Although I am well aware of the popularity of Karin Slaughter, and being a self confessed crime novel fan, I am ashamed to say this is the first time I have read one of Karins books.
Of all the crime books I've read, the majority have been enjoyable, a small percentage I haven't bothered finishing and an even smaller percentage are memorable. 'Cop town' definitely falls into the latter.
The reason for this is quite simple, reading this book, you are not just processing the unfolding of a crime. You are processing the lives of the wonderful characters and their everyday struggles contained in the pages.
I said after reading the Elizabeth Haynes book 'Into the darkest corner' that reading the book produced feelings within me that were at times quite unpleasant and caused me feelings of anxiety and disgust, and it is the same with 'Cop Town' and it sets the book apart from your average crime thriller.
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The story focuses on the killing of a cop from the Atlanta police force in 1974. The force has only just started accepting female recruits, but sexism, homophobia and racism are still rife within the force. Women can't partner men, and whites can't partner blacks. And if you happen to be gay, well you're on your own. The two central characters Maggie and Kate are struggling to be accepted by the force, and on top of trying to catch an elusive killer.
This is a fantastic crime thriller, but the accurate exploration of racism, sexism and homophobia make this book much, much more than that. It's a history lesson. And you should get a copy.
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