Without exaggeration this is the best book I’ve read.
It may be because it’s written by my favourite author.
It may be because it’s the latest in a cracking series.
But I think it’s probably because the author put a lot of emotion into what was written
Kim Stone nearly died at the end of the last book. This one starts several months later and finds Kim struggling psychologically.
Her team is in the hands of another DI whilst she recovers, and she can see the team being slowly destroyed by his incompetence as a detective, a boss, and his failing as a human being.
Will she recover in time to take the team off him whilst it’s still intact
It takes a nasty murder, which he is happy to pass of as suicide, to tip Kim over the edge and try to bring the old Kim Stone back.
Will she manage to do it.
Read the book and find out
You won’t be disappointed

Finally back to work after the case which almost killed her, Kim Stone is present in body but not in mind. Until she realised what her temporary replacement has done to her team...

Demoralised. No real work done. Deaths going uninvestigated.

And she's back.....

Kim isn't satisfied with the fact that the death of Jamie Mills was ruled a suicide with no investigation. And she quickly discovers the one fact which would have made it impossible for him to hang himself.

Meanwhile, Stacey is embroiled in the matter of an accountant who has disappeared...

The team's investigations into both matters lead them to places they never thought existed. And to other deaths staged to look like suicides.

Brilliant and compelling

I adore Kim Stone, she is such a complex character and I loved how we saw more of her "vulnerability" in this book (not a word usually associated with Kim.). Her love for her team shone through as she pushed past some of her demons.

The interaction between her and some of the characters from past stories made me laugh despite the subject matter. I love how the author can write complex characters that, on face value, you wouldn’t like but she shows you a hint of their heart.

The story is incredible as always, we learn more history of the Black Country but also get an inside, and disturbing, look at those centres and individuals who don't believe God made people the way they are.

As always, these books entertain but also make you think about prejudices and what makes some people act the way they do. I started reading last night and kept going until I finished, I did try to put the book down several times but failed hence another night’s sleep lost to Kim Stone. Excellent pacing and story. I am happy but can't wait for the next Kim Stone book.