Dive into the gritty, pulse-pounding world of the Langthorne Police series, where Detective George Elms battles crime in the shadowy streets of a fictional seaside town. Written by former UK police officer Charlie Gallagher, this crime thriller saga blends authentic police procedures with heart-stopping suspense, making it a must-read for fans of Angela Marsons or Ian Rankin.
With its flawed yet lovable hero, intricate plots, and cliffhanger endings, Langthorne Police hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Ready to unravel the mysteries of Langthorne? Let’s explore this thrilling series!
How Langthorne Police Began
Charlie Gallagher, a serving UK police officer for 13 years, launched the Langthorne Police series in 2017 with Bodily Harm. Drawing from his frontline experience as a response officer, tactical team member, and detective, Gallagher crafted a series grounded in realism. His goal? To create stories that capture the chaos, danger, and humanity of police work while keeping readers on edge.
Inspired by the contrasting elements of life—good versus evil, hope versus despair—Gallagher set his series in Langthorne, a declining coastal town plagued by unemployment and crime. His insider perspective and ‘pantser’ writing style, where plots evolve organically, give the series its raw, unpredictable energy.
The Heart of Langthorne Police
The series kicks off with Bodily Harm, where a vicious stabbing on a bus—targeting the mayor’s niece—plunges George Elms into a web of crime tied to the notorious Epping Hill Estate. In Panic Button, the stakes escalate as a killer targets police officers, forcing them to broadcast their final moments. Blood Money explores desperate choices, with a father turning to crime to save his dying son, while End Game delivers breathtaking twists as George faces a ruthless adversary.
Themes of loyalty, corruption, and personal sacrifice weave through the series, set against Langthorne’s bleak yet vivid backdrop. Gallagher’s style is fast-paced and gritty, with complex characters like George—a dedicated detective with a troubled personal life—driving the narrative. Readers praise the series for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of policing, often noting George’s relatability as a flawed hero balancing family and duty.
With seven books, including Then She Ran and Her Last Breath, the series maintains momentum through interconnected storylines and shocking revelations. Each novel builds on the last, making it a binge-worthy journey for crime fiction fans.
Why Langthorne Police Resonates
Langthorne Police stands out for its authenticity, thanks to Gallagher’s firsthand knowledge of law enforcement. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about its gripping plots and well-drawn characters, with reviews calling it “explosive” and “unputdownable.” The series’ ability to blend procedural accuracy with emotional storytelling has earned it a loyal following, often compared to heavyweights like Mark Billingham.
Its lasting appeal lies in its human core—George Elms’ struggles mirror the real-life challenges of those in high-stakes professions. By tackling themes like trust and redemption, the series resonates with readers who crave both thrills and heart, cementing its place in the crime thriller genre.
- Publication Years: 2017–2018
- Number of Books: 7
- Key Character: Detective George Elms
- Publisher: Joffe Books
Grab Bodily Harm and step into Langthorne’s thrilling, crime-ridden world! Whether you’re a crime fiction newbie or a seasoned sleuth, the Langthorne Police series promises a wild ride you won’t forget.