Oh, joy, one of my favourite killers is back.........and boy, does he do it with style! Jacko likes to get his own way and dislikes it when people hinder his efforts, this is the basis for one of the best revenge stories I've read for ages. Jacko's actions have devastating consequences for Carol Jordan and our 'ever so slightly odd' hero - Tony Hill. Their relationship is tested to the very limit. We also get to see a side to Tony only ever hinted at before. This relates to his damaged relationship with Vanessa (I'll say no more on that as it really is a perfect parting shot!). Several other 'wrongdoers' in the eyes of Jacko experience his particular panache for vengeance, including his ex-wife and her partner. Each act of revenge is perfectly planned and leaves the reader hotly anticipating the next 'Act.' I don't know if I should be worried, but I almost wanted Jacko to get away it! But then my empathy button kicked in and I realised that actually Tony must prevail, mustn't he? In addition to Jacko's exploits there is a particularly gruesome series of killings in Bradfield which get the team working together, (for perhaps the last time?), each member bringing their own specific skill set to the eventual horrific outcome. A truly superb thriller and a very welcome return for Tony et al, it's been a while since I read a Mc Dermid novel and to be frank I'd forgotten just how good she is.

Being new to this author and this only being my second book I was apprehensive as to the content. Before I knew it I was sucked in to the plot and terrified that another murder would be commited before being caught. Th descriptions of all the charactures personalities and thought process was excellent leaving you in a state of panic when something occurs. You know what the reaction is going to be and how devastating. The writing was very easy and flowing but not brain dead in any way. I was transported to each place/event and feeling before I knew it. Sometimes I could not read fast enought especially when I knew I had to get there .....to help (Oh dear involved again!) The end took me completely by surprise, was not predictable in any way. I cannot wait to read another novel by this author.