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The Favour Bank: Detectives Fuller & Harte
How can you face the future when you can’t escape the past? The murder of a police detective on the rundown Westmount Estate has far-reaching repercussions for the investigating team and their number one suspect, crime boss Harry Roman. Suspended from duty following a previous case, Detective Sergeant Neil Fuller is viewed with suspicion by colleagues and villains alike. He must uncover the truth surrounding the murder without compromising his own precarious position. His association with Harry Roman’s organisation threatens both his career and his life but creates a unique opportunity for those seeking to manipulate him for their own benefit. Detective Constable Zoe Harte proves Fuller’s unlikely ally when she makes a rash decision and chooses loyalty over duty. Unstable and reckless, her obsessive pursuit of a menacing stalker collides head on with Fuller’s investigation – with deadly consequences. Meanwhile nine-year-old Sam awaits his father’s return. He’s been entrusted with an explosive secret and the fuse is about to be lit...
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2021
15 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 12, 2021
A police detective has been murdered. The prime suspect is Harry Roman, a well-known crime boss. DS Neil Fuller has an association with Roman, so investigating the murder can mean the end of his career ...or his life.
DC Zoe Harte is a terrific investigator, although she has her own demons to fight. DS Fuller has been suspended from duty due to a question about the death of a suspect. Zoe is loyal almost to a fault .. but Fuller has no choice but to include her in his clandestine investigation.
There are good cops and there are bad cops and a lack of trust with both. So who can Fuller and Hart trust? And who will survive?
This crime fiction is well-paced, the plot is tight, and the action is practically non-stop. There are twists and turns that lead to an explosive conclusion. Throw in a young boy and his even younger sister and it's an emotional overload. The characters are multi-layered and solidly drawn amid the swirling suspense.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this British Crime Fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DC Zoe Harte is a terrific investigator, although she has her own demons to fight. DS Fuller has been suspended from duty due to a question about the death of a suspect. Zoe is loyal almost to a fault .. but Fuller has no choice but to include her in his clandestine investigation.
There are good cops and there are bad cops and a lack of trust with both. So who can Fuller and Hart trust? And who will survive?
This crime fiction is well-paced, the plot is tight, and the action is practically non-stop. There are twists and turns that lead to an explosive conclusion. Throw in a young boy and his even younger sister and it's an emotional overload. The characters are multi-layered and solidly drawn amid the swirling suspense.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this British Crime Fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 7, 2021
THE FAVOUR BANK (Detectives Fuller & Harte #1) is a gritty Newcastle Crime Thriller, the first in a new series, by BA Morton. This is a gripping, dark story which had me from the start.
The novel is set in Newcastle where DS Neil Fuller and DC Zoe Harte patrol the streets in and around the rough Westmount estate.
DS Neil Fuller is suspended from duty when he went off with another officer unofficially to a site resulting in the officer being killed and Fuller was shot. With the help of his colleague DC. Zoe Harte, he survives and is determined to find the killer. The murder of a police detective on the rundown Westmount Estate has far-reaching repercussions for the investigating team and their number one suspect, crime boss Harry Roman.
DS Neil Fuller is treated with suspicion by his colleagues and villains alike. He must uncover the truth surrounding the murder without compromising his own position. His association with Harry Roman’s organization threatens both his career and his life.
The relationship between DS Neil Fuller and DC Zoe Harte, an unmatched pair, form an unlikely association but both look out for each other. She is being pursued by a frightening stalker while he is investigating the murder of local crime boss Harry Roman.
DC Zoe Harte makes an impulsive decision when she decides to pursuit a threatening stalker which ends up interfering with Fuller’s investigation… with deadly consequences.
This is a well written crime thriller with relatable characters, vivid descriptive setting, non-stop action and lots of twists and turns to hold one’s attention. This is a perfectly paced, tension filled novel that will keep you totally absorbed right to the end.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
The novel is set in Newcastle where DS Neil Fuller and DC Zoe Harte patrol the streets in and around the rough Westmount estate.
DS Neil Fuller is suspended from duty when he went off with another officer unofficially to a site resulting in the officer being killed and Fuller was shot. With the help of his colleague DC. Zoe Harte, he survives and is determined to find the killer. The murder of a police detective on the rundown Westmount Estate has far-reaching repercussions for the investigating team and their number one suspect, crime boss Harry Roman.
DS Neil Fuller is treated with suspicion by his colleagues and villains alike. He must uncover the truth surrounding the murder without compromising his own position. His association with Harry Roman’s organization threatens both his career and his life.
The relationship between DS Neil Fuller and DC Zoe Harte, an unmatched pair, form an unlikely association but both look out for each other. She is being pursued by a frightening stalker while he is investigating the murder of local crime boss Harry Roman.
DC Zoe Harte makes an impulsive decision when she decides to pursuit a threatening stalker which ends up interfering with Fuller’s investigation… with deadly consequences.
This is a well written crime thriller with relatable characters, vivid descriptive setting, non-stop action and lots of twists and turns to hold one’s attention. This is a perfectly paced, tension filled novel that will keep you totally absorbed right to the end.
Many thanks to the author and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
November 17, 2021
I found this book really difficult to get into - initially as I felt there was a lot of characters to familiarise myself with. I persevered though and it was an okay read. It didn’t blow me away like Bedlam did but equally it wasn’t a bad read!
I found there was a little too much going on and I still don’t know what happened to the 2 kids! Maybe it was just be - I don’t often read detective novels.
Overall, as it was good but not mind-blowing I am rating it a 3 star.
I found there was a little too much going on and I still don’t know what happened to the 2 kids! Maybe it was just be - I don’t often read detective novels.
Overall, as it was good but not mind-blowing I am rating it a 3 star.
April 3, 2021
I zipped through this cracking crime novel in a day because it was so good and well written. Neil Fuller, a detective sergeant is caught up in a tough case involving the murder of a mob boss, Harry Roman. He's is still mistrusted from events of a previous case that left him under suspicion, so he is left to rely on Zoe, a sharp, smart detective constable who is unfortunately caught up with her own demons and is teetering on the edge of her sanity. Neil isn't happy to get her involved, but she doesn't leave him any choice.
This is a perfectly paced, tension filled novel that will keep you totally absorbed and looking forward to the next one. It has a great and authentic flavour of Newcastle as well as wit and humour that adds to its appeal. I know I can't wait for the next one and I hope it isn't long before it appears.
This is a perfectly paced, tension filled novel that will keep you totally absorbed and looking forward to the next one. It has a great and authentic flavour of Newcastle as well as wit and humour that adds to its appeal. I know I can't wait for the next one and I hope it isn't long before it appears.
July 6, 2021
The favour bank by B.A. Morton.
Detective Fuller Harte #1.
I really enjoyed this book. A great crime thriller. Read this in one sitting. It was so good I couldn't put it down. Great story and characters. Can't wait for next book. 5*.
Detective Fuller Harte #1.
I really enjoyed this book. A great crime thriller. Read this in one sitting. It was so good I couldn't put it down. Great story and characters. Can't wait for next book. 5*.
April 3, 2021
This is a gripping story of Newcastle mates who grew up on opposite sides of the law – maybe. Good cops and bad cops choose sides in the world of organised crime but which are which? The opening chapter hooked me with its striking imagery and there are many observations in this novel that make you think, ‘Yes, that’s just how it is’ – and not just in the north of England. B A Morton has an original, vivid style that brings characters and settings to life.
The descriptions of the sinkhole Westmount estate and the magnolia millions are spot on. Amid acerbic depiction of urban deprivation and its political causes, is tender concern for the victims, especially the children. My heart went out to the little soldier lugging his bag of responsibilities everywhere, and to his baby sister, who gives new meaning to the term ‘barking’. I wanted to adopt them all and the way they carry the suspense of that ticking bomb through the story is masterly.
‘Westmount kids were like dogs. Not quite seven years to one but close enough.’
So enjoyable to read a novel that engages the reader’s intelligence rather than telling you everything and I can’t wai for the next book in this series.
Meanwhile, I know that ‘A secret is like money in the bank’ and favours will always be called in.
The descriptions of the sinkhole Westmount estate and the magnolia millions are spot on. Amid acerbic depiction of urban deprivation and its political causes, is tender concern for the victims, especially the children. My heart went out to the little soldier lugging his bag of responsibilities everywhere, and to his baby sister, who gives new meaning to the term ‘barking’. I wanted to adopt them all and the way they carry the suspense of that ticking bomb through the story is masterly.
‘Westmount kids were like dogs. Not quite seven years to one but close enough.’
So enjoyable to read a novel that engages the reader’s intelligence rather than telling you everything and I can’t wai for the next book in this series.
Meanwhile, I know that ‘A secret is like money in the bank’ and favours will always be called in.
May 12, 2021
One of my pet hates is when a writer starts off with a big information dump, to educate their readers on all the background information they're going to need to follow the story. It can work, some writers are better than others at that sort of thing, but it does tend to get things off to a slow start.
And, as Morton demonstrates in 'The Favour Bank', it's not necessary!
There's no info dump and no slow start. The reader is dropped right into it. The action is already happening, and you just have to pick up the mental pace and move with it - because it doesn't slow down much!
There is some pretty important background information, but it's woven smoothly into the narrative. Following the characters through the dark, grimy streets of a big city in winter (Newcastle, but it could be a lot of other places) takes you to the information you need, just as they dig out the information they need.
It's all very deftly done, and spot on for pace, character, atmosphere and plot twists. There were some ends left hanging loose that I would have liked to have cleared up - but perhaps they're being held in reserve for a sequel? We can only hope so!
And, as Morton demonstrates in 'The Favour Bank', it's not necessary!
There's no info dump and no slow start. The reader is dropped right into it. The action is already happening, and you just have to pick up the mental pace and move with it - because it doesn't slow down much!
There is some pretty important background information, but it's woven smoothly into the narrative. Following the characters through the dark, grimy streets of a big city in winter (Newcastle, but it could be a lot of other places) takes you to the information you need, just as they dig out the information they need.
It's all very deftly done, and spot on for pace, character, atmosphere and plot twists. There were some ends left hanging loose that I would have liked to have cleared up - but perhaps they're being held in reserve for a sequel? We can only hope so!
June 2, 2021
I think this is book 1 in a new series - Fuller and Harte. I really enjoyed the book, well written with believable characters and a gritty northern setting - The Westmount Estate, Newcastle. A good police procedural, albeit a lot of the action is not done ‘on the book’. Good cop, bad cop but who is who?
Briefly DS Neil Fuller is suspended from duty when he unofficially goes with another officer to a storage site resulting in the officer dying and Fuller being shot. Thanks to his colleague Zoe Harte he survives and resolves to find the killer. But then his past rears it’s ugly head in the form of local gangster Harry Roman. Harry also want him to find the killer. But why?
When I started the book I was a bit confused by the back stories. I felt like this was the second in a series and there was a book I should have read to help my understanding. That said i soon had it clear in my head and it’s certainly a fast paced book, with plenty of twists and turns to hold the interest. I for one didn’t get all the details right. I would definitely recommend this book and I hope there will be a further book in the series. A strong 4* read.
Briefly DS Neil Fuller is suspended from duty when he unofficially goes with another officer to a storage site resulting in the officer dying and Fuller being shot. Thanks to his colleague Zoe Harte he survives and resolves to find the killer. But then his past rears it’s ugly head in the form of local gangster Harry Roman. Harry also want him to find the killer. But why?
When I started the book I was a bit confused by the back stories. I felt like this was the second in a series and there was a book I should have read to help my understanding. That said i soon had it clear in my head and it’s certainly a fast paced book, with plenty of twists and turns to hold the interest. I for one didn’t get all the details right. I would definitely recommend this book and I hope there will be a further book in the series. A strong 4* read.
September 1, 2023
Rather exciting to read the first book in a series, I always think! And we are straight into the action with Fuller and Harte.
Neil Fuller is a police officer who grew up in the rough Westmount estate. He knows how things work there, and he is always being pulled in different directions because of it. What is his connection to crime boss Harry Roman?
Zoe Harte is also a police officer but she has been damaged (PTSD?) by a previous case gone wrong that haunts her and affects how she works, now. She has got Neil Fuller's back though and I like how vulnerable and yet how strong she is.
These two are colleagues but not partners and their uneasy truce makes for interesting reading.
I did love the descriptions of some of the Westmount residents. The author has a way of describing people which makes visualisations easy to do.
All in all, I was a little overwhelmed with the information provided and I found myself wanting to know about those kids! Those little kids broke my heart because I can see them so clearly.
I am hoping that book 2 will be a bit of continuation of this book, to tie up some loose ends.
Looking forward to reading it.
4 stars from me.
Neil Fuller is a police officer who grew up in the rough Westmount estate. He knows how things work there, and he is always being pulled in different directions because of it. What is his connection to crime boss Harry Roman?
Zoe Harte is also a police officer but she has been damaged (PTSD?) by a previous case gone wrong that haunts her and affects how she works, now. She has got Neil Fuller's back though and I like how vulnerable and yet how strong she is.
These two are colleagues but not partners and their uneasy truce makes for interesting reading.
I did love the descriptions of some of the Westmount residents. The author has a way of describing people which makes visualisations easy to do.
All in all, I was a little overwhelmed with the information provided and I found myself wanting to know about those kids! Those little kids broke my heart because I can see them so clearly.
I am hoping that book 2 will be a bit of continuation of this book, to tie up some loose ends.
Looking forward to reading it.
4 stars from me.
June 12, 2021
If you like to jump straight into action this is the book for you. A police officer has been murdered but was it by his fellow officer or a criminal or are they one of the same.
The rundown Westmount Estate has far-reaching repercussions for the investigating team and their number one suspect, crime boss Harry Roman.
Suspended from duty following a previous case, Detective Sergeant Neil Fuller is viewed with suspicion by colleagues and villains alike. He must uncover the truth surrounding the murder without compromising his own precarious position.
Detective Constable Zoe Harte proves Fuller’s unlikely ally when she makes a rash decision and chooses loyalty over duty.
Who is the right side of the law.
As the back story was dropped in throughout this book I did wonder if I had missed a previous book with the events that led Fuller and Harte into the position they were in. But I think that is the style of the author wereby there isn't a backstory at the start but drip fed throughout.
I throughly enjoyed this and would read more from this author based on this book
The rundown Westmount Estate has far-reaching repercussions for the investigating team and their number one suspect, crime boss Harry Roman.
Suspended from duty following a previous case, Detective Sergeant Neil Fuller is viewed with suspicion by colleagues and villains alike. He must uncover the truth surrounding the murder without compromising his own precarious position.
Detective Constable Zoe Harte proves Fuller’s unlikely ally when she makes a rash decision and chooses loyalty over duty.
Who is the right side of the law.
As the back story was dropped in throughout this book I did wonder if I had missed a previous book with the events that led Fuller and Harte into the position they were in. But I think that is the style of the author wereby there isn't a backstory at the start but drip fed throughout.
I throughly enjoyed this and would read more from this author based on this book
June 4, 2021
I thought this was an excellent first in series for Detective Sergeant Neil Fuller and Detective Constable Zoe Harte as they patrol in and around the tough and uncompromising Westmount estate in Newcastle. They are rather an unlikely pairing, with her unstable and impetuous and him treading tight to the line between good and bad cop. The local crime boss Harry Roman has his fingers in many pies and consequently is well known by the police for various reasons. This leaves us with a great mix of totally believable characters and creates a very readable story from page one - until its amazing crescendo many pages on. Very atmospheric and gritty, there is a great flow to the story and therefore I have no problem at all in highly recommending this five star read and look forward to the next in series.
April 4, 2021
I read this book prior to publication: it was a privilege. I have never been to Tyneside but B.A. Morton's description of the area is so visual I felt I was there. Her characters - the goodies and the baddies - walk off the page. The two children, innocent victims caught up in a sinister network of adult obligations and failures, walked straight into my heart. This is a British crime novel where deciding who is guilty of what is complicated by feelings of sympathy and empathy. Despite knowing it is fiction, the story has stayed with me because it felt so horribly possible. 'The Favour Bank' is a special sort of modern crime story. Highly recommended for all crime fiction fans.
May 14, 2021
Set in Newcastle the descriptions are atmospheric and accurate and give a good backdrop to the story. The tale is quite gritty and it is a real case of good versus bad and lots of characters to get to grips with, including those from the dark criminal underworld including a mob boss and Police officers who are fighting their own demons in their personal life, so pretty much a classic crime book. I must admit I got a bit confused at times by the multitude of characters and also I didn’t quite gel with the style of writing so I wasn’t as engaged as I could have been. All in all a good read though and I powered through it fairly quickly to see how it would pan out.
May 26, 2021
If you are someone that doesn't like a lot of waffle at the begining of a book then you will love this one. It just starts, no lead in, no long pages of details, just straight in and the story is up and running. Fuller and Harte are both colourful characters that work well together as they are both mavericks and do their own thing but they do have one anothers backs. I hope there will be a second book with them in to find out what happens next. ( I haven't said what I would like to here as I don't want to use spoilers!). I really liked this book but I couldn't give it 5* because of the nagging feeling that it was the second book in a series. Having said that it is a great read.
June 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was about detective Neil Fuller, detective Zoe Harte and their colleagues in Newcastle. There had been an incident involving Neil and Zoe and a previous case they had been working on which caused their colleagues to have varying levels of suspicion surrounding their loyalty and their ability to do their job. It also left Neil abs Zoe with a real need to solve the current case accurately and quickly.
It was very descriptive both in terms of their surroundings and their characters. There were plenty of twist and turns and it was fast paced.
There are definitely interesting stories in both of their backgrounds and I would love to know more about these.
It was very descriptive both in terms of their surroundings and their characters. There were plenty of twist and turns and it was fast paced.
There are definitely interesting stories in both of their backgrounds and I would love to know more about these.
June 15, 2021
The story focuses on Neil Fuller, a detective who is involved in an incident where he is injured and another officer is murdered. The main suspect in the crime is Harry Roman, a well known crime boss. Neil has his own demons and has a lack of trust amongst his fellow officers, except for Zoe Harte. Zoe and Neil watch out for each other, although Zoe is also damaged from a recent case where she was nearly killed.
I found the start of the story a little slow paced, but once I was half way through it picked up and I managed to read it much quicker. I found some of the characters unlikeable, but felt sorry for the 2 young children who appeared often in the story.
Overal a good read
I found the start of the story a little slow paced, but once I was half way through it picked up and I managed to read it much quicker. I found some of the characters unlikeable, but felt sorry for the 2 young children who appeared often in the story.
Overal a good read
May 20, 2021
Set in Newcastle, this is a fast-paced crime novel featuring Detectives Neil Fuller and Zoe Hart. It's not a straightforward murder investigation as one of their own, Sergeant Archie Taylor is murdered in a shoot out which also left Fuller badly injured. Harry Roman a Godfather wannabe is never far from the action but always finds a way to be just beyond the reach of the law with his illicit and somewhat dangerous deals. It's a dark, sinister read and I loved it.
May 24, 2021
When Detective Sergeant Neil Fuller and Detective Constable Zoe Harte pair up they form an unlikely alliance. She is being pursued by a terrifying stalker leaving her scared, reckless and deeply troubled. He is investigating the murder of local crime boss Harry Roman whilst having a terrible reputation and alienating those around him. Thrown together they make for an exciting and gripping tale – sometimes violent, often darkly humourous but always very readable!
May 26, 2021
A truly gritty police procedural thriller. The lines between the 'cops' and 'robbers' are well and truly blurred, if not totally erased. Detectives Fuller and Harte are faced with violence, deceit, lies and betrayal in their attempts to foil a delivery of illegal weapons getting into the wrong hands. Action packed, brutally raw.
June 10, 2021
Had to read this at night on my kindle as reading an other one too...I was so disappointed that I to sleep ..This was brilliant ...seeing the differences between Fuller and Harte and how they both worked so differently...set in Newcastle this was a brilliant 1st for me ..hope that's not all we see !
June 17, 2021
Wow. This is the second of BA Mortons books I have read and she has definitely been added to my must read authors list.
The characters are great, and I found I could actually imagine them.in the flesh. There are some amazing twists, some slightly predictable, but the the rest are out the park.
Great plot, great story, great characters and an awesome read. Enjoy, you won't be disappointed
The characters are great, and I found I could actually imagine them.in the flesh. There are some amazing twists, some slightly predictable, but the the rest are out the park.
Great plot, great story, great characters and an awesome read. Enjoy, you won't be disappointed
June 23, 2021
This is a really fast paced book that keeps you guessing right until the final twist.
This is the second book but can be read as a stand alone (although once you have read it you will want to read the first one).
The characters are likeable and the descriptions are very realistic.
I would definitely recommend this book 👍
This is the second book but can be read as a stand alone (although once you have read it you will want to read the first one).
The characters are likeable and the descriptions are very realistic.
I would definitely recommend this book 👍
September 10, 2023
Secrets and corruption abound in the beginning book of the series. In the beginning, it pulls you in by introducing you to DC Zoe Hart who seems to have lost some control and then DS Neil Fuller who has his own demons to hide. There is a good pace to the story and it is filled with plenty of suspense. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
May 31, 2021
A gripping, dark story which had me from the start. The relationship between Neil Fuller and Zoe Harte is quite touching as they look out for each other.
There are some unsavoury characters but Neil and Zoe are clued up.
Looking forward to a follow up.
There are some unsavoury characters but Neil and Zoe are clued up.
Looking forward to a follow up.
June 7, 2021
What a gripping crime story set in Newcastle. A gritty story about good v bad. Lots of characters involved in the story but don’t let that put you off as they all relate to the story. Can’t wait for the next instalment .
June 11, 2021
DC Zoe Harte is on the edge. DS Neil Fuller has no choice but to accept her help. Lots of violent action and pretty dark. A fast read, I couldn't put it down.
June 15, 2021
What an absolutely fantastic read! This is the first book in a new series and it’s exceptionally well written, brilliant characters and an epic plot!
Amazing a perfect 5 star!
Amazing a perfect 5 star!
June 29, 2021
It is far easier to read a well written book than the other sort. This has been the easiest read I have had for a while. It's exceptionally well written. That isn't to imply that there are no mistakes in it, but the (very) few that there are are in the category of "mildly annoying" rather than "plot hole". The characters come to life from the very beginning and you soon feel that you know precisely how they speak and what they look like. It's not as heavily police procedural as a Peter James, nor as gritty (or violent) as a Martina Cole, but lies somewhere in the middle. If you're a fan of Peter James, then this is an author for you.
December 22, 2021
This book can be very violent at times which I don't mind but maybe not for the faint hearted.
The Favour Bamk is set in Newcastle and is one of my favourite places to visit. The description of the town is very good and it shows that the author has knowledge of Newcastle its self.
Neil Fuller is a Detective on borrowed time, his peers don't like him and his reputation isn't fantastic either.
I really enjoyed his character and that of Detective constable Zoe who is fighting her own personal battles.
When mob boss Harry Roman is murdered Neil and Zoe both get caught up in the crossfire.
Who can be trusted, who can be believed?
This is a fast paced and has some great humour mixed in aswell.
The Favour Bamk is set in Newcastle and is one of my favourite places to visit. The description of the town is very good and it shows that the author has knowledge of Newcastle its self.
Neil Fuller is a Detective on borrowed time, his peers don't like him and his reputation isn't fantastic either.
I really enjoyed his character and that of Detective constable Zoe who is fighting her own personal battles.
When mob boss Harry Roman is murdered Neil and Zoe both get caught up in the crossfire.
Who can be trusted, who can be believed?
This is a fast paced and has some great humour mixed in aswell.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews