The Girl and the Shadowman: Manchester Mysteries #11 (DCI Tom Caton, Manchester Murder Mysteries)

I have enjoyed every one of Bill Rogers' novels. There is always a well worked plot, the pace is good and the storyline zips along from beginning to end. Characters come to life, especially those of females and young people. Chrissie is great. Rather than sticking to Manchester, this book travels to places new but the linking theme is of policing of different kinds in different forces and organisations. It has the ring of credibility and insider information to me. The subject matter of human trafficking and modern slavery is painful, but it is meant to be, and having Chrissie as an insider and Caton as the hopeful but human sword of justice works well. As the book began, I wondered where this little domestic scenario was going to lead, but it showed all too well how closely some of these issues can touch our own lives. Gripped from beginning to end, I really enjoyed the read.

Good reading, intelligent and well constructed. Well researched. His political leanings show at times but the story is quite compelling.

Love the Tom Caron books, read them all within a few months. Story always interesting and draws you in. Like the mix of personal life and police life.

Bill Rogers for me is a 'can't go wrong' read, I always enjoy his books as they are set in and around Manchester, which is where I live, but also the storylines are fascinating, with completely believable characters, and I also like books with the same basic characters that you can get to know over time, Caton and his family, the people he works with, they change slightly to keep things fresh, but there are always most of the same people around. This story is completely up to date, about illegal immigrants, the awful people who traffik them and the slavery that they are subjected to to pay of their 'debt'. There is a murder or two in there of course, pretty horrific in this case, I've yet to finish the book but it's got me hooked.

Have read all the DCI Caton books! Bill Rogers is a skillful writer who creates interesting and authentic characters who are not simplistic nor overblown! The plots are intriguing and still believable! I greatly appreciate all he background research he must be putting in to create novels which have a great depth based on "facts" - the background cases which the characters explore alongside the story are helpful in "grounding" the fiction in real life fact!

It took me a while to get into this book which is unusual for this series but I persevered and I am so glad I did. It seems ages since I last read a DI Caton book and perhaps I had forgotten his back story. This book is about modern slavery and human trafficing plus the disappearance of a young girl. DI Caton has to pull on all his resources to find her and the slace masters. If like me you struggle a bit remember the book will get better and then you will be gripped.

A good plot which keeps you reading but also informative about modern day slavery and how it can be all around us without us realising. An excellent read.

A fast paced and well thought out novel, with characters that stay with you. The DCI Caton series has me hooked, I feel as if I am on first name terms with all the regular squad. Keep 'em coming Mr Rogers, and thank you!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed catching up with DCI Canton again. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really good mystery.