Needless Alley: The critically acclaimed noir crime debut (William Garrett Novels)

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William finds himself aided by his past love, friend and Ronnie's sister, Queenie Maggs, residing on a narrowboat and the young, bright and determined Phyllis Hall. He comes across as a detective with a heart who is willing to do what it takes to get an answer and justice. Very gritty, no punches are spared and the reader will need fortitude to get through the maelstrom of violence and anger that is unleashed. William is a complicated central protagonist, well read, with a strong moral core in his pursuit of some form of justice, surrounded by strong women in the form of Queenie and Phyll. There was no plot really though once again I sensed in this sort of book there should be a stonking rollicking story.

Needless Alley: The critically acclaimed noir crime debut Needless Alley: The critically acclaimed noir crime debut

This is one of those crime novels that delves a little deeper into its characters, offering readers more of a lasting glance into their lives, and what an interesting bunch they are. Some stories have multiple perspectives (this doesn't but bear with me here), within which there may be one that you dislike reading. As his life falls apart, William embarks on a dangerous inquiry that make him some powerful enemies.When I think about Uk in the 30s I think about Miss Marple or Peter Wimsey, the Golden Age puzzles classic whodunit. I mean no offense to debut authors at all, some of my favourite books (like this one) are debuts but I just didn't expect that. He bears the mental scars of war and comes to realise that he will not find happiness and love living the way he is and so becomes a man looking for redemption. A smart, ripping yarn, whose compelling hero is movingly supported by a cast of lived in characters, and put through the wringer by some shocking and moving revelations. As a neurodiverse adult I often struggle to picture things in my head when I read but due to the excellent writing I could often see what the author wanted me to see.

Needless Alley by Natalie Marlow | Hachette UK

You never quite know where the story is going and every time I sat down to read I was excited to find out what happened next.Needless Alley , “a highly atmospheric piece of literary noir” set in 1930s Birmingham, is the first in a series following private detective William Garrett as he moves between the shadowy world of the working canals where he grew up, to the hidden speakeasys that provide a safe haven for Birmingham’s queer women. It’s also a great slice of social history with the growth of fascism and the lack of rights for married women both important elements of the novel. Of course, that's why a story is split into parts- to signpost this- however, it means that, as a reader, an investment is built for one narrative, only to find that this runs out and one has to have something else instead. However, William's life changes when he accidentally meets the beautiful Clara Morton and falls in love. I've had the pleasure of meeting Natalie Marlow and look forward to the next instalment in early 2024.

The Bookseller - Rights - Baskerville signs two books in

i did not expect to enjoy this book as much as i did, the plot was so intriguing and the story itself was incredibly well-written.My bugbear too much repetition of actions ie lighting and smoking cigarettes or pouring out drinks and the same adjectives throughout the text. William finds himself a refuge from all this for a while, an unexpected refuge, but in doing so he brings more trouble on himself than he could have imagined.