THE MURDER BOOK

BY MARK BILLINGHAM SPHERE Life is going well for Detective Inspector Tom Thorne. He can always count on his good friends Detective Nicola Tanner and pathologist Dr Phil Hendricks, and he’s found love with forensic psychologist Dr Melita Perera. She talks to him about her more unusual patients and he in turn keeps her up to date with his cases.

This pillow talk is something he’ll eventually regret deeply.

Tom is investigating a series of grisly murders committed by a cunning woman who changes her appearance for each killing. But strangely, she makes no effort to hide from CCTV cameras or to destroy forensic evidence. It’s almost as if she wants to be caught.

But catching her could mean devastating consequences for Tom, Nicola and Phil because it turns out escaped psychopath Stuart Nicklin is connected to these seemingly senseless murders.

I found the 18th in the Tom Thorne series to be a totally fascinating read.

The author has plotted the storyline to perfection with its numerous twists and turns as well as a jaw-dropping act of betrayal that will leave you reeling.