Summary
Creature Discomforts is the seventh instalment in Ted Tayler‘s gripping Freeman Files series. The story revolves around Gus Freeman, a retired detective who leads a cold case review team. This time, they revisit the unsolved murder of Grant Burnside, a notorious gang leader who was killed by a lone sniper in May 2014. Despite the passage of four years, the case has remained a mystery, with no leads or suspects coming to light.
As Gus and his team delve into the investigation, they uncover a web of unrelated crimes that seem to surface with every clue they pursue. The Burnside family, known for their ruthless control and secrecy, presents a formidable challenge. Their reputation for silencing dissenters creates an atmosphere of fear that has kept witnesses quiet for years. However, Gus’s relentless determination begins to chip away at the family’s fortress-like façade.
The narrative builds suspense as Gus methodically unearths secrets that threaten to topple the Burnside family’s empire. Alongside his diverse and quirky team, Gus faces numerous obstacles, including threats and dead ends. The story masterfully combines police procedural elements with character-driven drama, keeping readers engaged until the climactic resolution.
Key Themes:
- Justice vs. corruption
- The resilience of truth-seekers
- Family loyalty and betrayal
- The impact of past crimes on the present
Character Details
Gus Freeman
Role: Protagonist; retired detective leading the cold case review team
Defining Traits: Gus is methodical, doggedly determined and deeply empathetic. His years of experience as a detective give him an edge in solving complex cases. Despite his retirement, his passion for justice drives him to uncover the truth behind Grant Burnside’s murder.
Grant Burnside
Role: Victim; leader of a violent gang
Defining Traits: Grant was ruthless and feared by many. His death left a power vacuum in his criminal empire, but his influence endures through his family’s tight control over their operations.
Alice Taylor
Role: Member of Gus’s team; tech expert
Defining Traits: Alice is sharp, resourceful, and adept at uncovering digital evidence. Her youthful energy contrasts with Gus’s seasoned approach, creating a dynamic partnership.
Neil Davis
Role: Member of Gus’s team; investigative specialist
Defining Traits: Neil is pragmatic and detail-oriented. His ability to connect seemingly unrelated pieces of evidence proves invaluable in cracking the case.
Sandra Burnside
Role: Grant’s widow; matriarch of the Burnside family
Defining Traits: Sandra is fiercely protective of her family’s legacy. Her cold demeanour and calculated actions make her a formidable adversary for Gus and his team.
Reader Fit
This book is ideal for fans of:
- Police procedurals with intricate plots
- Character-driven mysteries
- Stories exploring moral dilemmas in justice
- Authors like Peter James or Angela Marsons
If you enjoy unravelling complex cases alongside a determined investigator and appreciate richly developed characters, Creature Discomforts will captivate you.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Mystery/Police Procedural
- Publication Year: 2020
- Reading Time Estimate: ~8 hours
- Notable Awards: None reported
Related Books
- Six Graves by Angela Marsons – Another gripping police procedural featuring Detective Kim Stone.
- Final Deal by Ted Tayler – The fifth book in the Freeman Files series, another of Gus Freeman’s investigations.
- The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths – A compelling mystery blending archaeology and crime-solving.
Buy the Book
Ready to uncover the truth? Dive into Creature Discomforts today and join Gus Freeman on his relentless quest for justice!
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