Cyprus Kiss - Murray Bailey

The name’s Carter. Ash Carter. 

Ash is back. He’s in Cyprus. 

He’s still swashing buckles with relentless energy, putting himself in peril.  

But it’s a younger Ash. 

In this book he is still a Lieutenant and honing his skills. He’s an army investigator. 

With a complex and fast moving plot Murray Bailey allows us a glimpse into the earlier career of this thoroughly, decent guy, Ash. So decent, he doesn’t always see who or what is right under his nose! But I did, Ash! I suspected right from the start. But then maybe I’m at an advantage. For I know a little about the older Ash! I know just how his skills and expertise develops. 

‘Help Me! Those were the words on the back of a woman’s photograph. And yet she vanished six months ago. It’s 1948 and military investigator Ash Carter has arrived in Cyprus. A gang has been operating for two years, leaving a mark known to police as the kiss of death. Is this something to do with them? And why ask him for help? After a murder, Carter begins to realize this is personal. In a race against time, Carter must work out the connection between the gang, the missing woman and the murder, before it’s too late.’

With the thoroughness we’ve come to expect from Murray Bailey the details of the historical, political and military situations in Cyprus and Palestine are referred to but never allowed to dominate what is an entertaining action adventure. However without them the story would lack some of the convincing authenticity to which his readers are treated to. 

If you have read any of these books before you know exactly what to expect and you won’t be disappointed. But if you’re a newcomer, sit your self down, strap yourself in and enjoy one hell of a ride. But you need to stay on your toes because everything you read will be important. Every character has a part to play. It’s a “goodies and baddies“ tale but it’s deciding who belongs to which group that will keep you glued to the narrative. 

My thanks to Librarything and the author himself for a much treasured signed, gifted copy.