Detective Todd "Ratso" Holtom is as tough as they come. Born and bred in gritty London, he learned early how to spot criminals - eventually turning that skill into being a top Detective. Now he's handed a career-making case: destroy the elusive Boris Zandro's drug-running empire. But the ruthless kingpin has evaded every attempt to arrest him, despite being linked to a dozen murders. With a huge shipment of drugs due to arrive and no clarity on how Zandro's getting help, the trail to find answers takes Ratso around the world. Along the way, he is helped by troubled Florida detective Kirsty-Ann Webber - but Ratso can't afford to be distracted by his new alluring partner. Ratso knows the dangers. But if he doesn't stop Zandro, the political fallout - in London, Washington and the rest of the world - will be drastic. Hard Place was inspired by a true story.***** " Engenders the same get-to-the-end compulsion as does a Harlan Coben crime suspense novel "***** "Could not put it down!" ***** "Wow! What a page turner!... A definite 5-star from me!" ***** "Gripping" ***** "Had me racing through it as fast as the breakneck pace of the narrative!" ***** "Believable yet gripping. Recommended." ***** "Easy to read and the plot is enthralling!" ***** "A brilliant start to meeting Ratso. A story you can believe in and a gritty style of writing that works." ***** "Action with a hint of romance and a smattering of copper's humour gives us a superb novel." ***** "Great plot, great pace!" ***** "Fantastic read, great characters, gripping storyline." ***** "Hard to put down!" ***** "Roaring success" ***** "Hard Place is inspired by a real-life event, though Douglas Stewart has transformed this into an entertaining crime thriller in the same manner as Roger Donaldson's 2008 film "The Bank Job" ***** "I will definitely buy more "Ratso" publications." ***** "Eat your heart out David Hosp ." ***** "... A very enjoyable read. It's a fast moving thriller in which you feel you really get to know the characters.... Each chapter leaves you eager to continue reading." ***** "The plot was fast paced, characters well-constructed and believable. There are many twists and turns which makes the book very difficult to put down." ***** "Couldn't stop reading, this was worth 5 stars."