A new book by M J Arlidge is always a cause for celebration and this one – the tenth in the excellent police procedural series to feature Detective Inspector Helen Grace – is no exception.
In this instalment, DI Grace and her team in Southampton are faced with a crime wave – they have a high number of murders, thefts and criminal acts on their hands but no idea why. There seem to be no connections between the cases and DI Grace is also facing insubordination from within her own team. The local newspaper is keen to highlight the failings of Hampshire Police and the situation is dire – until a disturbing pattern emerges in the killings.
It is hard to write about this book without giving major spoilers – not my style – and so I’ll just reassure Arlidge’s many fans that this features exactly the tight plotting and fiendish twists you have come to expect. There is tension aplenty, a high body count and lots of action to keep you invested in the story.
As usual, DI Helen Grace is the main character and she is rather a maverick, solitary figure – her team do slightly blend together in the background for the most part. However, she is a strong and interesting figure so this doesn’t detract from the story – although it would be nice to have DS Charlie Brooks back from maternity leave for the next novel as she is a supportive ally for Grace. Aside from that, I just feel like I should say boo to DS Hudson for reasons that will become obvious when you pick up the book!
Although this is part of a series, I think it would work effectively as a stand alone – anything relevant in the back-story is explained in this novel. If you haven’t read the other books though, you’re missing a treat. And this book does seem to be leading into something else, – so even if you start the series with this book then I think you will be holding out for book 11!
Overall, this is an enjoyable and clever police procedural. Those new to DI Grace and Southampton Central will find plenty to enjoy, while established fans of the series will love the twisted new plotline from this most creative of murder mystery writers. Pick up a copy and clear the diary – you’ll not want to put this book down.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you’d like a copy of this book, out today, please use my affiliate link – thanks for supporting my blog with any purchases!
Photo by David von Diemar on Unsplash
I’m so glad you liked this one. I just adore this series, and it’s one of the very few long running series that I actually keep up with for the most part.
It is a great series. I think I picked it up a way in so I have a few to go back for xx