- Paperback: 308 pages
- Publisher: Libros International (10 May 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1905988478
- ISBN-13: 978-1905988471
- Product Dimensions: 20.2 x 12.2 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 2,296,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
DI Hart, a busy detective inspector in London's East End, is on the lookout for the final act of corruption to escape the chaos of his private and professional life. When the opportunity arises, he uses all his skills to commit the perfect crime, but he is being pursued by a formidable enemy who emerges from the shadows when the DI isn't looking . . .
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Raw and stunningly believable,
By Ken Scott "Scotty" (Spain) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Big One (Paperback)
I'd started this book some months ago but work commitments didn't prevent me from getting a good 'run at it'. That run, came and went last night as I finished the book during a sleepless night. It was worth the fatigue I will suffer later on. Harry Gardiner's book is set in a London police station some years back when coppers were coppers and alledgedly not averse to the odd bung. Villians were villains and a certain respect between cops and robbers kept an uneasy but workable peace. The Big One is anti-hero DI Len Hart's planned step to retirement, the big bung or the huge fiddle that will allow him to live out his existence in sun drenched Spain after winning the heart of his estranged wife Shirley for the second time. Len has to change of course and he vows that his hard drinking, smoking, drug taking and cavorting with prostitutes will come to an end just as soon as his master plan has been hatched. Harry Gardiner's excellent novel is raw and believable, the characters can be related to, loved and hated in equal measures. His book is graphic, particularly the scenes with Mrs Resen who summons Len with a phone call every time she has 'been naughty.' Wherever Len is he drops everything... literally... to administer Mrs Resen's punishment as she bends over her bed.
Gardiner's novel is gripping, oh so real and it's no surprise to find out that Harry too, was an East End DI once upon a time, just like Len? Nor is it surprising that Harry and Len both had plans to run to Spain to enjoy their retirement. I can't help drawing certain comparisons with Ken Scott's Jack of Hearts.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Authenticity on every well-written page,
By
This review is from: The Big One (Paperback)
It's London's East End and after over twenty years rubbing shoulders with and catching criminals, Detective Inspector Len Hart is jaded and wants to retire. He's made quite a bit on the side, taking the odd bribe and accepting financial favours from shady characters, but he hasn't really amassed a great fortune, something to make his retirement more than merely comfortable. He's still on the lookout for the Big One, the crooked deal - the `perfect crime' - that will enable him to retire in luxury.
Though he's estranged from his wife Shirley, he still sees her every fortnight or so for sex. That side of their partnership still seems to work, surprisingly, since their marriage broke up because Len's a philanderer. He's full of regrets, but can't seem to help himself - or more to the point, he does, too often. Shirley accepts his crooked ways - after all, he gives her a generous allowance. He has hopes that they can get together once he lands the Big One. Day-to-day coping with crime - rape, murder, burglary and violence - takes its toll. Then chance drops the Big One in Len's lap. He must risk all, including his job and pension, on making it work. At turns gritty and grim, humorous and suspenseful, this book sucks you into the amoral world of Len Hart. He's flawed but his heart is in the right place. He may be on the take but, like most cops, he has a special hell reserved for drug dealers, rapists and child molesters. Gardiner's previous experience as a DI and pub landlord has infused the narrative with authenticity on every well-written page. Be warned, though, if you're offended by earthy language or graphic sex scenes then keep away; otherwise be held in thrall by a believable anti-hero. Fans of Martina Cole should feel right at home with this book. The above caveat aside, highly recommended.
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