John Lincoln writes an interesting crime thriller with a different take on the genre set in Cardiff and Bristol. Gethin Grey cannot operate as a lawyer thanks to his criminal history, so he runs a small firm located in Cardiff called Last Resorts Legal that aims to address miscarriages of justice. Bex (Rebecca) is his able office manager, Lee is his legal assistant and Deano Wilson is an investigator that can go places Gethin cannot. The firm has been struggling financially and now famous actress, Amelia, has hired them to find exonerating evidence to free Ismail Mohammed, aka Izma M., who has been convicted of the murder of Hannah Gold in Bristol and incarcerated at Gartree Prison in Leicestershire. Izma M. has written a bestselling memoir of his life that has convinced many of his innocence, including Amelia, and she is willing to pay for the services for Last Resorts Legal.
Gethin has a famous retired judge, Anthony Grey, as a father he has not always got on with, and is married to a psychiatrist wife and has a daughter, Hattie. Gethin's marriage has problems, one of which is his addiction to gambling, he has stopped getting help for the issue, under the mistaken belief he has the problem under control, but the lure of gambling's siren call proves to be irresistable despite everything he has to lose. The case proves to be more complex than expected and brings with it dangers to Gethin and his colleagues. Amelia insists on taking a close personal interest and it begins to look as if she has her own personal agenda. Izma M. surprisingly proves to be less than helpful in buttressing up support for his defence, as is his best friend, Shaun Lindo. In 2003, Danny is holidaying with his family in Kyrenia, Cyprus, when events take a tragic turn. Gethin finds himself swamped and under pressure as the case takes a sinister and chilling turn and his personal issues threaten to destroy everything that matters to him.
I found this to be an enjoyable crime thriller, fast paced, and well plotted. For me the best thing about it is the diverse characters in the book, from the talented Bex who moonlights as a singer for a variety of tribute bands, and the kick ass Lee. In some ways, I liked them more than Gethin himself who, at times, has an unevenness to his character that needs to be ironed out. The story itself has plenty of action and is full of twists and turns. This is an entertaining and absorbing read and I hope there is to be a sequel to follow. Many thanks to Oldcastle Books and No Exit Press for an ARC.
