Dark Shadow

Dark Shadow

Genre:  Crime Thriller, Mystery

Series: A Detective Christian Danes Thriller Book 1 of 2

Date Published: 2023

Book Length: 246

Format:  Paperback supplied by Love Books Tours in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: Detective Superintendent Christian Dane is an experienced Senior Investigating Officer. But when he is called to the brutal slaying of three petty criminals, Dane is confronted with a crime scene the like of which he has never experienced. He calls in Detective Constable Hayley Cross, a talented young officer, to assist him. Their investigation of the perplexing case is hampered by an inexperienced boss, little forensic evidence, and nothing to explain why the victims were murdered. As the pace of the investigation increases two more bodies are discovered. A French fisherman shot on a Dorset beach and a cocaine dealer in Cambridge, both forensically linked to the first murders, confirming they are after no ordinary killer. Dane is under increasing pressure to apprehend the killer. He is forced to confront his own history when ambushed by a journalist - and turns to his old Army commander, General Smith, for help. The detective finally identifies a suspect and aided by Hayley, hunts him down - as a shadow figure from his own past threatens to destroy him.

My Thoughts:  Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is book 1 of 2 in the Detective Christian Dane series. I found the book easy to follow as the prose flowed systematically. The characters were well defined, and I settled  into the book right from the start. However, you could still feel there were secrets about the main protagonists that was waiting to unfold.

I also enjoyed the elements of the private lives that were intertwined within the story it makes it all feel more realistic.

I did wonder at the point of DCS Grant in the story as he only ever did one thing and then he stopped appearing. However, this did not hinder the overall story.

Dinsdale’s attention to detail in and understanding of police procedures shines through and makes the story more believable.

The partnership between Dane and Cross is compelling, and for me adds a layer of depth and with every twist and turn Dinsdale kept me guessing right until the end.

In conclusion Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale is a must read for fans of crime fiction with authentic portrayal of police procedure that make this an easy book to recommend.