Nick Sharman is a washed-out, middle-aged, private detective living in South London. He's on furlough, "just kicking back without a care in the world except whether to watch Jerry Springer or the Rockford Files." This changes dramatically when his new girlfriend, Melanie, persuades him to take on the case of a local restaurateur, which catapults Sharman into the centre of a bizarre family feud.

His client is the overbearing, wealthy, Mr. Khan, who has something of a Don-like status among the Asian society of South London, as well as in his own neighbourhood of Manchester. He is prepared to pay Nick handsomely to find his teenage daughter Meena, who has run away from home. While Nick has mixed feelings, "That bloke Khan gave me the willies big time. I don't trust him", he sets aside his personal views and embarks upon the investigation. However, no one is allowed to speak the truth and those in need of help are hiding things from him. Is there a more sinister aspect to this apparently straightforward case?

It becomes clear that this is not a simple matter of cultural differences but of obsession, control, murder and mafia-style violence. By the time Nick realises he should have trusted his earlier instincts, he finds he is unable to walk away--he is embroiled in the case and is desperate to help Meena. Quick Before They Catch Us is a fast-moving, action-packed story an ending so thrilling, it would even make Tarantino proud. -- Neelam Dongha.