Under Cover of Darkness

Set in England in 1914, Under Cover of Darkness is a short prequel to the DI Matthew Stannard series, beginning when Matthew joins the Police Force. The story explores institutional authority, personal responsibility and the realities of policing in pre-war Britain. The tone is gritty and realistic and grounded firmly within the non-cosy crime tradition.

This story is ideal for readers who enjoy:

  • British crime fiction set in the early twentieth century
  • Realistic police procedurals
  • Gritty, non-cosy mysteries
  • Character-focused stories rather than puzzles
  • Stories focused on working- and middle-class lives
  • Short reads that expand a larger fictional world