Many thanks to Michael and Netgalley for allowing me access to an ARC for the third in Michael's Northern Tragicomedic crime series, Shoot! Tackle! Murder!

Having loved both Gavin and the Bodysnatchers and Peckersley's Bird Cafe, I was keen to see what new madcap adventures (and scrapes) Michael could pit this book's MCs against. I'm delighted to say that there are plenty to keep readers occupied as well as a red herring filled murder mystery to solve, as ever.

Following the dual tale of residents of the Northern town of Slainsworth. We watch Tony Ackersby's return to the town to try and move on from his 25 year prison sentence for murdering his childhood-come-national sweetheart (thanks to her TV fame) Estelle Aurora, while many of his childhood friends strive to save their local social club from development into an eco-funeral establishment.

As Tony tries to reconnect with the wife he left a quarter of a century ago, his struggles to adjust to life outside see him start to relive memories of the ill-fated lead up to the event which changed his life forever. His ex-school mates and the other residents of Slainsworth are also embroiled in a battle, stretching back to the past, as former Head Girl Brenda Grindle senses a way to finally get her own back on all those who mocked her at school as well as any others who try and stand in the way of her and her plans for business domination.

Containing many of the elements I've come to love in Michael's previous books, including David and Goliath-esque battles between members of the community and unscrupulous business owners, a growing sense of community spirit and friendship, a cleverly written crime story and light hearted moments. Shoot! Tackle! Murder! appears much darker than the previous two, touching as it does on obsession, forced and false imprisonment, fraud, deception and other jealousy fuelled actions.

Humour is, however, provided by the husband and wife double act of Maggie the word/phrase mangler and Frank the mini-pedant, as well as the mobility scooter riding Tommy Pickles and hyper allergic Kyronne (who likely is allergic to me mentioning him in this review).

Though not quite the edge of the seat (as it bounced down the steps) nerve-jangler of Gavin and the Bodysnatchers or the tear-jerker (not due to any feather or fur allergies) of Peckersley's Bird Cafe, this is another strong addition to the Northern crime series Michael is building with plenty of no nonsense talking and further demonstration that community will come together in times of strife.