DI Kendall Series
Detective Mystery Thriller
From the award-winning author comes a new detective thriller
Darwin claimed that the strong survive and the weak die - but will DI Kendall evolve in time?
Could the gruesome murder of a newly promoted detective be linked to a number of unrelated crimes?
Unnatural Selection
Open Book Awards Winner 2025
Kirkus review highlights
“Even if some of the early pacing lags, there are riveting, gruesome surprises in store for those who power through”.
“A modern crime story chock-full of bloody twists and turns”.
Summary
Could the gruesome murder of a newly promoted detective be linked to a number of unrelated crimes? Inflexible and rule following, can DI Jim Kendall change his ways in time to save his career?
The investigation takes a dark turn when several murders are carried out by mercenaries associated with a notorious Romanian gang known for their gruesome landmark assassinations. The gang capitalises on fear to hinder the investigation, making it impossible for the team to piece together the puzzle. The murders set off a terrifying chain of events which lead to a fight for survival.
The crimes are somehow linked to Charles Darwin and his groundbreaking theories. The novel explores themes of survival, fear, and the quest for truth amidst chaos and violence.
Bookish ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️/5
"An intense and hard-hitting new detective series with “Unnatural Selection”, a thriller that wastes no time pulling readers into a dark and dangerous world. The novel introduces DI Jim Kendall, a rigid, by-the-rules investigator whose structured approach is tested by a brutal and increasingly complex case. The gruesome murder of a newly promoted detective sets off an investigation that quickly spirals beyond anything Kendall or his team could have imagined. From the opening chapters, Edge establishes a gritty, fast-paced tone filled with suspense and high stakes.
The plot is cleverly constructed, weaving together seemingly unrelated crimes that gradually reveal a chilling connection. As the investigation unfolds, Kendall discovers that the murders are linked to a ruthless Romanian gang known for mercenary-style killings designed to spread fear. Their brutal tactics and calculated violence create an atmosphere of constant tension, making it nearly impossible for the police to get ahead of them.
What elevates the story beyond a standard crime thriller is its intellectual edge. The unexpected link to Charles Darwin and his theories of natural selection adds a fascinating layer to the mystery. Themes of survival, evolution, and human instinct run beneath the surface of the action, giving the novel depth as well as excitement.
Overall, “Unnatural Selection” is a powerful and gripping start to what promises to be an excellent series. The novel delivers action, mystery, and psychological tension in equal measure, building toward a dramatic fight for survival. For readers who enjoy intelligent crime fiction with a dark edge, this book is a compelling and highly satisfying read."
