FIRE DAMAGE

OUT NOW|

The Birmingham Blitz, November 1940

War kills, crime pays, no more so than when the lights are off and everyone’s looking out for themselves – or looking the other way.

After a young girl is found dead, Detective Sergeant Harry Marsh and his new partner, Policewoman Annie Scott, uncover a world of illegal immigrants, arms theft, domestic terrorism and police corruption – all against a backdrop of burnt-out houses and burnt-out lives.

In a world at war, only one thing is certain: life is the cheapest commodity of all.

“A highly enjoyable, big-hearted debut, full of fascinating detail. Historically vivid and humming with contemporary resonance.”

Charlie Hill

Author, Encounters with Everyday Madness

“A pacy and exciting book full of authentic characters that I really cared about. The world-building is so strong, the place and time felt utterly convincing, and this is a story I won’t forget! A pressure cooker of a novel. I love this book.”

Elizabeth Lee

Author, Cunning Women

“A labyrinthine crime tale of courage and morality set in the darkest days of the last century. Proctor’s prose crackles with atmosphere as it lowers you into the flaming depths of the Birmingham Blitz, while his vivid, troubled characters struggle with its central question – how do you retain your humanity in a burning world? An impressive debut from a writer to watch.”

Jenny Lecoat

New York Times bestselling author

"A tense portrayal of wartime Birmingham, murder, and moral quandary."

Kate Mascarenhas

Author, Hokey Pokey