Dark and gritty, this book is hard to put down. I love the tension between Tony and Carol. Lots of graphic violence but it suits the tone of the book. This is Val McDermid at her best.

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As I've noted in other reviews, I think Val McDermid is a talented writer, her books surpassing much that is currently being produced in the crime/horror/procedural genre. The Wire in the Blood is also well written, with a compelling plot, credible characterization, and a smarmy, creepy narcissist for a villain. I enjoyed the book and read it quickly to reach the dramatic conclusion. There are descriptions of sadistic violence, but for the fairly squeamish reader that I am, they were bearable. The one problem I see, and this is just my opinion, is that the protagonist, Tony Hill, is just a bit too cool and too clever, in some ways just as plasticky smooth as the killer. Not a hero who's easy to warm up to, despite his post-traumatic sexual problems. Fortunately, Carol Jordan's persona is competent but still fallible, easier for the reader to relate with.
Wire in the Blood is a good, gripping psychological thriller and while Tony Hill could be more likeable, this doesn't detract from the value of the story.

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I love Val McDermid's writing. She is truly amazing and I'm glad to be reading another of her series. Her writing is so descriptive you feel like you are right in the same room. The characters are well developed and makes for interesting reading. I especially like the team of Tony Hill and Carol Jordon and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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Another provocative crime novel featuring Tony Hill and Carol Jordan. This one will have you holding on to your seats!!!!

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A superb psychological thriller. Based on the A&E series Wire in the Blood.

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Although this is a dark story with some gore-it is one of the best reads around.

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I'll have to second Linda on this one.

This is the second in the series of Tony Hill/Carol Jordan mysteries. And Tony Hill is not your usual best foot forward darling of mystery solvers. He is complicated characters with issues all his own. I enjoy the interplay between Carol and Tony, but it's Tony i'm interested in. I suppose I like messy people trying to claw their way through life and Tony Hill is definitely doing that.

A great second mystery. I could barely put it down. I kept drifting away from the family to read it. Good stuff!

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interesting book, very good if you like profiling/mystery books, be warned, some of it is pretty graphic

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