The Stretch

The Stretch is a crime thriller that follows Samantha Greene as she takes over her husband's criminal empire after he receives a life sentence for murder. Based on Stephen Leather's television miniseries screenplay, the novel explores the transformation of an ordinary woman into a formidable figure in London's criminal underworld. Terry Greene maintains his innocence from behind bars while instructing his wife Sam to manage his illegal operations, including counterfeiting and drug trafficking. Sam must navigate this dangerous new world with help from Terry's former bodyguard, all while raising her teenage daughter and evading the determined Detective Chief Inspector Frank Welch. The story centers on loyalty, survival, and the lengths people will go to protect their family. Through Sam's unexpected journey from law-abiding citizen to criminal leader, the novel examines how circumstance and necessity can fundamentally alter a person's moral compass.

Readers describe this supernatural crime thriller as fast-paced entertainment with an original premise. Many compare it favorably to Leather's Dan Shepherd series. Readers highlighted: - Strong opening chapters that hook interest - Blend of police procedural with supernatural elements - Short chapters that maintain momentum - Development of the central character Josh Common criticisms: - Plot becomes predictable in final third - Some supernatural elements feel contrived - Supporting characters lack depth - Ending feels rushed One reader noted: "Started brilliantly but lost its way around halfway through." Another mentioned: "The police work feels authentic but the ghost story aspects needed more development." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (392 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (318 reviews) Amazon US: 4.0/5 (89 reviews) Reviews skew positive but indicate this is not among Leather's strongest works. The book's reception suggests it appeals more to supernatural thriller fans than hardcore crime fiction readers.

American Assassin by Vince Flynn A CIA recruit learns to become a lethal operative through intense training and brutal missions, echoing The Stretch's focus on transformation into a hardened fighter.

Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter A former military sniper returns to action in a conspiracy-filled plot that matches The Stretch's blend of revenge and precise action sequences.

Without Remorse by Tom Clancy A Navy SEAL embarks on a personal vendetta against criminals, delivering the same type of calculated revenge narrative found in The Stretch.

The Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson A deep-cover CIA operative infiltrates al-Qaeda, presenting the same level of high-stakes undercover work seen in The Stretch.

First Blood by David Morrell A trained warrior uses his skills against law enforcement, mirroring The Stretch's exploration of military expertise turned toward personal battles.

🔸 Stephen Leather worked as a journalist for more than a decade, including positions at The Times and South China Morning Post, which greatly influences his authentic portrayal of crime and suspense. 🔸 London's organized crime scene underwent significant changes in the late 20th century, shifting from traditional family-based operations to more diverse international networks - a transformation reflected in the novel's backdrop. 🔸 The book was adapted from an unproduced television screenplay, allowing for a uniquely visual and cinematic writing style that sets it apart from traditional crime novels. 🔸 Female crime bosses, though rare, have historically played significant roles in London's criminal underground, with notorious figures like Alice Diamond serving as inspiration for characters like Sam Greene. 🔸 The prison scenes in the novel draw from real-life accounts of how incarcerated crime bosses continue to run their operations from behind bars, a phenomenon that remains a serious concern for law enforcement.