Review: Cullen gets up off the mat to catch his killer.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2014
"Bottleneck" the fifth in the Scott Cullen detective series by author Ed James a classic "who done it", with flair. It's protagonist, the long suffering Scott Cullen has finally stood tall and moved in with his girlfriend Sharon McNeil. The catch here is that Sharon is a higher grade police officer than Scott, and Sharon's career path looks much brighter. A grisly murder case falls onto Cullen when a skeleton of a long missing musician has turned up in a very odd place. This is where the fun with this yarn really begins. As not expected, Scott does not get higher position he was all but promised. A pouting Cullen is under immense pressure from his superior DI Methven. This leads to meeting up with Scott's nemesis , the one the only, & crazy as a hoot owl, DI Brian Bain ! Cullen and Bain battle an intellectuality frustration dance Cullen must acquiescence at every turn.Further adding to Scott's pressure is his now live in girlfriend realizes she's pregnant, but then losses her higher position to a lesser officer. Cullen never comfortable with politics on the job or in the home just tramples the bad side of the street on too many occasions. The whirlwind conclusion begins with the main suspect having stolen Bain's car and now very lost. The high voltage ending was a gripping page turner. All five of Mr. James' Scott Cullen books have been fabulous. "Bottleneck" is no different. Without a doubt 5 stars out of 5. "Bottleneck" is no exception. Ed James "Scott Cullen" series delivers every time out. His characters are so lifelike. DI Bain is so easy to hate as it is so easy to feel for Scott. Someday Scott may be able to get his homelife and his career on the correct pathways. I know I pull for this overlooked overworked and over hassled detective with each book ! Highly recommend this novel "Bottleneck" and the first four in series. Seriously do yourself a favor and start reading an author who could be the Ian Rankin ! Very talented without question.