Pinky and Rik have a new client.

When I first began reading Suspect, I really didn’t think I was going to enjoy it because of all the American cultural references, such as police acronyms, that felt quite unfamiliar. However, once I had attuned myself to Pinky’s highly engaging, conversational tone, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and what began as a negative impression actually became one of the strengths of Suspect for me as it transported me completely into a different world that I found both entertaining and educational. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say the American aspects of Suspect became a bewitching setting.

There’s an interesting style here as Suspect feels fresh and modern, with technology playing a significant role in the narrative, and yet the writing feels very much part of the Golden Age of crime fiction, especially as Pinky is a private investigator rather than part of the police. I thought Scott Turow managed this blend very effectively in an increasingly fast paced, exciting and compelling narrative. By the time I reached the end of the story my heart was racing. I loved the way the strands of the plot came together with frequent surprises that made for such an enjoyable read.

Pinky is a complete triumph as a character. She’s multi-layered and complex with a cleverly crafted mix of tenderness and vulnerability that balances her more reckless and determined features. With her dyed, shaved hair, her facial piercing, her bi-sexuality and her tattoos, Pinky defies convention and yet she’s also at the very heart of it with her complex family relationships, her strong sense of what is right and her desire to be loved. Again she illustrates Scott Turow’s incredible skill in providing balance and nuance in his writing. I really hope Pinky will appear again in the future as I’ve rather fallen for her.

I thought it was inspired to give definitions of the word suspect at the start of the book because Suspect truly does explore all the possible versions highly effectively. In addition, Scott Turow considers morality in office, sexual behaviour, corruption, organised crime, revenge, coercion and he uncovers the murky world of crime and those tackling it with complete authority so that Suspect is surprisingly thought-provoking. As well as being hugely entertained by Suspect I was fascinated by it too.

Having begun Suspect wondering if I was going to enjoy the book, I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Indeed, I’m still thinking about characters like the Chief Lucy and like Pinky because Scott Turow made me believe in them completely. I really recommend Suspect. It’s not my usual genre and Scott Turow has convinced me that I’ve been missing out. Make sure you don’t miss this one.