Firewatching

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The plot is strengthened by the cast of characters, particularly Lily who can’t remember the secret she’s keeping on account of the dementia that’s ravaging her mind. Possibly my tolerance for British policemen making self-protecting vaguely corrupt decisions is low. He makes the snap decision not to tell his superiors, certain that he is the only one that can solve the crime.

The main protagonist and central point-of-view character, DS Tyler, is an excellent study in character building. His highly acclaimed debut novel, Firewatching, is the first in the DS Adam Tyler series and published in February 2020. This is a well written book with some really good descriptions, it keeps you guessing throughout especially the identity of The Firewatcher. With an arsonist and a murderer on the loose, Tyler has no time to lose, except on his nights off, when by chance he ends up in the bed of Oscar, the murder victims son. He’s flawed and although that’s common with this genre what isn’t is the fact he’s gay and this really shone a light on the homophobia that is rife in the police force often disguised as banter.After a one night stand with a young, good looking man, Adam pushes his way onto a case where a man's body has been discovered bricked in by a false wall in the cellar at the Old Vicarage in the village of Castledene. This excellent debut is set in and around the South Yorkshire ‘Steel City’ of Sheffield which is a good backdrop to the dramatic events of Firewatching. The descriptions of the arsons are terrifyingly real and, while the person responsible taunts the police with cryptic blog posts, readers are presented with the sense of the urgency felt by Tyler and his colleagues.

Although he appreciates Tyler’s outstanding record when it comes to solving cold cases, he keeps Tyler on his toes with his snarkiness and sarcasm. Though I am sure there are many authors who will point out, writing is a proper job especially when you are published – eventually. A taut investigative thriller bursting with character and tension, introducing an enigmatic, fresh lead detective unlike any you have met before.Firewatching besides being Russ Thomas’ debut thriller it is also the introduction to a new crime fighting detective, DS Adam Tyler. Russ came through the same route as myself for writing with very familiar names cropping up in the acknowledgements. Sheffield’s beautiful Botanical Gardens – an oasis of peace in a world filled with sorrow, confusion and pain.

The case is led by DI Jim Doggett, who beneath his bluster is keen to have Adam on the team, and lets him bring on board the ambitious Constable Rabbani, providing he accepts responsibility for her. The writing and flow are excellent and I especially liked the protagonist and hope this is the beginning of a series. Added to this is Lily’s confusion over the events of the past, apparently a result of her being an Alzheimer’s patient, though through the occasional lucid flash of memory the reader is given a little more of the story to work with. The author doesn't shy away from darker issues, including homophobia and sexual abuse; however he does it with a sensitive touch, adding depth to what is already a fine crime story. Adam Tyler works in the CCRU (Cold Case Review Unit) and isn't particularly liked by his colleagues, because he actually gets results.Adam Tyler – keenly observant and very sharp witted, a taciturn loner, gay, conflicted, and emotionally damaged. If you love a good mystery and procedural with plenty of twists, turns, and intrigue, Firewatching is a sure bet. This is a fantastic debut from author Russ Thomas, with a structure that will be more than a little familiar to any seasoned crime reader.