Karen Hart is still reeling from personal loss, when she is first on the scene of a brutal murder at Lincoln Cathedral - a man was found there having been strangled and with a bloody cross etched into his forehead. When the crime gets more personal, and the Police receive a note signed by "The Cleanser", another team are brought in to help, one led by someone who Karen has been told to be careful around.

This is a really good book, and I am pleased to say I only spotted the twist when it was just about to happen! I will say that there are a few loose threads left at the end of the book due to the resolution - Karen's story seems to be wrapped up, but a few other characters seem to be forgotten a little in the conclusion.

This is the 5th book in the Detective Karen Hart Series by author DS Butler. I discovered this series at the end of last year and it was an instant hit for me. Great characters, exciting plots and so well written make this a must read for all fans of police procedurals.

Detective Karen Hart is first on the scene of a murder when she hears a scream and goes to investigate. A man’s murdered body lies in a chapel with a bloody cross carved into his forehead. A murderer known as ‘The Cleanser’ is on the loose and starts a series of brutal killings that appear to be a sadistic mission. Detective Karen Hart is on the case and there are hints and rumours that point to a police conspiracy within her colleagues. The case is a tough one with the added disruption of a very annoying senior officer.

This was an excellent read and had me reading late into the night unable to put it down. Exciting plot and the dialogue between the regular characters made this an enjoyable read.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.