I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of The Body in the Marsh, a police procedural set in Surrey and Kent.

DCI Craig Gillard is intrigued by a missing person report on 48 year old Liz Knight because she used to be his girlfriend 30 years ago. Her husband Martin, a long term critic of the police force, doesn't appear too worried about her disappearance but when he too disappears and copious amounts of Liz's blood are found at her home the hunt is on.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Marsh as it is an excellent procedural which gives the reader real insight into police thinking and methods. It does not get bogged down in the detail but still manages to convey the detailed nature of an investigation. It held my attention throughout, not just with the hunt for Martin Knight but with the subplot about an inquiry into the failings of Surrey Police in the case of Child F who committed suicide when they didn't take her allegations of abuse seriously.

I must admit that I guessed fairly early on where the novel was going and what the twist would be. This is not a criticism of Mr Louth's talents at hiding his intentions because I'm not sure it will be obvious to everyone but I am a seasoned crime fiction reader and there's very little plot wise I haven't read before. I think it is very cleverly done and will amaze many readers.

The reason I have awarded this novel 4 and not the 5 stars the plot and writing style undoubtedly deserve is the character of Craig Gillard. It is a step too far to ask me to believe that a hardened professional like him is still in love with a teenage girlfriend he dated for 6 weeks 30 years ago to the extent that he is unable to sustain another relationship. It's absolute nonsense.

Despite this The Body in the Marsh is an excellent read which I have no hesitation in recommending.