Gallows Wood is the first book in a procedural thriller by Louisa Scarr. Released 11th July 2024 by Canelo Crime, it's 376 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
Clearly written and well plotted, this first book introduces main character PC Lucy Halliday who's a cadaver dog handler for the local police. Called in after the discovery of a disembodied hand, she and her dog Moss are soon deep into multiple murders, organized crime, abductions, and drugs.
The plot is action driven, taut, and well written. The characters, an ensemble cast, are well rendered and three dimensional, even the secondary characters. Moss and the other K-9 characters are appealing and well written as well.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours and 26 minutes and is capably read by series narrator Kristin Atherton. She has a well modulated rich alto voice and does a good job with a range of regional UK accents and manages to seamlessly read the rapid dialogue between a range of characters without any problems. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
The language and violence are gritty but not overly egregious. It would likely appeal to fans of Peter May, Angela Marsons, and Kate Ellis.
Four stars. Quite a promising start to the series. With two books extant, and a third due out fourth quarter 2025, it would make a nice short weekend binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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