An engaging and enjoyable UK crime story. A horrific double murder is investigated by Detective Inspector Bishop. The murders have a strong similarity to other unsolved murders and DI Bishop enlist the help of Holly Wakefield. Holly is a forensic psychologist who has specialised in serial killer. The investigation is engaging, the reveals are strong, and the conclusion is tense and satisfying.
Di Bishop and Holly Wakefield are attractive leading characters. Both are competent and experienced. They approach the investigation in thought ways and work hard to understand what is going on. Both are given the space and depth to engage the reader. The supporting cast are well developed and demand attention from the reader.
Any serial killer crime story has a necessary element of melodrama. The villain must be grotesque, in action at least. This creates a problem for a writer. They must be a threat and have something colourful about them. They can strain credibility if the writer does not manage them with care. Mark Griffin has managed the balance well.
The plot mechanics are superb. The investigation unfolds thoughtfully. As the story moves and twists the threads of the story tightly together.
Solid crime writing that delivers nicely on its premise.
