I enjoyed this book very much, although it did not hit me quite the same as Into The Darkest Corner. I did like the main character, Lou Smith, who is a newly promoted DCI. Lou is finding her way in her new position and the murder investigation she is placed in charge of, the killing of Polly Leuchers, is her first as a DCI. And then a car is discovered at the bottom of a quarry. It contains the body of a woman who was a neighbor of Polly's. It seems like a suicide, but maybe not.
As DCI Smith assembles her team to investigate both of these deaths, she is disconcerted to find that DI Andy Hamilton has been assigned to the case. Andy was a one-night fling that Lou would prefer to forget. Other specialists make up a part of the investigation force, and Elizabeth Haynes does a good job of explaining the behind-the-scenes aspects of a murder unit. This author is an investigative analyst, working with the police, and she brings an authenticity to her story. She also includes an appendix at the end, explaining many of the duties of the often forgotten analysts. Another interesting aspect is the inclusion of police documents, witness statements, phone messages, and charts, interspersed with the narrative.
The mystery itself was filled with twists and turns, although I did suspect the final solution before the ending. And there were a couple of characters that I'd be glad to meet again. I'd also like to know a bit more about Lou's background and what brought her to her current job.
The next book in the series, Behind Closed Doors, will be published at the end of March. The storyline of that book sounds intriguing, and I'll be glad to revisit a crime scene with DCI Louisa Smith and her team.
Detective stories can be fun. I received the new Jo Nesbo and can't wait to check it out. He is the one author I tend to enjoy for detective stories. Some are hit and miss for me.
ReplyDeleteJo Nesbo is another writer that I mean to try this year. Hope the one you got is a good one!
DeleteHi right back at ya! Thanks for dropping in today. Good to see you posting now. This book sounds good. We just watched "Vera", a British detective, on PBS. Now I'm in the mood for some more British mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI've seen a couple of the "Vera" shows. Liked it a lot. They are also books by Ann Cleeves. More to put on my list. LOL
DeleteI really enjoyed this one AND Into the Darkest Corner as well. Did you know that the second book is up on Edelweiss? I just got approved and am so excited to read it. This is an author that I look forward to :)
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for #2. Need to see what happens with Lou and Company.
DeleteI have ITDC in my mile high stack of books on my nightstand. I'm excited to read it - along with many others in that same stack!
ReplyDeleteI think you might like INTO THE DARKEST CORNER, Joy. Thinking about the books that you and I have agreed on in the past.
DeleteThis one has been on my TBR stack for too long! I can't believe the next book will be out next month. I'll have to check out Into The Darkest Corner as well.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested in hearing what you think about both of them, Diana.
DeleteWe definitely had many similar thoughts about this book, Kay. I am glad you enjoyed it too. :-) Here's hoping we enjoy Behind Closed Doors just as much!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Bring it on. LOL
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