of Black Bulls and White Horses Paperback – 14 Dec. 2020

Having read and enjoyed all of the Sam Green novels I was intrigued and interested to read another story from Roland Ladley - set in the Camargue - an area I'm unfamiliar with - I enjoyed the intertwined story lines, quite different to each other yet tying tighter as the book progressed. Well researched, sound and topical story line and (sadly, in some instances) believable characters. I really enjoyed the book and wanted to find out each of the characters endings as I read. Very different to Sam Green, but just as enjoyable to read.

Roland Ladley's first stand alone novel, full of mystery and intrigue but not at the high tempo of the fantastic Sam Green novels. He brings the reader to an unfamiliar part of France: The Camargue alive with its coast, the marshes, the unique horses and bulls and the traditions.Like all his novels, well researched contemporary issues are part of the plot and this adds a certain edge to the story as it unfolds. And there are twists and surprises. The style of this new novel will undoubtedly attract a new readership.Well worth a read...

The author gave me a free pre-release version of this book to review. A teacher goes to the Carmargue in search of her mother's hidden past and unwittingly becomes involved in people-trafficking. The tension builds as she finds herself drawn deeper in while trying to help one of the victims and before long we are back in Roland Ladley's finely crafted world of deceit, surprise and action. A break from the Sam Green novels, and a very accomplished - and softer edged - piece of writing. Just what we need in this post-covid world.

Having read some of the Sam Green books by Roland Ladley I was intrigued to read his first departure from that series. I read the book in two days as I was genuinely intrigued to find out what had happened to Emily’s mother. Refreshingly different from the current crop of novels with a similar theme, this tale had many surprising twists. It was skilful how the author interwove the migrant story into the plot. With the unusual backdrop of the Camargue I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to another novel from Roland Ladley.