Enemies Closer, a novella by British author Tom Batt, is a fast-paced detective story that captures the reader’s attention and refuses to let go. Detective Inspector Mike Palmer has been tracking a serial bank robber for nearly two years. Along with his partner, Detective Sargeant Jade Edmonds, they stake out the scene of the next robbery, thanks to a heads-up from Palmer’s trustworthy informant. The thieves arrive at the bank on schedule, and everything is going according to plan until one of the robbers looks out the window and recognizes Palmer. A quick change in plans allows the robbers to escape and Palmer frustratingly fails, again, to capture his elusive quarry. What happens next is a brilliant take on the traditional cat-and-mouse game filled with a dizzying number of plot twists and unexpected turns.

Batt’s characters are well-developed, and the details of their professional and personal lives play an integral part in explaining the motivations for the choices they make. They each face moral dilemmas that cause them to question whether they are the type of person they believe themselves to be. Their actions in the constantly evolving narrative propel the story forward to a stunning conclusion that will redefine who they are - if they survive to face the consequences.

A quick and entertaining read which left me wondering what sacrifices I would be willing to make to protect the ones I loved. ( )

Detective Inspector Mike Palmer has been trying to capture master bank robber Donovan Carter for 18 months. When a snitch reveals the date and location of the next robbery, Palmer positions officers outside the bank to apprehend the robbers when they emerge. But Donovan notices suspicious cars lurking outside the bank and abandons his usual exit routine. The robbers escape, and Palmer’s boss removes him as lead detective on the case and promotes Detective Sergeant Jade Edmonds, his highly regarded assistant, to lead.

The next day brings further bad news. Palmer’s ex-wife informs him she is moving to the United States with his daughter. Hiring an elite barrister to thwart his wife’s plan will cost fifty thousand pounds Palmer doesn’t have. In desperation, Palmer decides to team up with Donovan and his crew.

This brief little novella tells an entertaining, if sad, story. The writing is unpolished, and some plot dynamics are implausible, but the story moves along briskly, maintaining my interest throughout. ( )

This is a fast paced detective story. The story was packed full of twists and turns, but felt predictable. The book was very short, and is a novella. I would have liked to have seen more character development and description of the locations. Although, not particularly original and filled with tropes, it was still a fun book to read. Thank you for the opportunity to read it. ( )