16 September 2024

Thank you to Anne Cater, from Random Things Tours and No Exit Press for this review copy.

I unfortunately have not read The Blame, which The Intrusion is the sequel to. However, this book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.  If you too missed The Blame by Charlotte Langley, do not worry – but once you have read The Intrusion, you will want to add The Blame to your TBR.

This book delivers an intriguing blend of personal vendetta and police corruption that keeps the suspense intense. The novel starts with a bang—DI Mark Stormont is found murdered and all evidence points to Amma Reynolds, a woman who has a clear motive. Her brother’s suspicious death long ruled an accidental drowning, has left Amma bitter and determined to expose what she believes was a murder swept under the rug by the local police. Langley expertly weaves Amma’s silence and refusal to cooperate with the police into a gripping psychological question: What is she hiding, and why?

Erin Crane, a former detective turned private investigator, enters the story at just the right moment. Hired by Amma’s family, she takes on the task of unravelling the truth. Erin’s investigation serves as the driving force of the novel, and Langley builds her character with enough depth to make her emotionally invested, especially when it becomes clear that solving the case could destroy her friendship with DI Lewis Jennings. The tension in their relationship provides an engaging subplot.

The story excels in its portrayal of a small town with secrets. Wakestead’s police force is depicted as holding dark truths that Erin must navigate carefully. The mystery surrounding Amma’s brother’s death is as compelling as the main plot, and Langley does a brilliant job tying both threads together.

Langley’s pacing is spot-on, with each revelation making you question who can be trusted. The narrative is also packed with red herrings, keeping you guessing. However, Amma’s refusal to speak felt at times frustrating, as it dragged the story, though it eventually pays off with satisfying twists.

The Intrusion is a gripping read that combines family loyalty, police corruption and a well-crafted mystery. If you enjoy books where the past and present collide in unexpected ways, this is a solid pick.