Salford World War by Mike Scantlebury
Title: Salford World War: Could World War 3 Start in Salford?
Author: Mike Scantlebury
Genre: Scanti-Noir Mystery
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Available: Amazon
About the Book
1914 was the year that the First World War started. It was simple: a very important person from a big country went to visit a small country and got himself killed. Threats were issued. Tensions rose. Now, one hundred years later, could the same thing happen again? Could history repeat? What if the small place was Salford, not Serbia? What if the dignitary was from China, not the kingdom of Austria-Hungary? Other things are similar – the international tensions, the treaties, the posturing. Luckily, this time, we’ve got Melia. She’s been asked by Captain Gibson to organize Security for the visit. She has only one task – keep the visitor alive. That can’t be so difficult, can it? Well, there’s the international terrorists at work. They seem to be a bit of a problem. Then there’s the traitors in the diplomat’s own party. Then there’s the government back home, who don’t seem that worried about losing the high-ranking official. Then there’s the man’s own family – for, it turns out, he has family in Britain, some in in Salford. They don’t seem keen to welcome him. Then there’s Mickey. There’s always Mickey. For Melia, he’s always a problem, but this time he seems even more problematical than usual. He’s talking about retiring. Why, in heaven’s name, NOW? Of all times, this one when she really needs him. Surely he can stick around, for a while? At least, until the mission is over, and the next world war is averted. Can’t he see he’s needed?
Review
Salford World War is the 12th book in the Amelia Hartliss Mystery series. I have not read the previous eleven entries, but Salford World War works perfectly well as a standalone. The story takes place in modern day England and follows Amelia Hartliss, aka Melia, an agent for the British Secret Service. Taking on the seemingly-simple assignment of escorting a visiting diplomat across the city, Melia finds herself in the middle of an international conspiracy that could lead to a repeat of the first World War if she fails. She must solve a mystery to complete her assignment while also dealing with betrayals, murders, feuds within two different families, and a vengeful assassin. Everything leads up to an explosive climax as she tries to prevent World War 3.
Salford World War is an engaging story filled with twists, misdirects, and deception. The characters themselves are well rounded and interesting. Mickey, Melia’s romantic interest, is a mysterious figure who wants to help Amelia while also working on his own agenda. Melia herself is an engaging character. She is tough and dedicated to her work, yet vulnerable. Her feelings toward Mickey are multi-faceted as she tries to figure out what he is up to.
Overall, Salford World War is very entertaining. It is a quick and engaging read, sure to please most mystery fans.
About the Author
Mike Scantlebury is my given name and most of my ancestors came from Cornwall. However, bored with the seascapes and cliffs, they soon moved north and settled in the big city of Bristol, England’s gateway to America. Not to be outdone, I soon moved to the North West of England, lived in Manchester for a while, then settled in Salford. It’s near a big river, some docks, and the countryside – very much like Bristol. It also rains.
Most days I write crime fiction, but there’s also articles, factual stuff, Science Fiction, songs and song writing info.
