She’s Fallen by Alex Clare
A SUSPICIOUS FALL
Nineteen-year-old Shazia Johar has everything to live for. But when she is found critically injured after plunging from a hotel balcony, DI Robyn Bailley must determine why she fell. Was Shazia pushed or did she jump?
A BROKEN WOMAN
When Robyn's team investigate the events that led to Shazia's fall, they discover evidence of violence in the hotel room. What happened and who is responsible?
A DEATH
As Shazia's life hangs in the balance, Robyn's team discover the body of another hotel guest. With uncertainty and falsehood disturbing both investigations, Robyn must navigate the web of lies under continued criticism of her new identity from her ex-wife and her daughter.
About the author
After nearly twenty years of being a committed corporate person, Alex Clare was made redundant. She had always enjoyed writing, studying fiction part-time through the Open
University and managing to complete a novel in her commuting time, though no one had ever read it. After a period focusing on short stories, she wanted to try another novel.
Inspiration came from watching Parliament debate the Equal Marriage Act in 2013. Astounded by the intensity of feeling generated, she created a fictional world to explore some of the issues and attitudes
Review
I am so happy that I have found this series as I loved returning to DI Robyn Bailey’s world! I think this is a series that is now on my auto-buy list as its protagonist is so unique - a transgender woman in a male-dominated arena! Especially one who presented as male just a short few months ago. Once again the topic was treated with empathy and it comes across as very real and authentic.
I also loved in this one how the narrative of the sexual assault was counterbalanced with the feminist festival, or at first depiction, it comes across as feminist, but in reality only for what they deem ‘real’ women! I liked that Robyn’s ex-wife pops up and you get to see a portrayal of the bias and hatred against trans women, but what I am sure is a situation that they face in real life constantly. This is a book that makes you think about the issue and addresses the hardships that they face and the vitriol that is thrown at them.
In a week where BAME representation in crime fiction has been discussed as lacking, it was refreshing to have the main narrative discuss and involve this community. The fact that it involved Ravi’s family was a lovely aspect to it, well not lovely but you know what I mean. Gave it a bit more extra depth.
This book was less about the crime but more about the ‘team’ and allowed the reader to develop their impressions of the rest of the characters. I ended up liking them all, even Graham! Chloe is one of my favourites and it was good to see her develop and have Robyn sharing his knowledge and experience. I think this exploration of the team is building a strong solid foundation for a very long series and I hope that this comes to fruition as I loved every page of ‘She’s Fallen!’
Let me know if you read this one!
