David Whellams

This book is way too long at 463 pages and tells a complex story with a ultimately satisfying conclusion, that is, the murderer gets caught. It isn't until almost the end that there's any clue as to his identity. Stylistically, the storytelling rambles and goes off track in several places which for me caused it to be long-winded and a too chatty police procedural novel.

There's numerous interesting characters that come and go throughout the book. With the protagonist Chief Inspector Peter Cammon it is in some ways difficult to accept that he has reached the exalted status -- he's a lone wolf that doesn't play well with others. (Cammon has a protector in high places which may help). He acts like Ian Rankin's Rebus but the story telling is not as crisp as Rankin or Peter Robinson. It's more like Alexander McCall Smith. My short description of the writing is discursive and prolix.

This book is a good introduction to Cammon because there's much talk of his past exploits and there's material for at least one prequel.

I'm withholding my final decision until I read the next in the series.… (meer)