Nowhere to Run: the heartstopping new thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author

Ahhhhh. Con Fairchild - I have missed you. Even when she is looking for the simple and uncomplicated life, trouble has a way of finding her. It's had to make a fair old trip this time around though, as Con has taken herself off to the very edge of the Welsh coast, a stay extended by the ever helpful gift of covid and a series of lockdowns which make any kind of return to her day to day life impossible, even assuming this is something Con might actually want. She doesn't ... but as her boss well knows, a puzzle is something Con finds very, very, hard to resist.Strange and unusual seem to be an everyday occurence for our favourite Detective and Nowhere to Run is absolutely no exception to the norm. It's one of the things I like about this series, and James Oswald's books in general to be fair. They are not your average police procedurals. Not by a long chalk. And Constance Fairchild is not your average Detective. She has seen her fair share of the inexplicable and the scene is set for more to come with local legends and mythology intermingling with a case very much grounded in the real life atrocities that could all too easily have been ripped from the headlines. It is a story which is very topical, a touch dark in terms of theme perhaps, but told in the series trademark first person, almost conversational style which keeps readers immersed in the action but a step removed from the real depravity of what is happening. It works brilliantly in this case, with Con's conscience and natural curiosity driving her to get involved in a very complex investigation, even though she is meant to be on sabbatical. But from her perspective we get a unique take on what is happening, and I found myself faced with a real determination of our own to see the whole thing through to its conclusion.I really love the character of Con Fairchild. She has a very unique background, is an actual Lady no less, and her connections extend far and wide, sometimes touching on the periphery of James Oswald's other wonderful world, that of Inspector McLean, most specifically Madame Rose. She isn't as affected as someone of her breeding would be expected to be, in fact she works hard to be the direct opposite of what is expected of her. She's a tough cookie, completely messed up mentally as you'd expected from what has happened to her in the course of the past two books, but uncompromising and almost unstoppable. And believe me, people try there damnedest this time around. Almost succeed too. It leads to some moments of real tension and also a lot of the mystery and suspense which pulses throughout the story.I powered through this book. Ate it up. Gone in a day, much to my delight and my regret. There are so many elements of the book that I loved. It possibly helps that I know some of the area the book is set, Aberystwyth and it's surrounds being one of my 'local' beach resorts. It's familiar to me and many of the references made me smile. Then there are the elements of the mythological which permeate the series. It's not quite supernatural, it's not a ghostly presence we experience, but there is something ... otherworldly which informs the story. The knowing glances between certain characters, the kind of sixth sense that comes to the fore. The local legend, the folklore which is beautifully blended into the tale in a way which didn't even make me bat an eyelid. Folklore and legend in a book set in Wales? Well, duh. That whole concept just fits.Everything in the book worked for me in fact, even the inclusion of the dreaded 'C-19'. It almost wouldn't be the same without it. This book is rooted well and truly in the present day, and what better reason for Con to stay exactly where she would be needed than a national lockdown. or two ... It doesn't dominate in anyway, it informs and, to a degree, amuses as the story carefully reflects the very different rules, and fortunes, we've all experienced. It also means that those doing bad things in the middle of the night have an added layer of privacy and isolation which adds to the jeopardy and the tension of the overall story.And I really, really want a Gelert now. Minus the farting. Read the book. I promise it will all make sense.Another fun, action filled mystery that provided the perfect blend of intense investigation, memorable characters, witty dialogue, legend and mysticism. Loved it.

Every single one of these books are so good. So well written- you really want to know what is going to happen with the characters.

This is the second in a series about a very combative female police officer who seems to have an extraordinary ability to get into trouble, escape and then get back in the same mess .This book is set in north Wales ,the plot does get a bit fanciful at times but it keeps you engaged to the end

Really enjoyed this book.

Has he lost his va va voom? Will try one more book😀

Another wonderful book from James OswaldI loved the first 2 Constance Fairchild books & the fact they have slight overlaps with Inspector McLean books. It was well worth the wait, I feared there would be another of the Fairchild books.The main story is set near Aberystwyth and has its mystic elements that are James Oswald’s trait in his crime books.Constance falls into trouble again & into a live investigation, as the story rattles on.A great addition to the collection & can’t wait for the next installment.

This is the third in James Oswald's 'Constance Fairchild' series. He is one of my favourite authors, and I have to say I devoured this far too quickly - I just couldn't put it down!Constance Fairchild is a strong, likeable character and she certainly faces challenges in this book. The author's description of her physical state of tiredness at one point was so vivid that I spent several hours feeling exhausted myself!Five glittering stars. Would I read it again? Yes!

Yet another absolutely thrilling, nail biting, brilliant book. The story carries Con through the most amazing adventures, again the book touches on the mystical legions of the past that saves her. Some times his writing makes you smile other times its nail biting on the edge of your seat stuff. My only complaint is I wish the book lasted longer.!!I now have to wait another year to see where she goes next.