No Limits

Dark Game by Rachel Lynch is a contemporary detective murder and crime novel. It is all the more chilling because it could be true.

Set in Cumbria, a beautiful landscape contrasts with ugly events. A cold case appears to be linked to modern day crimes. The reader quickly becomes embroiled in the underworld of trafficking, drugs, prostitution and murder. It is organised crime at the highest level and with far reaching arms. The plotline was intricate and well thought out but made for extremely uncomfortable reading at times.

For me, there was far too much detail in the ‘bedroom’ scenes which I skipped over. I do understand that it was there to add realism and some readers may want this, but I did not like it. Having said that, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the novel as it was an excellent serious crime story. I can imagine the story would translate well into a BBC drama.

The characters were well drawn, being realistic and edgy. The villains were menacing and evil to look at in my mind’s eye. The leading female detective was likable. She was a strong character who would not suffer fools gladly.

Dark Game was an excellent read that will grip you from start to finish.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON