I had never read a Maeve Kerrigan book before, so was a little concerned I wouldn’t be familiar with the ongoing themes that usually run through a series, but although it worked as a stand alone story, all it has done is whet my appetite to go back and start this Detective series from the start! (I’ve already read #1 and thoroughly enjoyed it.).

This novel starts with a shocking discovery – 17 year old Chloe Emery returns home after a few days away with her estranged Father and her Mum isn’t there to greet her. What is there, however, is a house full of blood, signs of a violent struggle, a frantic cat, but no answers.

Detective Maeve Kerrigan and her team throw themselves in at the deep end to try and answer the questions facing them – the problem being that without a body, what are they really looking for? Where is Chloe’s Mum? Has her estranged Father got anything to do with this? Why are the neighbours (the nosey Norris’s) so interested in what is going on and why is Chloe’s behaviour so erratic even in the face of the terrible events that have enfolded her? The team must find the answers if they are to find the person(s) responsible and stop them harming anyone else.

The dynamic between Maeve and Josh is good and punchy, there’s an obvious chemistry between the two, and with the rest of the team & a feisty new female officer creating some tension, their shared determination to get results is infectious.

Some of the characterisation with felt a little overplayed, perhaps a little cartoonish, particularly between the Norris brothers. Some of the interaction between characters didn’t ring quite true and felt a little bit leading, but not so much that it detracted from the plot or spoilt the experience.

Casey’s writing is sharp, descriptive, punchy and engaging – so much so I read this book in a few sittings over around 24 hours. The plot is clever and whether you are new to the Maeve Kerrigan series, or have devoured each instalment as it appears, I’m sure you will enjoy this latest offering.

4 stars