A ten-year-old girl is missing, on her way to visit a friend after school - absconded or abducted? D.I. David Russell is drafted in to begin the background investigation whilst searches are still under way. As it becomes clear that she has been taken, the events of that evening are slowly unravelled. False trails are followed, then abandoned; at last, suspicion begins to focus upon one man - and then, another little girl disappears. Everyone thinks she has run away from home after a row - but has she?

'Flashback' is a detective story of 82,000 words, set in the fictional Northamptonshire town of Grancester. By no means a "who-dun-it" of the classical Agatha Christie style, the story can be better described as a psychological thriller; in the words of the author, a "will-he-do-it-again-before-they-get-him?". The identity of the culprit is not hidden; to quote the author again, "if you don't know who did it by half way through the book, you're not paying attention!". The drama and tension derive rather from the way the story develops, with the police investigation slowly closing in on the perpetrator while the fate of the second child hangs in the balance. The conclusion, when it is reached, is both dramatic and unexpected.

The subject of child abduction is, necessarily, the source of deep feeling in most people; it was this emotive response which led the author to write the story. His treatment of the theme is sensitive and restrained; and his own feelings can perhaps be deduced from the emotionally evocative scenes which recur through the book, concluding with a surprisingly up-beat epilogue.

'Flashback' introduces the reader to the central characters who will continue through the subsequent books. Detective Inspector David Russell is a forty-year-old policeman of some experience, regarded by his Superintendant as his top investigative officer; his regular assistant is Detective Sergeant Doug Rimmer, likewise an experienced man. Both have served in the town for many years; both have also been stationed for a time in the County Headquarters. Others among the local force will reappear in later stories - Superintendant Harry Wilson, Chief Inspector Clive Armstrong and the front-line forces of both uniformed and plain-clothes divisions.

Also a constant background presence in the books are David Russell's family. It seems to be a current fashion for fictional detectives to be somehow disfunctional, either by personality or background; we have seen the irascible, womanising widower (Frost), the grumpy old curmudgeon (Morse) and others of similar ilk. Russell, by contrast, is happily married to Tracy, his wife of some fifteen years; they have two children Daniel, twelve and Sarah approaching four. Their presence and, in particular Russell's close relationship with his son, is an ongoing background theme in the books.
 

From the press:

‘A riveting crime novel, which you will find hard to put down as you pass through the chapters... This book is not for the weak-hearted and it may leave you wet-eyed as you travel through the emotional events.’

Milton Keynes Sunday Citizen

‘A criminal treat of criminal proportions... If you're a fan of crime novels or just an avid reader this is a must...’

What's On Anglia Magazine

‘'Flashback' is a readable, tightly-observed detective story...’

The Grove

‘I found the book an extremely good read (the 287 pages took me just about two days, which is a sign of how gripping the storyline is). It isn't overcomplicated by sub-plots that go nowhere, the flashbacks are introduced at timely moments and the characters are believable. If you enjoy crime novels I thoroughly recommend this one (and if you don't like crime books, read it anyway - you might be converted).’

Glen Peckett, writing in 'Endeavour'

‘... the county's own answer to Inspector Morse...’

Image Magazine

Availability:

‘Flashback’ can be ordered through any good bookshop by quoting the title and author or ISBN 0-9545624-0-2, or direct from this website.

Trade orders may be placed through any wholesaler via Bookdata, or contact the publishers at sales@sgmpublishing.co.uk

From reviews of the previous David Russell books:

‘Northamptonshire’s own answer to Inspector Morse’

          Image Magazine

‘Impossible to put down’

     Graham Sherwood, Choice Magazine

‘Plots brimming with unexpected twists’

         What’s On Magazine

FLASHBACK by Geoffrey Lewis

FLASHBACK

by Geoffrey Lewis

paperback

£6.99

ISBN 0-9545624-0-2

published by
SGM Publishing