Crossfield, a former police officer, is known as a tell-it-like-it-is commentator on his website itsayshere.com, and he carries this real-world flavor into his detective stories. The first episode is rather sparse, serving to introduce the protagonists, who are thereafter expanded into characters both comfortable and familiar.
The writing is vivid and fast-paced, with no ponderous superfluity. The dialogue is wonderfully natural, not the stilted, contrived variety too often seen.
I must agree with the previous reviewer. Crossfield has a way with words. He paints a sharp picture with few strokes. The written dialogue is almost audible and the scenes practically play visibly. It is true that the first story is more stripped-down than those following, but is very effective nonetheless, complete with (in hindsight) obvious clues.
A very nice little series, plainly benefiting from the author’s police background.
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