From Publishers Weekly
Set in Manchester, England, this is the first in a series of projected novels based on A&E's Cracker mystery series that was created by Jimmy McGovern and won the 1994 Edgar for Best Television Mystery Feature. Despite its flaws-a slow beginning and abrupt, disconcerting shifts in scene-the raw energy generated by its unique characters sustains considerable suspense. A prostitute deeply in debt to a loan shark befriends a shy young man who becomes an accomplice to her murderous schemes. The two descend into a mad and bloody path, beginning with the grisly dispatch of the loan shark and leading to the fatal bludgeoning a policeman. The copper's youthful, acrimonious squad pursues the duo, aided by Dr. Edward Fitzgerald, freelance psychologist to the police. Shrewd and witty, Fitz is also burdened: he is alcoholic, a compulsive gambler, estranged from his vindictive wife and drawn to a policewoman. Psychotics, psychologists and police all play dangerous games, spinning off enough tension to propel the tale to its grim, satisfying conclusion.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
British psychologist and police consultant Dr. Edward "Fitz" Fitzgerald is fat, sloppy, and lovably klutzy but nonetheless brilliant at getting inside the heads of Britain's most notorious criminals. His latest case involves tracking down a pair of killers who are young, dumb, and violent. Neither Sean Kerrigan nor Tina Brien has ever been valued or loved. Alienated and alone, drifter Sean stutters so badly he can't be understood, while Tina, brought up in affluence, has turned rebellious hustler. When the pair goes on a killing spree and shoots cop George Giggs, Detective Sergeant Jane Penhaligon, Giggs' partner, is bent on avenging his death--and coincidentally improving her chances for promotion by solving the case. She and Fitz team up to find Sean and Tina. Brown's taut novel, based on a script developed for the Arts and Entertainment network's popular
Cracker mystery series, is compelling, complex, dark--and a guaranteed page-turner.
Emily Melton
