Interesting twist for ending.

I enjoyed this, a slow-moving thriller, London-based, with interesting characters and plotting. Four-out-of five within its genre, the three stars just says 'not outstanding'. ( )

At first I wasn't going to continue after the first couple of chapters. Mr. Eye-Patch is a first-grade asshole and he stays that way for the entire book. I couldn't figure out why anyone would be at all tolerant of him, never mind actually like him and want to help. But that's Walter's talent - she draws you in despite hating her leading man. I don't care if he's had some kind of brain injury; that's no reason to excuse his violent eruptions. Unless you're a mind reader you won't know he's going to blow and pretty much kill you, but it was obvious there was something else going on. I liked how the events tied together and some of the side characters were ok, but mostly it's a barrel of jerks. ( )

The story begins with an ambush in Iraq leaving sole survivor Lieutenant Charles Acland with half his face gone. Post-recovery aggression, with some graphic information from his ex, brings him to the attention of the police who are investigating multiple murders. He seems to have no interest in helping himself but a weightlifting lesbian doctor offers help. With excellent characters and plot, it's a page turner right to the end. ( )

As usual a gripping read. One star off as a I saw the ending (well most of it) a long way from the end.

I do like the fact that Minette Walters never repeats her characters and every novel is a brand new exploration. I imagine that makes it harder than just rolling out the same people with a new plot. ( )