A cop killer on the loose in Cardiff - introducing a dark and gritty new voice in crime fiction, perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride and David Mark

At a squalid flat near the Cardiff docks, an early morning police raid goes catastrophically wrong when the police aren't the only unexpected guests. A plain clothes officer is shot dead at point blank range, the original suspect is left in a coma. The killer, identity unknown, slips away.

Young and inexperienced, Will MacReady starts his first day on the CID. With the city in shock and the entire force reeling, he is desperate to help - but unearths truths that lead the team down an increasingly dark path...

A dark new Welsh crime series from acclaimed novelist Mike Thomas

About the Author

Mike Thomas was born in Wales in 1971. For more than two decades he served in the police, working some of Cardiff's busiest neighbourhoods. He left the force in 2015 to write full time.

Mike has previously had two novels published and was longlisted for the Wales Book of the Year and was on the list of Waterstones 'New Voices'. His second novel, Ugly Bus, is currently in development for a six part series with the BBC.

He lives in the wilds of Portugal with his wife, children and a senile dog who enjoys eating furniture.

Reviews
This one had more grit in it than a sandwich eaten on a windy day in Cardiff Bay . . . every beat of the police in the novel for the authenticity really stands out. I like this new addition to the Welsh literary landscape! * The Book Trail *
Mike Thomas brings the world of the police to authentic - and often - shocking life . . . his first in what promises to be a fascinating series . . . the best crime/police thriller I have read for many years. It is a tribute to Thomas' skills that it is not until well into the story that the pieces start to fall into place. It's everything you want in a thriller . . . brilliantly observed, sharply written and superbly realistic story * Crime Review *
Ash and Bones is another fantastic novel by Mike Thomas. Very different to his other work but equally engaging * Plastic Rosaries *
It looks like Mike Thomas will definitely be a name to watch, so do the sensible thing and get in there at the start! * Crime Worm *
This is a class example of how a police procedural should be written - fast paced and edgy, with believable characters and a plot that sucks you right in. I'll be waiting impatiently for the next in the series . . . * Reading Room With A View *
Gripping . . . a host of rich and believable minor characters, the cross-talk between the policemen which was such a feature of the first two novels, the unexpected but perfectly feasible compunction that begins to develop in some of the villains about what they are doing and makes you realise, unwillingly, that nobody is all of a piece * Sheenagh Pugh blog *
This arresting tale doesn't miss a beat * Independent (on Pocket Notebook) *
Stuns like a truncheon, grips like a pair of handcuffs, crackles with charge like a taser . . . exhilarating, terrifying - it has an unstoppable momentum -- Niall Griffiths (on Pocket Notebook)
Gripping...a host of rich and believable minor characters, the cross-talk between the policemen which was such a feature of the first two novels, the unexpected but perfectly feasible compunction that begins to develop in some of the villains about what they are doing and makes you realise, unwillingly, that nobody is all of a piece * Sheenagh Pugh blog *
It is a compliment to Mike Thomas's writing skills that it is not until well into the book that the pieces start falling into place. To detail anything more would be a spoiler. Suffice it to say that this is a very plausible and highly emotive story line. This is a very good thriller and I highly recommend that you read it now * Breakaway Reviewers *
If you like your cop thrillers to come with a big dollop of authenticity, then step into the grim and gritty police world created by Mike Thomas. With flashes of Thomas' now trademark black humour and a story that that dares to visit the darkest corners of our planet, this series has the power to run and run... -- Pam Norfolk * The Lancashire Evening Post *
A good one, I thought. Give it a go -- Milly Adams * Frost Magazine *
Thomas...successfully portrays the gritty side of detective work. * Publishers' Weekly *
A gritty procedural for fans of Stuart MacBride and Simon Kernick. * Booklist *



Book Information
ISBN 9781785760624
Author Mike Thomas
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Zaffre
Publisher Zaffre
Weight(grams) 268g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 20mm