First book in a new gritty noir series set in 1920s Leeds 1924: Still reeling from the effect of the Great War, life in the city of Leeds is hard: poverty is rife, work is scarce and crime is becoming more sophisticated. Bravely entering this maelstrom is one of the city's first policewomen to walk the beat, the resourceful, inquisitive and practical WPC Lottie Armstrong. Eager to prove herself and determined to succeed, Lottie faces apathy from colleagues and the general public alike until she suddenly finds herself on the trail of a missing girl that leads to the underbelly of the city and to murder. As Lottie uncovers a plot involving high level corruption, CID reluctantly find they need her knowledge and people skills, but as the truth is slowly laid bare Lottie's bravery is tested to its limit in a breathtaking climax. AUTHOR: Chris Nickson is the author of the Richard Nottingham series (Severn House). A well-known music journalist, he's written many celebrity biographies as well as being a frequent contributor to numerous music magazines. SELLING POINTS: . A policewoman eager to prove herself in a man's world finds her chance – but can she succeed against the odds? . From the author of the Dark Briggate Blues and The New Eastgate Swing REVIEWS: "Modern Crimes is rich with outstanding, complex characters … It is a great story set on the streets of Leeds which is also one of the main characters, so vividly etched by the writer, who clearly loves the place" - Nick Oldham, author of the Henry Christie mysteries "Chris Nickson's cinematic prose is captivating, with a wonderfully drawn private eye; this page- turner is packed with tension, period detail and thrills" - Maureen Carter, creator of the critically acclaimed DS Bev Morriss Mystery series