The Depths of Solitude by
Jo Bannister
hbk out June 04
Published by Allison Busby
Single parent Brodie Farrell, mother of five year old Paddy, runs a finding agency in a seaside
town on the south coast. Her work involves helping clients track down items that are not
easily available. Brodie is involved romantically with Detective Superintendent Jack Deacon
but her happiness is marred: after a ferocious argument her closest friend Daniel Hood has
disappeared. Trying to trace him, Brodie discovers Daniel's family, who seem to care little
about him being missing.
Things go awry for Brodie on the work front too, someone is targeting her: vandalising then
torching her car and stealing her handbag. When Brodie finally hears from Daniel and goes
to meet him she is attacked. Is Daniel her persecutor? This is the fourth book about Brodie,
Deacon and Daniel and Bannister keeps the focus of her writing tight on the interplay
between the three characters and the sea changes in their relationships. They are an ill-
matched trio of unusual personalities (fiercely independent Brodie, damaged and other
worldly Daniel, rough and choleric policeman Deacon aka The Grizzly) which makes for
added interest. The stalking plot works well as a device for exploring shifting loyalties and
questions of trust and delivers the thrill of mounting jeopardy. The adventure climaxes in a
race against time to thwart the inexorable forces of nature.
Manchester Evening News 15.5.04
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries set on the mean streets of Manchester)
