09 January 2024

This book takes readers on a gripping journey into the underbelly of British policing, unravelling the origins of a highly classified operation in the heart of Hackney, East London, during the tumultuous year of 1988. Durnie paints a vivid picture of a community gripped by crime, earning Hackney the dubious title of the most awful place in Britain.

The story is anchored by Detective Inspector Cat Skeldon, an ambitious and driven officer determined to uphold the law in the face of rising crime rates and a declining conviction rate. As she delves into the shadows of her own department, she discovers a group of rogue officers taking justice into their own hands, blurring the line between right and wrong.

At the centre of this maelstrom is PC Arran Cunningham, a conflicted figure enmeshed in both the righteous pursuit of justice and the clandestine activities of the vigilante group. The tension escalates when the group executes a young man for a crime he did not commit, putting Cunningham in a moral quandary as he seeks to rectify the grave mistake. The story masterfully navigates the complexities of loyalty, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

Durnie weaves a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The small investigative team led by Skeldon races against time to expose the vigilante officers, unravelling a web of corruption that reaches the highest echelons of British society. The stakes are raised when Cunningham, torn between two worlds, becomes the lone witness to the vigilante group’s fatal error.

The strength of this story lies not only in its compelling plot but also in its well-drawn characters. Skeldon and Cunningham’s partnership emerges as a central force, providing a foundation for the subsequent revelations and battles against corruption in the trilogy. Durnie skilfully sets the stage for a larger narrative, hinting at the seismic impact the investigative duo will have on exposing corruption in the years to come.