Ginette B. (Niteowl7) reviewed on 7/17/2007 + 242 more book reviews

One of my favorite of Elizabeth George's books. At over 1,050 pages (large print) it's a bit long but considering the theme and plot twists it seems to be necessary. A serial killer's identity stumps detectives Lynley and Havers around the clock work as one adolescent boy after another is murdered. The murders are committed ritualistically; part of that ritual is a grisly removal of a piece of the victims' bodies. Adding to the pressure is Lynley's supervisor, Hillier. As the public starts demanding that the detectives catch this killer, Hillier, more interested in political machinations that in catching the killer, manages to thoroughly mess up the investigation. Feeling desperate, he decides to have a journalist embedded in the investigation. Lynley knows that not only will this lead to the investigation getting compromised, which Lynley sidesteps cleverly, but can be dangerous for those detectives working on the murders, which cannot be avoided. The end is a sad surprise in more ways than one. If you like complex, realistic characters and plot, this book will keep you up at night.

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