Long Reach by Peter Cocks

A Real Nail-biter
review by Maryom

When Steve Palmer's body is found face-down in the mud at Long Reach he appears to have committed suicide. But Tony Morris, his rather cloak-and-dagger boss, knows differently and enlists the help of Steve's younger brother to catch the culprit. Under his new name of Eddie Savage he's sent undercover to get close to Sophie Kelly, beautiful daughter of violent gangland boss Tommy Kelly, as a method of infiltrating the Kelly gang's operation. How long can he maintain his cover?

A brilliant, unputdownable thriller. With a teenage hero, it might be aimed at the YA market but I found it as good as many adult crime novels. There's lots of 'old-spy' clandestine stuff mixed with up to date hi tech gadgetry, though think Harry Palmer rather than James Bond. There's beautiful women to tempt and distract 'Eddie' and a mix of villains, from businessman/gangster Tommy Kelly to his rough and ready hitmen. 'Eddie' is a likeable, believable hero - at times scared at what he's getting himself into but wanting to live up to his big brother's memory, and not always sure of the morality of 'ends justifying the means'. I liked the way that Tommy Kelly wasn't a mere two-dimensional 'bad guy' but a rounded-out character - devoted husband and father, art collector, accomplished cook - just happening to be a major crimelord as well!

An exciting, nail-biting read that you may want to 'borrow' from the teens. I hope there are more Eddie Savage thrillers to come.

Maryom's review - 5 stars
Publisher - Walker Books
Genre - YA crime, thriller

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