Peter Turnbull's P Division novels have gleaned a considerable following, with their depiction of Glasgow's mean streets. With Fear of Drowning, we are in the superficially more sedate city of York. However, Detective Inspector George Hennessy soon discovers that murderous intentions can lurk beneath the most placid of exteriors. When a middle-aged couple, Max and Amanda Williams, disappear and are later found murdered in a shallow grave. Although no-one appeared to wish them harm, when Hennessy digs deeper into their lifestyle and heirs, he discovers some startling facts: both of the partners appeared to have illicit liaisons with other people; one of a sexual nature, the other financial. And as the investigation fastens on the disturbing behaviour of the Williams' son, Hennessy is soon encountering a host of suspects and dark mystery from the past. Retaining the salty authenticity of his P division novels, Turnbull ensures that his tightly-plotted narrative moves with considerable speed towards its satisfyingly astringent finale.--Barry Forshaw
‘I can think of no other writer who so vividly captures the atmosphere of hopeless urban menace’
The Times
‘Engrossingly readable’
Guardian