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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, The Long Game by Steven Shepherd is a gripping police thriller following a detective’s high-stakes investigation into a child exploitation ring, exposing institutional corruption.

The Long Game

In the crowded world of British crime fiction, The Long Game by debut author Steven Shepherd stands out as a relentless, hard-hitting police thriller that plunges readers into a dark and morally murky investigation. Set against the gritty backdrop of modern-day London, this taut novel explores institutional corruption, systemic failure, and the fragile line between duty and depravity, earning praise from fans of police procedurals for its unflinching narrative and slow-burn tension.

The story centers on DCI Michael Dack, an enigmatic detective whose chilling actions in the opening pages—abducting a young girl—set a harrowing tone. Three years later, Dack is inexplicably tasked with leading a task force investigating a series of similar crimes: a chilling child exploitation ring targeting young girls across London.
As the investigation deepens, the line between ally and adversary blurs. Is Dack a rogue operative working undercover to dismantle a sinister network, or is he the mastermind behind the very horrors he’s tasked with stopping? The growing suspicion among his colleagues fuels a gripping narrative, culminating in a jaw-dropping twist that leaves readers questioning everything.
Shepherd’s The Long Game distinguishes itself with its authentic tone and nuanced exploration of a deeply flawed justice system. Echoing real-world scandals like that of Jeffrey Epstein, the novel confronts uncomfortable truths about society’s failure to protect its most vulnerable and the hidden rot within trusted institutions. Its morally complex characters and disturbing believability make it a standout, shining a light on the grey areas of law enforcement with grit and sophistication.

For readers craving a smarter, darker, and more authentic crime thriller, The Long Game is a must-read. Shepherd’s debut marks him as an exciting new voice in the genre, delivering a story that ensnares from the first page and doesn’t let go. With its blend of suspense, moral ambiguity, and societal critique, this novel is well worth seeking out for fans of British thrillers and anyone ready to confront the unsettling realities lurking beneath the surface of justice.
Steven Shepherd
Born and raised in Hertfordshire, England, Steven Shepherd studied at the University of Brighton. The Long Game is his first published release, with other books in the pipeline.
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