Long Reach

OK, so Long Reach is a book that is aimed at the slightly older teen market of about 14+ and.. mostly at boys... BUT if you are like me, a girl that craves books that are dark, adventurous, gritty and a little bit squirmy to read, then you'll love this.

The protagonist is Eddie Savage, a 17yr old kid verging on adulthood, who is suspicious of his brothers apparent suicide and so, of course, decides to follow in his footsteps. Of course!!!!! Eddie is quickly sucked into the same world his brother had so recently 'left behind' and starts working undercover.... See?? You're suspicious already!!! BUT Peter Cocks has done an excellent job of weaving this story, so it never seems ridiculous or like it's a stretch to believe what's happening around you (Eddie). He brilliantly depicts a world that is dark and sinister whilst at the same time making you think, Hey, these bad guys aren't all THAT evil... they're having Sunday roast with their families and walking the dog!! It takes a little more imagination and skilful penmanship to show the reader that, actually, these characters are human, they have lives outside of the shadowy, seamy realms and makes you see how someone's moral compass could become confused... a la Eddie when he is asked to infiltrate Tommy Kelly' world and become close with his daughter.

Peter Cocks also writes as though you're listening to someone tell YOU the story verbally. This makes you WANT to hear more, read more, know more, see more.... It's a great way of making you pay attention. And something else that grabbed me... There isn't that 'Hollywood' ending that ties up all those rough tatty loose ends into a pretty little bow. No!... and now you know you have to read the next book... NOW!! You crave it... Lol. Well done Peter Cocks!!!