I have read the first 3 books in this series and enjoyed them although I didn't feel they were books that I would want to read again and again. The plots were good and easy to follow and that is still true with this one. It's the character of DCI Joanna Piercy that I have had misgivings about from the start. She never really struck me as a component "leader" that "has it together". In this one she was cold, unfeeling, and down-right self-absorbed. She and her partner, Mike have been partners, and more than just "work partners", for several years. When he made a really amazing discovery, she couldn't even take the time or have the grace to say, "well done" or "good work". Police work is hard...my husband was in it for 35 years and he was always recognizing, even in small ways, the accomplishments of his partner and the men he supervised. Other police driven books that I have read, and I read a lot, the lead character has always taken time to a least be polite. Her feelings come across as that only she is capable of solving the murders. I found it interesting enough in spite of Joanna's cold, uncaring attitude, to give it 3 stars. I hope that Michael wises up and realizes that the only person Joanna is capable of loving is Joanna. ( )