This was actually a slower burn for me than I anticipated but it definitely was worth it.

I think this is the perfect kind of book to read in the late winter/early spring when the weather reflects the grim and brutal mood

Hmm.

The best way to explain my feelings on this story is to compare it to others; not great practice, but I feel it works for this. Some stories have multiple perspectives (this doesn't but bear with me here), within which there may be one that you dislike reading. As such, you slog through the difficult chapter because the proverbial carrot is dangling over yonder and you'd like to reach it. This is irritating but fine- just view the big picture.

Now, Needless Alley takes this one step further. Each part takes a vastly different turn, making it feel like a new novel (think along the lines of Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell). Of course, that's why a story is split into parts- to signpost this- however, it means that, as a reader, an investment is built for one narrative, only to find that this runs out and one has to have something else instead. It's like ordering something great from the menu and partway through your meal, having your plate swapped when you look away. It might be a decent alternative, but it isn't what you expected.

The affairs of William Garrett are exactly that. The first part focuses, primarily, on his relationships, namely those with Clara and Ronnie, and the part ends on an interesting footing for them all. Yet, the subsequent parts utilise a considerably different tone- one I didn't connect with in the same way.

Nothing here is bad- in fact, it's pretty good- but there isn't enough to make me want to push through the chaff. The carrot is too far away and, from here, looks disappointing.

Needless Alley is a mystery set in the old film noir mould, but the private detective walks the streets of 1930s Birmingham, catching straying wives in the arms of their lovers, until a beautiful dame asks for help and he is drawn ever further into the sleazy underside of the city. Natalie Marlow has a real talent for evoking the place and time that she is describing, her characters just leap off the page, even the incidental side characters who only grace one chapter. It's a wonderfully written book, dark in tone and content, but utterly brilliant.

The narrator is perfect for the story, the accent is just right, and it was very easy to listen to. I enjoyed the audiobook very much.

Marlow certainly managed to bring to life 1930s Birmingham, it felt very real and vivid as I listened to the audio book. And I did smile at the mention of Billy having a bank account at the Lloyds Bank on Colmore Row, where my Dad used to work.

I can’t say I warmed to many of the characters, if I’m honest. And after a while, the plot wasn’t engaging me enough, sadly. Maybe it’s that I really didn’t take to Ronnie or Queenie, and so the ending in particular fell flat for me. I’m not quite sure why it didn’t hit the mark.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

Needless Alley by Natalie Marlow Narrated by Paul Dela Ross This book is set on Birmingham, 1933.

When Private enquiry agent William Garrett, a man damaged by a dark childhood spent on Birmingham's canals, specialises in facilitating divorces for the city's male elite. With the help of his best friend -charming, out-of-work actor Ronnie Edgerton - William sets up honey traps. But photographing unsuspecting women in flagrante plagues his conscience and William heaves up his guts with remorse after every job.

William's life all changes, when he accidentally meets the beautiful Clara Morton and falls in love. Little does he know she is the wife of a client - a leading fascist with a dangerous obsession. And what should have been another straightforward job turns into something far more deadly.

This audiobook was like the saying about Marmite! You either love it or hate it!!

I could not get into it and the narrator Paul Dela Ross had a voice that just sent you to Sleep! It may of been better If I read this book but the narrator was So wrong for this book.

The story follows 1930s Birmingham's  William Garrett, a PI who sets up 'honey traps' to catch out cheating partners in divorces. The characters are unconventional and compelling. Natalie Marlow brings the historical elements - with what seems to be well-researched and gritty writing. Probably wouldn't recommend this for your grandparent that loves traditional private investigator but for somebody who is looking for something with an atmosphere akin Peaky Blinders, with a fresh new take - absolutely! This is the equivalent of a tall, dark, mysterious wrapped up in a book.

Actual rating 3.5.

Fancy a gritty, atmospheric, seedy little read that moves seamlessly between the elite and the criminal underbelly of 1930s Birmingham? Then this is the one for you!

I love a good P. I. (or technically Private enquiry agent with this one but you get the gist!) and William Garrett is a great new narrator with a dark past and soft heart under his tough exterior. He gets himself in way over his head in this brilliant debut full of compelling, morally grey characters! There are dodgy politicians, drug dealers, prostitutes, and everything in between in this intriguing mystery which sees William eventually uncover a shocker of a plot twist which I did not see coming 😲😲 A brilliant debut if you like a bit of a crime and corruption and an unlikely hero!

Needless Alley is a dark gritty thriller set in Birmingham in the 1930’s and I listened to the audiobook. William Garnett is a private eye setting up honey traps to see if someone’s partner is cheating on them - a job he doesn’t particularly enjoy but it brings the money in but then there is a murder! I found William a compelling character to read about - unconventional and interesting and all the descriptions of Birmingham were captivating and you do get transported there. I found I was googling Needless Alley which still exists to this day. The story is narrated by Paul Dela Rosswho brings the perfect moodiness to the book - bang on! There is definately a feel of Peaky Blinders and I really enjoyed it. I am now looking forward to see what Natalie Marlow will serve up next. Thank you to Netgalley and John Murray Press Uk Audio for my copy.

I think I’ve found a new author!! I love hardboiled noir and this is such a refreshing take on the genre. I appreciated the evocative Birmingham setting, the well-researched insights into fascism in this period, and the twists inside twists. A stellar listen! And what characters - Queenie and Phill have my heart!