Into The Night is the second novel in the Detective Gemma Woodstock series. Although I have not read the first in the series, and some people say it is better if you have, I did not find that this distracted from the story. Main character and protagonist Gemma comes across as quite cold and unlikeable, but it is clear she is a complex individual and is trying to find her way out of a maze of problems. Some of her issues are stereotypical of the detective/crime genre, however, I must admit I found her very interesting albeit damaged. She is intelligent, tenacious and dedicated to her job, but her personal life is a calamitous affair. What makes her a memorable character, in my eyes, is that she understands herself, her flaws, her limits and is brutally honest about them.
Set in the film industry based in and around Melbourne, Australia, Bailey touches on the topic of exploitation and sexual assault that has been exposed as existing in the industry and which gave birth to the "Me Too" movement. Told in first person from Gemma's perspective, it is a straightforward read with plenty going on to keep the reader engaged. There is a focus on details and realism and the author has made sure to ground the book to make it as authentic and believable as possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the parts in which Gemma and Fleet sifted through the lies, rumours and gossip in order to try and find evidence to make the case. Needless to say, it was easier said than done! There are plenty of surprises and revelations that came around very unexpectedly and I enjoyed the unpredictable nature of it all. It's a rarity these days that a book can creep up on me and take me by surprise, but Bailey did it with aplomb. Crafted and paced to perfection and thoroughly gripping, I was sad when it came to an end. I look forward to the upcoming additions to the series. Fully deserving of five stars!
Set in the film industry based in and around Melbourne, Australia, Bailey touches on the topic of exploitation and sexual assault that has been exposed as existing in the industry and which gave birth to the "Me Too" movement. Told in first person from Gemma's perspective, it is a straightforward read with plenty going on to keep the reader engaged. There is a focus on details and realism and the author has made sure to ground the book to make it as authentic and believable as possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the parts in which Gemma and Fleet sifted through the lies, rumours and gossip in order to try and find evidence to make the case. Needless to say, it was easier said than done! There are plenty of surprises and revelations that came around very unexpectedly and I enjoyed the unpredictable nature of it all. It's a rarity these days that a book can creep up on me and take me by surprise, but Bailey did it with aplomb. Crafted and paced to perfection and thoroughly gripping, I was sad when it came to an end. I look forward to the upcoming additions to the series. Fully deserving of five stars!