George V Higgins – The Rat Of Fire, (Orion, £8.99) ***

A slum tenement in Boston is causing landlord Fein problems. They won’t pay any rent because of an infestation of rats. With the help of accomplice Proctor and corrupt fire marshal Malatesta, he plans to set fire to the building and claim insurance. The story is cleverly unfolded in a conversation style; a very unique venture in story telling. Not complicated. Humour abounds. A laughable tale gets funnier as it progresses.

Ronnie Whitehead, 80, retired, Crossflatts

Elmore Leonard – Raylan (Phoenix Fiction, £7.99) ***

This was a reasonable read and unusual theme. The author did persist in jumping from one thread of the story to another. Basically, it’s about two stories – people drugging unsuspecting victims and taking out their kidneys to sell. This first part of the book was good. Then it’s about a mine which is causing disturbance to the locals. Two story lines which in my opinion should be in separate books!

I Watkinson, 62, manager, Apperley Bridge