Can the wounds of the past ever heal?
Forced to confront a past he’s tried to forget, Kent Fisher discovers crimes that could destroy what’s left of his family. Crimes that were hidden almost 30 years ago.
When more murders silence those who know the truth, only one person remains to reveal what happened all those years ago.
Can Kent find her before the killer makes one final strike?
Or will she die, taking the truth with her?
It's my pleasure to be sharing my book review of No Time for Doubt today. Many thanks to Robert Crouch for inviting me and for sending me an advance digital copy of the novel.
No Time for Doubt is the tenth book in Robert Crouch's Kent Fisher series and his protagonist has certainly experienced many changes and been through some tough times. It's for this reason that I would recommend reading at least some of the previous novels, if you can. Although his investigation here is a standalone mystery, it is a deeply personal case and will therefore particularly resonate with readers who have followed him since the start.
The development of this series has been excellent; it could initially be firmly described as cosy crime but over time Robert Crouch has put his protagonist in a number of dangerous situations and explored darker issues too. However, he has never lost sight of what makes this series so engaging, and that's the connection we feel to the characters. Kent Fisher is still coming to terms with the changes wrought by his last case in No Easy Answers when Detective Inspector Belinda Huntley brings him news about the body of a woman who had lain dead for three weeks before she was reported missing. Kent has a more personal reason than ever for trying to discover who killed her and why, and No Time for Doubt is one of the most moving books in the series.
Kent's private life, and particularly his various romantic relationships have always featured strongly but this time, we are given a fascinating insight into his past. As he both remembers and learns more about his troubled childhood, he is forced to confront his own shortcomings as he realises that his relationship woes have been shaped by what he went through as a boy. There are moments where his failure to communicate becomes frustrating but Robert Crouch ensures we understand the reasons behind his reluctance to risk sharing his feelings.
With his former stepmother, Niamh missing and a rising body count, Kent doesn't know who he can truly trust; especially as he gradually uncovers dark secrets and tragic revelations. This is a complex case and he struggles to figure out the truth amidst his turmoil. He has undergone some changes in his life but there are a few familiar faces here still, including the always reliable Frances who is a loyal friend as well as his longest colleague at his animal sanctuary, and Stick who although a newer character, makes a welcome return – as does Belinda Huntley. Kent and Belinda have a history together which adds a further layer of interest to proceedings, especially when the flirty Amy also becomes involved in the investigation. Of course, his beloved Westie, Columbo is also on hand to offer his unique assistance, in return for regular snacks and walks. Columbo is such an endearing little dog, and as a terrier owner myself, he is obviously one of my favourite characters!
The shocking conclusion is tense and dramatic and even though Kent receives some answers, this is a rather poignant instalment in the series. However, despite having to reassess much of what he believed about his formative years, there is hope and succour for Kent here too. No Time for Doubt is an engrossing, touching murder mystery which explores some distressing topics with perceptive compassion; I enjoyed it very much.
No Time for Doubt can be purchased from Amazon, where it is also available on Kindle Unlimited.
About the Author
He drew on his own extensive experience to create environmental health officer Kent Fisher, a different kind of sleuth to appeal to today’s readers. While neither a police officer nor a private detective, Kent has the enforcement skills, contacts and determination needed to tackle the most complex murders.
While Robert taps into his early experiences of injustice to explore the motivations that drive people to kill, he tempers this with irreverent humour and a hint of romance. A love of wildlife, nature and the environment help add a contemporary slant to the stories.
When not writing, Robert can be found walking among the gentle hills and the coast of the South Downs with his wife. Armed with a camera, or two, he likes to photograph the local wildlife and seek out settings for the next novel.
You can find out more about at his website, robertcrouch.co.uk, where you can also join his Readers Group for more news, insights and giveaways, including a free short story.
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