Pharmacist turned crime-writer A A Dhand set his debut novel in his home town of Bradford, but it really would do nothing for tourism. Compared a few times in the text to Gotham City, the caped crusader here, if indeed there is one, is flawed DI Harry Virdee who is facing suspension at the start of this pacy work.
Harry's discovery of a mutilated corpse of an Asian businessman who hours before had celebrated his by-election victory puts both Harry and the whole of Bradford in danger.
This is a strong introduction to a series of what is to date four full-length novels (plus one Quick Read prequel). It moves well throughout (in fact in times it feels a little too frenetic) and illustrates the complex dynamics within diverse populations and how they can be manipulated. Harry was brought up as a Sikh but has created major family rifts on both sides by marrying a Muslim girl, Saima, who, as things commence here, is heavily pregnant. Shunned by those closest to them apart from a problematic relationship with his brother Harry is prone to anger issues. Is he the solution to the unrest caused by the high-profile murder or is he a pawn being used for something beyond these events?
The action takes place over a couple of days where we, the readers, like the characters are bombarded with a series of dark and darker events building up to full-scale riots. Everyone is holding their breath as they sense what is coming and it is impossible for us not to do likewise. The main characters are superstitious and influenced by karma which adds to the inevitability and the tension.
It's dark, macho and features weapons I only have a vague idea of what is being described (and no desire to Google to find out more). The set-up is strong and at the end we are left with enough potential with the location and character dynamics to fuel a good few more novels. You do sense the surviving main characters may need some time to get over the events here before embarking upon something new. I'll certainly be sticking with this series which continues with the 2017 publication "Girl Zero".
Streets Of Darkness was published in 2016 by Bantam Books. The Corgi paperback edition appeared in 2017.
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