Distraction

Set in Manchester, Distraction opens with Luke Johnston being convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Susan Handley. He can remember little of the fateful evening, and despite the apparently overwhelming evidence is certain of his innocence. Months later he is released when a serial rapist and murderer confesses to the crime. Hardened by life in prison, and scarred by beatings as a child, Johnston embarks on a killing spree, attacking those he believes are responsible for his wrongful conviction; he is encouraged, cajoled and guided in this by a mysterious accomplice. The trial judge, his own lawyer, and a key witness all fall to his attacks. As the killings continue he increasingly questions his actions, as well as the influence of his accomplice, but is also haunted by memories of Susan. Pete Salmon, head of the highly respected Murder Squad, must battle to find Johnston before more crimes are committed. Questions about motive, press leaks, and internal politics thwart him at every turn, made worse by the actions of his own team and concerns about the original conviction. He must fight through the distractions, and his own confidence, to find out who the next victim is, and capture Johnston before another murder is committed.