After reading the glittering reviews I thought I would give this a try.
Ed O'Connor is a new writer to me and this is the first book of his I have read - and I think it may be the last. Mr. O'Connor is clearly a talented chap. The opening of the book fairly crackles with energy but soon degenerates into a 'and then-and then-and then' style of novel. It is absolutely crammed full of 'something exciting happening' and you know what - it just does work.. There is: a serial killer, a rapist, human flesh eating, torture, a cop with cancer, mental illness, bare knuckle-fighting, illegal dogs fights etc etc (excuse me if I missed anything). The heroine of the piece is Alison Dexter a no-nonsense DI who is a lesbian (not that that fact is important. I think that was just chucked into the mix when the author was thinking about the film rights). The book is definitely in the 'never mind the quality - feel the width' area.
The very odd thing is just how boring and dull the book actually is. All this blood and mayhem leave you knowing nothing about the main character (though the serial killer guy is written with more skill). it's really strange how a writer like Mark Billingham can enthrall you with what his characters eats and drinks for lunch but Mr. O'Connor can bore the backside off me with this sort of thing.
I did laugh out loud however at the exchange between Dexter and her East-End boss ('Guv'). All I can say is Dick Van Dyke made a more authentic cockney in Mary Poppins than these two. The dialogue is hilarious. I think Mr O'Connor has been watching a bit too much early Sweeney. I half expected a 'lets go up the apples and pears for some nice jellied eels - gor blimey'.
Sorry. just not for me.