Title: SPLIT SECOND
Author: RC BRIDGESTOCK
ISBN: 978
Publisher: Orenda Books
Pages: 276
Source: Review copy from the Publisher
Blog Tour Organised by Random Things Tours
What if one moment – one split second – changed everything?
When a firearms officer shoots a suspect dead and wounds another, who later dies in hospital, the official line is that the sun was in her eyes. Her body cam failed.
Known only as Officer X, her anonymity is meant to protect her – until a judge releases her name and a media storm erupts.
DSI Jack Dylan and DI Charley Mann are called in to determine whether it was a justifiable use of force – or something darker. And when it’s revealed that Officer X knew the victim, and her brother died of a drug overdose linked to the same woman, the case becomes charged with personal and political tension.
As pressure mounts, a vulnerable witness dies and a lost phone surfaces with a photograph and a message that could unravel everything – and reveal the truth about what happened that day.
Official Summary
25 August 2026
Thank you to Anne Carter from Random Things Tours for the invitation to participate in this blog tour. The blurb for this one instantly intrigued me, and I was eager to see what the story had in store.
Split Second felt remarkably realistic and, at times, barely felt like fiction at all. Much of the story reads almost like fact, with very little fictional embellishment, which made the events feel all the more believable and immediate.
I am new to RC Bridgestock’s writing, but I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was excellent and I found myself racing through it, finishing it in a single sitting.
The story focuses on an officer-involved shooting and the investigation that follows. But this isn’t simply a police procedural about finding out what happened. The author delves into the emotional and psychological impact of the shooting on everyone involved, particularly the officer who pulled the trigger.
She is forced to deal with the reality of having taken a life, along with the self-doubt, guilt and uncertainty that follow. She also has to face the judgement and opinions of her colleagues while repeatedly justifying the decisions she made in a split second.
I particularly enjoyed the way the author explores what happens after the shooting. Every action—and every inaction—is scrutinised, and everyone involved is forced to account for what they did, what they saw and what they failed to do.
One of the things I found most interesting was how difficult it was for everyone to remember exactly what happened. We all see events differently, especially when something happens in a matter of seconds, and the various recollections don’t always match. Watching the investigation piece together these different versions of events added another layer of tension to the story.
The book also raises interesting questions about perception, responsibility and whether there can ever be one definitive version of the truth when several people witness the same event.
Overall, Split Second was an intriguing and thought-provoking read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. The realistic portrayal of the investigation and the emotional consequences of an officer-involved shooting made this stand out for me.
A compelling read and a great introduction to RC Bridgestock’s writing.
REMEMBER TO VISIT THE OTHER TOUR STOPS
Also by RC Bridgestock
PAYBACK
Charley Mann left Yorkshire for the Met and a fast-track career – but now she’s back, she’s in charge and the area’s first young, female DI. Her hometown, the Yorkshire countryside, and her old friends all seem unchanged, but appearances can be deceptive. When a brutal murder is discovered, Charley is forced to question everything, and the interest of her ex – reporter Danny Ray – doesn’t make it easier.
About The Author
Author bio from the author’s site
RC Bridgestock is the name that husband and wife co-authors Robert (Bob) and Carol Bridgestock write under. Between them they have nearly 50 years of police experience, offering an authentic edge to their stories. The writing duo created the character DI Jack Dylan, a down-to- earth detective, written with warmth and humour.
Bob was a highly commended career detective of 30 years, retiring at the rank of Detective Superintendent. As a police civilian supervisor Carol also received a Chief Constable’s commendation for outstanding work.
The couple are the storyline consultants on BAFTA winning BBC One police drama Happy Valley and series 3 of ITV’s Scott & Bailey.
This one was a brilliant introduction to RC Bridgestock for me. I have already added more of their books to my Wishlist. Are you a fan? Which is your favourite? Please leave a comment below. Until next time… Happy Reading!
