Willing Flesh

Dive into the gritty world of London's elite and the dark underbelly that lurks beneath in Adam Creed's thrilling crime novel, *Willing Flesh*. As Christmas approaches, Detective Inspector Staffe finds himself embroiled in a complex and disturbing case that threatens to consume him. The discovery of Elena Danya, a stunning high-end prostitute, murdered in a luxurious City hotel room, throws Staffe into a whirlwind of intrigue and suspicion. Danya's beauty and status immediately mark her case as one with potentially explosive consequences. Staffe becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery surrounding her death, a fixation fueled by the case's unsettling nature and the dangerous individuals it exposes. When a friend of Elena's, a working girl from a far less privileged background, is also found dead, the stakes are raised. The disappearance of Arabella, a mutual friend from an aristocratic background known for her rebellious streak, further complicates the investigation, leaving Staffe racing against time. The initial evidence points towards Graham Blears, a voyeuristic predator with a penchant for observing from the shadows. However, Staffe's intuition tells him that Blears is a red herring, a convenient scapegoat masking a much deeper and more sinister conspiracy. He begins to pull at the threads of a tangled web connecting a powerful City banker, a ruthless Russian oligarch, and a flamboyant Turkish playboy. Staffe's relentless pursuit of the truth leads him into the opulent world of London's high society, exposing the hypocrisy and corruption that festers within the British establishment. As he delves deeper, he encounters resistance and stonewalling at every turn, powerful forces determined to protect their own interests. His unwavering dedication to the case comes at a steep price. As Staffe closes in on the truth, his superior, Pennington, abruptly cuts him loose, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. Suddenly, Staffe finds himself hunted, not just by the perpetrators he seeks, but by those within his own ranks who are determined to silence him. With his career and his life on the line, Staffe must navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and betrayal to uncover the truth, even if it means risking everything, including the safety of the women closest to him. Adam Creed masterfully crafts a dark and atmospheric thriller, capturing the pulse of London's diverse social strata. *Willing Flesh* is a compelling read, blending elements of police procedural with a sharp social commentary. The novel explores themes of class, power, and the corrosive effects of corruption, making it a must-read for fans of gritty crime fiction and those who enjoy delving into the darker side of society. This is a tense and gripping novel, full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Faber and Faber, renowned for publishing quality fiction, presents another stellar thriller.