Title:	Prime Evil
	Author:	Maynard Sims
	Published:	2016, Joffe books
	No. of Pages:	249
	Cover Price:	$2.99 Kindle

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Take a trip back to the 50s with DCI Jack Callum, in Prime Evil, the second book in the series by Maynard Sims. Jack leads a team of detectives who are investigating the grisly murder of an actor who has ties to several unsavory criminals. It’s fun to read about an investigation without modern-day techniques, such as cell phones, DNA, computers, etc.

The book is well-written, fast moving, and very true-to-form as to the time period. Women were expected to stay at home, cook dinner, and clean house. Jack’s family is of the perfect “Leave it to Beaver” variety. Jack has a great team, and one of those on the team is a woman, Myra Brent. His boss, the Chief Superintendent is adamant that Myra not be promoted because he believes she will quit to have a family. Jack is furious, especially when another more junior and not-as competent detective is supported by the Chief for the promotion. Most readers won’t remember when those scenarios were the status quo, so it will be interesting for them to see just what it was like.

Since this novel is set in Britain, the author provides a Glossary of British and Period Slang, as well as a list of the characters. This is very helpful to readers who aren’t British.

While the book doesn’t contain any graphic language, sex, or violence, there is plenty of suspense, and while the detectives are old fashioned by today’s standards, Sims is a great storyteller and readers will feel they are living during the period. There are several twists and turns, as well as surprises as the novel comes to a conclusion. For readers who enjoy police procedural thrillers, this book is recommended,

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this novel.

This book may be purchased at Amazon:
PRIME EVIL a gripping detective thriller full of suspense