The Long Game: A Very British Murder Mystery (Gibson Crime Thriller Series Book 1)

Book 1 - Gibson Thriller series

You’ll love this suspenseful book, because everyone likes a thriller with a great twist. Gibson uncovers a deadly grudge, fuelled by years of unresolved bitter hatred, subterfuge and revenge...

This book has those vital ingredients of a great suspense novel – twist, turns and a terrific end you won’t see coming.

Praise for The Long Game
“This is a beguiling story of modern time police work, wartime hardships, friendships, loyalties, deceit and revenge. That there are these diverse elements all intertwined in this average-sized paperback make the book eminently readable and captivating.

The story begins with the death of a retired local ‘pitman’ - seemingly of natural causes - and Detective Sergeant Gibson whose suspicion is aroused that all is not what it seems.

His dogged determination, in spite of his senior officer’s scepticism, begins to open issues that maybe should be best left alone. The detective meets with obstruction and suspicion from within his police force as well as from members of the public which show the difficulties a police investigation can have.

DS Gibson walks a fine line of not alienating himself or upsetting anyone he contacts while still trying to get the information together to justify his investigation. The characters have their own agendas and reasons why they are less than openly forthcoming to the officer. This says something of the police/public relationship, especially if the public in question are not totally innocent. It also shows the people of Salford’s community spirit and the sense of loyalty that is still prevalent today.

I have reviewed this book with more than a little personal interest, as I am a retired police officer who worked in DS Gibson’s area at the time this story is depicted (1990) and also live in the area as he does. In the book there are a few operational and legal elements that can be put down to poetic licence but these don’t detract from the narrative.

Overall this book has many twists and turns, relationships and intrigue that will keep the reader interested and entertained as books of this genre should. You can see a picture developing, but what is that picture? You want the detective to succeed, but will he? Can he? Does he? I didn’t see the final twist coming! Read it and see.” Sam Lorek – Salford on Line

In 1990, Manchester Police Sergeant Gibson investigates what appears to be an elderly man’s death by natural causes. Using instinct, good old fashioned detective work and a dogged determination to get at the truth, Sergeant Gibson pieces together an intricate puzzle of long awaited revenge.

Other books by Kerry Costello

• Florida Shakedown – Book 2 Gibson Thriller series
  
• Florida Clowns - Book 3 Gibson Thriller series
  
• You Owe Me - stand-alone thriller
  
• No Way Back- stand-alone thriller