A British police procedural in which reopening a barmaid's murder means exposing the police failures that convicted the wrong man. A cold case, a live one and a review team learning that old files have sharp edges.
New team, old case, the clock is ticking for justice.
In October 2003, barmaid Trudi Villiers was murdered on her walk home, shattering her tight-knit Wiltshire community. The investigation's failures led to the wrongful imprisonment of an innocent man, leaving her true killer free.
Now Gus Freeman's newly formed Crime Review Team reopens the case, and immediately uncovers disturbing flaws. Evidence was cherry-picked, crucial facts misplaced, and DS Neil Davis's own father, a sergeant on the original inquiry, played a part in the wrongful conviction. For Gus, it's clear: finding Trudi's killer also means exposing uncomfortable truths about the police itself.
But history won't stay in the past. While pursuing Trudi's killer, Gus is pulled into a live case when his allotment neighbour Frank North is murdered. A break-in at Gus's bungalow and an assassination attempt prove that someone powerful wants him silenced.
Last Orders, the second instalment in The Freeman Files, blends the meticulous intrigue of a British police procedural with the personal dramas of a team discovering that every cold case has consequences, and some secrets kill to stay hidden. Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Peter James, and Ann Cleeves.
Praise for The Freeman Files:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Another exciting instalment to the 'Freeman Files'. I must admit this one had me scratching my head as to who the culprit was until the very end. Excellent.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A little Columbo, a little Perry Mason, a little Sherlock Holmes all rolled up into one!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Just when you think you have it figured out, wham!! You don't even have a clue.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ If you enjoy British procedurals, I could not recommend a better way to spend your time than by getting into this fun series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A great mystery with many twists and turns. It is hard to put this book down.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A cross between DCI Banks and Unforgotten.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The Freeman Files are a compelling counterpoint to the typical adrenalized, Hollywood-influenced thrillers. Instead, Mr Tayler's stories feel authentic, genuine, and human.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Really enjoyed this book and will definitely follow the series. The author put enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Gus used old school, tried and true techniques, and comes out smelling like a rose.
