Long Way Home (Zigic & Ferreira)

Dive into the gripping world of Peterborough's underbelly with Eva Dolan's debut novel, *Long Way Home*, the first installment in the acclaimed Zigic & Ferreira crime series. This thought-provoking police procedural plunges you into the heart of a community simmering with racial tension, where exploitation and prejudice cast a long shadow. When a man is found brutally murdered in a garden shed in "Englandistan," a marginalized enclave just north of Peterborough, the under-resourced Hate Crimes Unit is called in. DI Zigic and DS Ferreira, both products of previous waves of immigration to the UK, find themselves navigating a complex web of victims and perpetrators, each with their own motivations and secrets. Eva Dolan masterfully crafts a narrative that goes beyond a simple whodunit. *Long Way Home* is a searing commentary on modern Britain, exploring the themes of immigration, poverty, and the insidious nature of prejudice. The authors meticulous research and insightful observations create a vividly realistic and unsettling atmosphere. Zigic and Ferreira are not your typical detectives. Their personal experiences with the immigrant experience give them a unique perspective on the case, but also raise the question of whether their own biases might cloud their judgment. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they must confront their own demons while battling institutional indifference and the deep-seated prejudices that permeate the community. *Long Way Home* isn't just a crime novel; it's a powerful and timely exploration of the challenges facing a rapidly changing society. Eva Dolan's sharp prose, compelling characters, and unflinching portrayal of social issues have earned her widespread critical acclaim, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary crime fiction. Readers have praised Dolan's ability to create a realistic portrayal of the complexities of the lives of immigrants in the UK. This first novel in the series is sure to leave you eager to read the following installments and explore the further investigations of Zigic and Ferreira. Prepare to be captivated by this dark, atmospheric, and socially conscious thriller that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. A brilliant start to a must-read series for fans of Ian Rankin and Denise Mina.