Cracking first book introducing DCI Tom Caton and DS Stuart, the latter to feature in the author's National Crime Agency series. As with all his stories, the author uses his encyclopaedic knowledge of Manchester geography and buildings to use real locations which make the story that much more authentic. He also has an excellent knowledge of police procedures which invests the story with added credibility. ( )

This is the first book in a series and it is a very good start, which I will follow up on in the near future; having already purchased books 2 and 3.
It is very much a police procedural gong into a great deal of detail on the investigations and operations that form part of the story, as well as detailing the pressures on the police at several levels. The hero, Tom Caton, is less flawed than many of the characters in other series, but still interesting and the members of his team show promise for future development.
The writing is very straightforward, but retains the fast pace needed to grip the reader throughout. A definite 7/10!
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An interesting novel, and notably adept for a debut. The characterisation was a little on the wooden side, and Rogers' attempts to give his protagonist depth by referring to his book clubs, musical tastes and visits to the gym perversely served more to heighten his two dimensional aspects. He was more successful with the hints about Caton's personal tragedy in the past, with fleeting references to the loss of his parents, that did serve to render some depth to him.
The procedural aspects of the police operation were covered well and the plot, though strianing credibility in places, showed good planning. Not the most dynamic or gripping novel I have read this year, but I was sufficiently impressed to look for his other books, ( )