Rats in a Maze by Peter Bailey is a crime novel surrounding the mysterious accident in Pier 54. Ray Fisher, the detective assigned to the case, believes there is more than what meets the eye. Together with his partner, Brad, they both try to uncover the mystery behind the accident. The accident uncovers the horrible truths of the world to Detective Fisher and his life changes. The concept of death becomes clearer to him as he goes about his job. What Detective Ray and Brad did not know was that they were signing up to one long suspenseful rollercoaster the moment they started the investigation on what seemed like a simple and normal traffic accident.

I was highly impressed by the story; it is not the typical crime fiction story going through the motions of a police procedural. The writer introduces readers to the characters on a high note, getting you to relate and empathize with the character so you care about what happens to them, and I liked how this feeling was consistent throughout the story. The characters are crafted specifically to fit into their roles. Peter Bailey does a fantastic job in incorporating different aspects of life into the story which made things feel authentic and grounded. We’re thrown into the detectives life through Detective Ray’s storyline but we are also thrown into story lines on family, romance, even in office settings. The way the writer switches up chapters keeps the reader engaged with the story, if not with the plot. Every chapter brings up a new event and a new twist without losing the progression towards the stories arc.

Rats in a Maze is a riveting mix of everything I wish for in a good crime fiction novel; government conspiracy, humour, people in power, romance, always with a dash of cunning crime solving. The book leaves readers with a cliff-hanger that will have you begging for a follow up novel.

Pages: 199 | ASIN: B08JMC8VHJ