My Books

Hedderick Photography, 2024

Roshan Pitteea

Care & Control

“Punchy, gritty and unputdownable” – David Briggs

Hedderick Photography, 2024

Care & Control

‘Care’ doesn’t always mean ‘safety’

Beneath a freezing Northern night sky, streetwise teenager Connor McAllen searches desperately for a lost loved one. In defiance of his corporate parent, he scours the city’s grim underbelly in vain.

Hot on Connor’s heels is rookie police officer Louis Mortimer. If Louis is to pull Connor back from the brink, he must come to terms with his own troubled past. Life isn’t made any easier by his feelings for Elliott, Connor’s handsome teacher or Damien, Louis’ brooding colleague.

As Connor bounces from one failed foster placement to another, none of the professionals involved in safeguarding him see the peril lurking in the shadows: a dangerous sadist is watching Louis and Connor’s every move, determined to show them that ‘care and control’ has its dark side.

Praise For Care & Control

“Accomplished writing”
This debut novel had me hooked from the very first chapter, the main protagonist Louis is a well rounded character complete with human flaws that makes him extremely relatable

“Brilliantly written and gripping beginning to end”
Loved how it was written a true reflection of police work and how sad life is for some children. Brilliant, gritty and heartbreaking at times.

“Excellence in Practice”
Loved the accuracy of this book. So often Social workers are inaccurately portrayed, here we have accuracy of process, the collaboration of genuine working together set in a story or very real lived experiences of young people who need our help, in a context of professionals who are human and reflect the joyous diversity of the world

“Highly Recommend”
Enjoyed this book very much. It takes you on a journey to a darker world that some youth have to deal with to survive. Sad and happy combo with a good twist! Highly recommend this read.

“Gripping, read it in one day!”
Care & Control is written to showcase the side of protecting children we don’t often see.
This story was written by an author who clearly understands the subject matter and reading about the him afterwards and understanding his detailed experience in the field, it was clear to see why. What was immediately apparent to me within the first few chapters was that the characters in this book are likeable!
The complex story develops quickly and the plot is executed with effortless drops of breadcrumbs foreshadowing the ending.

Keywords: Crime fiction; British Crime; Thriller; Psychological; LGBTQ+ Mystery; LGBTQ+ Crime; British Child Care System; Child Protection; Social Work; Police Fiction

Trigger Warnings: Child abuse; sexual abuse; drug use; violence; foul language; death

Local detective-turned-author publishes critically acclaimed debut novel 'Care & Control'

Care & Control

Elliott Penton

Elliott is the only professional that Connor will put some trust in. Louis finds himself drawn to this charismatic, dedicated teacher.

Roshan Pitteea

Coming Soon

Hedderick Photography, 2024

Coming Soon

The sequel to ‘Care & Control’ is bubbling away!

PC Louis Mortimer investigates his most challenging case yet, one that takes him uncomfortably close to his roots once more.

He must also prepare himself for a looming Crown Court trial against the person who attempted to murder him six months ago. The key witness, teenager Connor McAllen, says he’s coping with the stress but Louis suspects differently.

All the while, Louis must navigate changing friendships and a new relationship that is proving to be anything but straightforward.

If that wasn’t enough, he’s also got to pass his Detective’s Exam!