Dirty Money (Charlotte Philby)

The publisher’s summary:

RAMONA CHANG

An investigative journalist turned private detective, Ramona’s final scoop left her with a target on her back. Now in hiding, she is living in a run-down flat in east London. But when her latest case looking into an upmarket escort agency takes a dark turn, she needs information only accessible to those in power . . .

DETECTIVE SERGEANT MADELEINE FARROW

A high-flying operative at a government agency, it’s the day of her fiftieth birthday when Madeleine finds out that she has been given the lead on an investigation into corruption on a global scale. But when she finds her case mysteriously blocked from the inside, she needs someone on the outside, capable of moving undetected . . .

As Ramona’s and Madeleine’s cases collide, can the unlikely allies find justice for multiple victims within the capital’s hotbed of lies and deception?

A gripping thrill-ride set against the gloss and grit of contemporary London, DIRTY MONEY introduces an unforgettable new detective duo created by critically acclaimed writer Charlotte Philby.

My reading review:

It is my first read by Charlotte Philby and I am glad I discovered her.

Dirty money is set in London. It brings together Madeleine, a government operative, with Ramona, a former investigative journalist turned private detective. Madeleine is elegant and a bit stiff. Ramona is all the opposite. Both have great investigative talent. When their two investigations collide, it produces a spark of success and creates an unexpected but great partnership between two women who have been hurt by life and don’t trust anyone, but have learned to trust each other.

The plot finds inspiration into headlines we are unfortunately all used to see in the press, and it makes the story vivid and realistic. The characters are sharp and interesting and the writing really brings all facets of London to life.

The story starts in a slow way, with many details being thrown in. Some readers may find it a little challenging to get into it, but I found it very realistic. Working on an investigation really does feel like that at the beginning. There are many facts, many leads, many different people and it takes time to work all these out into anything conclusive. For me, Charlotte Philby illustrated this perfectly at the start of the book and I could not tear myself away from it because the pace accelerates as the pages turn up to a shocking conclusion.

I was glad to find out this book is part of a series and I cannot wait to read more about who Madeleine and Ramona will go after in the next novel.

You can listen to Charlotte Philby introducing her book on this short video and see her sharing visual impressions of the London that inspires her story of Madeleine and Ramona.

Thank you to Netgalley and John Murray Press, Baskerville, for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.