could take back. I find him refreshingly unique and intriguing. DC Clare Laney, a copper who has been promoted then demoted too many times to remember. A woman I can relate to who comes across as someone you feel like you should avoid but really has a heart of gold. The mask she wears as a defence mechanism slips pretty quick after meeting DS Chase.
Made a team by the ‘higher ups’ hoping these two will crash and burn together. These two are a team that are like bacon and egg, fit together against all the odds, I liked them both a lot. I am looking forward to both their backstories as the series expands. They really make a cracking comedy duo as well as coppers! We also have PCSO Alison May to complete their team. She is another great woman, wanting to learn and it feels she wishes she could learn by osmosis she is that eager.
Tony J.Forder has created a strong and intricate plot that really kept me gripped. It does bring the subject of child abuse but, as ways, Tony J.Forder handles this very sensitively and with respect. This is a typical Tony J.Forder book, you think you have been reading about half an hour and it turns out to be 3 hours. It immerses you that much! Truly gripped from the first to last sentence.
A series I am so excited about I almost can’t wait for the next book! Tony, hurry up please! Congratulations on a diamond of a book.
Thanks to Tony J.Forder for the copy of this book.
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 