Having enjoyed Life on Mars this initially seems like a similar trip into the world if the police in the 1970s. But this makes Life on Mars look like a parody of reality with the police corruption and violence nowhere near the levels described here.
This is a collection of stories all running in parallel and crossing over occasionally. On the one hand it is about the ambitious reporter trying to make a name got himself. But it is also bout missing murdered children and the police. In particular a police force that is out of control and making it's own laws.
But added to that it is also describing a time gone by with ad much if not more effectiveness than a tv series. The pace and violence are always there just as the deadlines are for the main character and from the very first pages this has you gripped.
More tomorrow...