PRESUMED DEAD Mason Cross, Orion £14.99

Oh boy, what a cracking addition to a thriller series that’s looming large in Jack Reacher’s rearview mirror. I love Cross’s books featuring enigmatic action man Carter Blake who’s good at finding people who don’t want to be found. A cry for help has taken former secret agent Blake to the Georgia small town of Bethany, because David Connor believes he’s seen his long-lost sister Adeline. It seems impossible, because despite her body never being found Adeline was officially the last victim of the Devil Mountain Killer 15 years ago. So, is it coincidence that a PI Connor previously employed to find her was murdered? Blake doesn’t think so. Then the killings begin again, with exactly the same MO. Poking a hornet’s nest of secrets and grudges in a town where strangers are viewed with suspicion is a dangerous occupation. And Carter finds himself at risk of being framed for the killings by local law enforcement, or of being killed by some sinister looking hunters who’ve arrived in town. With beautiful local cop Isabella Green defying the sheriff to help, Blake’s determined to close this case for good. The final twist knocked me sideways! Review by Alex Gordon. Name the first Carter Blake hit. Entries to Alex Gordon, Presumed competition, by April 26.