Meet James Mount...

James is an ex-copper who yearns to be a modern-day Robin Hood taking from the rich to help poor homeless women and children. But he's an unlikely hero, suffering from PTSD and now a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Set in the modern day Midlands of England, James must overcome the negative effect of his overbearing father and narcissistic ex-wife, violence from the nefarious criminals he's now forced to mingle with and the increasing attention of the police.

This book introduces the villains and heroes and their response to the twists and turns of fate. Along the way the characters develop, some remaining intractable (aka despicable) while others emerge to rise above their start in the terraced streets of the post-industrial Midlands.

The novel is a crime thriller that explores James's personal growth and development as he tries to change his fortunes. The story is full of humor and offers an interesting perspective on the life of a man who is determined to make a change. The book is the first in a series featuring James and a cast of nefarious criminals, tenacious police, and a narcissistic ex-wife. It may appeal to readers who enjoy crime fiction with a bit of humor thrown in.

Louis Magalhaes *****