June, 1989
Tensions are high - tempers short
Following a stupid, drunken car theft, the tragic deaths of three local lads uncovers a powder keg of racial intolerance and bigotry.
A vicious attack
When two Muslim brothers are violently attacked, Louise sees her hometown with jaded eyes, shocked that so many of her colleagues are reluctant to get involved or help in any way those they once called neighbours.
A terrible truth
As she investigates, Louise, accompanied by WDC Hines and psychologist Karla Hayes, discovers links between the car theft and the assault but worse; the racial tensions that now threaten to tear the community apart, have masked an even darker crime – one that has gone long undiscovered, but will have devastating consequences.
What did I think?
Cut and Shut is the third book in the Louise Miller crime series and I think that it is the best one yet. I've loved the previous two books, but it really feels as if Jonathan Peace has upped the ante with his third book in the series. Although you can read each novel as a standalone, I'm reading the series in order and it's very rewarding to see the character development.
Racial tension is as taut as a bowstring in 1989 West Yorkshire and it's quite difficult to read about the misogynistic and racist mindset of the 1980s. It's frightening that it doesn't feel like that long ago, although I feel old when I realise this book was actually set 33 years ago.
With car theft, hate crime and the discovery of some gruesome remains that even made the police vomit, there's a lot going on in this novel and I was riveted from start to finish. There's also a little bit of crossover from the previous book which tidies up some loose ends, but it's written in such a way that any readers new to the series will not be disadvantaged.
Gripping, atmospheric and clever, Cut and Shut is a fantastic novel that brings the darkness of the 1980s back to life, as discomforting and difficult to read as it is. Brilliantly written with a razor-sharp plot, Cut and Shut is outstanding crime fiction and a very highly recommended read. I'm already excited to see what's in store for Louise Miller in book 4.
I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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