Under Cover of Darkness | Book 1 | PC Matthew Stannard Series

Set in England in 1914, Under Cover of Darkness is the start of an origin series for Matthew Stannard, 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