The Master’s lodge of Downing College Cambridge, was the impressive venue for the launch of Alison Bruce’s latest book, Because She Looked Away. The launch was organised by Richard and Jon of Bodies in The Bookshop, Cambridge’s specialist crime bookshop. I was fortunate to be invited. There was a long queue of those attending to buy their signed copy.
This book introduces us to a new hero, Detective Sergeant Veronica (Ronnie) Blake. Ronnie’s childhood was traumatic and so are the events that prompt her move to Cambridge. She moves in to live with her half brother, Alex and their orphaned nephew, Noah.
Ronnie joins a small team of detectives, known as the DEAD Team, at Cambridge’s Parkside police station. The unit which is under threat of disbandment, is unable to solve an outstanding unsolved case, Operation Byron. Then a list of three names is passed to the group anonymously, one of the names is that of Ronnie’s sister Jodie. With a fresh pair of eyes Ronnie, with the help of a fellow newcomer to the team Malachi, is able to help the DEAD team start to make progress with this complex enquiry.
This is an intriguing who done it, a crime novel which kept me reading at every opportunity I had. It is easy to understand why Richard, of Bodies in The Bookshop stayed up until 3.30am to finish reading it.
I have enjoyed every book of Alison Bruce’s I have read, Because She Looked Away, is the best yet. I thought it was impossible for her writing to get any better, how do you improve on perfection? Somehow she has managed it. I’m looking forward to the next Ronnie Blake book in the series.
Fenlandphil's Blog 
Posted by Cathy Cade on October 13, 2024 at 11:08 am
Sound like another one to add to my tbr tower… Actually, I am getting through these faster than usual, so the recommendations are useful.
Posted by fenlandphil on October 13, 2024 at 8:01 pm
It’s certainly worth adding to the tower.
Posted by purplesandyh on October 13, 2024 at 12:48 pm
Sounds interesting, I like your recommendations
Posted by fenlandphil on October 13, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Thanks, Sandra, I read it very quickly, it really was a struggle to put it down. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series, once it’s written and published.
Posted by Marsha on November 8, 2024 at 4:41 am
You are such a wonderful fan. What a great thing to say, “How can you improve on perfection.” Wow! We all need fans like you, my friend. 🙂
Posted by fenlandphil on November 8, 2024 at 6:58 am
I met Alison for the first time several years ago at a u3a writing course she was hosting in the nearby town of Ramsey. It was an interesting day and I cae away with a chapter for Killing Time in Cambridge written then as a short story. I bought the first in her Gary Goodhew series there and have been a fan ever since.
Posted by Marsha on November 8, 2024 at 6:54 pm
She’s lucky to have you, my friend. You are a loyal fan and friend. 🙂 xxx