No Time To Cry by James Oswald – Blog Tour Review.

About The Book

Undercover ops are always dangerous, but DC Constance Fairchild never expected things to go this wrong.

Returning to their base of operations, an anonymous office in a shabby neighbourhood, she finds the bloodied body of her boss, and friend, DI Pete Copperthwaite. He’s been executed – a single shot to the head.

In the aftermath, it seems someone in the Met is determined to make sure that blame for the wrecked operation falls squarely on Con’s shoulders. She is cut loose and cast out, angry and alone with her grief… right until the moment someone also tries to put a bullet through her head.

There’s no place to hide, and no time to cry.

My Review

With thanks to the publisher for the copy received. Constance Fairchild’s life is turned upside down when she discovers the body of her boss in their undercover premises. She also has her suspicions confirmed that he was her only friend amongst the team that she works with. To make matters worse, she is also suspended, accused of being responsible for his death. With too much time on her hands she gets involved in the disappearance of somebody who she knows from home.
Con, she hates being called Connie, is a very strong character. You often read about female police officers having to prove themselves before they are accepted by the male officers in a team of detectives, but she has more of a battle on her hands with her family background and education. Even if she has no contact with them and her schooling wasn’t what it should have been. She is very much the black sheep in the family. There is only one of them she is close to, Aunt Felicity, who was one of my favourite characters.
There are some evil people in this book, the very worst that you see in society and the ones you would avoid if you could. There are some vivid descriptions in part, I have read a lot worse, but it’s also what remains unsaid that stays with you. It is not just the crimes, it’s also the ignorance and neglect by those who should love you most. A parent.
But there are also some wonderful characters, Felicity, Rose and Cat are amongst those who I hope to see again. And another who I am yet to decide if they are a ghost or an imaginary friend.
No Time To Cry is the first book in a new series. A new lead character and a different city could be a little intimidating for any author but there was no sign of any self-doubt or nerves that I picked up on. And I thought that the book was exceptional. I will be very surprised if I read one better this year.