I have long been an admirer of the Maeve Kerrigan books by Jane Casey and have read them all, one by one, as they were published. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first three or four in the series, I think they gained impetus with the introduction of DI Josh Derwent who immediately created a chemistry with Maeve which made the books even better than they were.
On the surface Josh is the very epitome of a Male Chauvenistic Pig with his attitude and sneering but dig underneath and you will find there lurks a softer, caring person who covers up his feedlings with a tough exterior.
This book, The Outsider, takes place in the time between The Cutting Place and The Close and tells the story of Rob, an ex-lover of Maeve who left her with no reason, leaving her bereft. He manages to let her know some time later that he has had to go undercover, but the hurt of his betrayal had cut deep. The Outsider is his story.
Rob comes upon a car crash and rushe to help the victim, administering first aid and saving his life. It is then we discover that the person who he is following is a powerful criminal whose family he is trying to infiltrate and this accident gives him the perfect opportunity to do so.
Being undercover and watching every single move, every word said and every action taken, with the sure knowledge that he is being watched for signs that will make him distrusted, is nerve wracking and dangerous. The family is dysfunctional, cruel and unfeeling and Rob has to witness an abused wife who he is unable to help and to also be careful not to respond to the overtures being made to him by the daughter of the house.
Without giving too much of the plot away, Rob ends up being interrogated in a police station by Maeve and Josh and has a chance to see her again. They seem to reignite their relationship for one brief night but it is clear that Maeve no longer trusts or loves him and is still recovering from the trauma she endured in The Cutting Room.
As with all Jane Casey's books I have to sit down and devote an afternoon to reading straight through as they are gripping and exciting and so well written with a never flagging narrative drive. This one plugs gaps in the story of Maeve and Josh and also gives an understanding of where Maeve is mentally in The Close.
If you have yet to read this series, and I strongly recommend that you do, I think it best if they are read in order as over time the relationship between Maeve and Josh grows and changes and, quite frankly, if they do not get together soon I am going to scream with frustration...
Another winner from Jane Casey. Simply terrifix
PS Please note this is an ebook only. The next Maeve/Josh book is out in March 2024.
