D.I. Paulo Storey books 2 and 3 by Frances di Plino

I've decided to place these two books, Someday Never Comes (book 2)and Call It Pretending (book 3) in the same review as they are part of the same series and, although the two crimes are separate the back stories of the police operatives run through both books.

The first then, Someday Never Comes. I must say, and this may sound odd but bear with me here, this was not an easy book to read, very uncomfortable in places, but a very good book indeed. The story revolves around child trafficking, child prostitution and a faded Rock Star on the comeback trail. As with the previous book in the series, Bad Moon Rising, there are enough false trails, red herrings etc. to keep you guessing right up to the final reveal. As well as the main story there is the fallout from Bad Moon to deal with as well. Storey's daughter is in hospital and things are more strained than ever between Paulo and his wife. There is a chink of light however, in the form of his daughter's psychiatrist, but just when things are looking better a spanner is thrown in the works which left me wishing the author would just give the man a break.

So, with the crime solved, and Storey's love life as much in limbo as ever, we move on to Call It Pretending(book 3). I found this one to be a very clever and 'tricksy' book. The main story revolves around events that took place years ago. Somebody is killing people off and leaving a note with each body (starting "1 down, 5 to go" then "2 down, 4 to go" etc.)Obviously there is a link but the squad are short of ideas. Will they get to the killer before the killer reaches the end of the list? Again, as with the previous books, plenty of false trails and the likes to keep you guessing (and I never suspected the actual killer). Things are a little bit better for Storey in his personal life for now and this brings some lighter moments. In fact, things are looking good for just about everyone on his team, apart from one, whose secret, revealed only to Paulo brings things down to earth with a bump.

So, what we have here is two separate stories both very well told with a set of good strong back stories for the main characters that will keep you looking out for the next in the series.

Someday Never Comes 4/5 stars

Call It Pretending 4.5/5 stars