Well we are officially over a month into the challenge and I have to say I’m feeling slightly behind target at the moment. I started off with a bit of a bang and managed to get a couple of books done within a week but I’ve now taken a while to get a few more under my belt. I’m hoping with my summer holidays starting soon that I will be able to dedicate some more time to reading. Anyway lets get on with the review….
A brutal murder hints at a terrifying mystery, and this time it’s personal.
A body is found on a quiet lane in Exmoor, victim of a hit and run. He has no ID, no wallet, no phone, and – after being dragged along the road – no recognisable face.
Meanwhile, fresh from his last case, DCI Craig Gillard is unexpectedly called away to Devon on family business.
Gillard is soon embroiled when the car in question is traced to his aunt. As he delves deeper, a dark mystery reveals itself, haunted by family secrets, with repercussions Gillard could never have imagined.
The past has never been deadlier.
This is the third instalment in the DCI Gillard series however this can be read as a standalone as well. I have read the previous two books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Nick Louth always manages to provide readers with in depth, well plotted stories and I am always amazed how he manages to tie up every last detail. For me there is nothing worse than finishing a book with questions still unanswered.
With this book we take a deeper look into Craig’s childhood and get to meet his crazy aunts. From the first introduction it is clear that there is an atmosphere and unresolved family drama, you could literally cut the tension with a knife. Out of the two aunts I personally preferred Barbara, I felt she was very candid in some ways and it was clear that you knew where you stood with her. Yes she has questionable morals and I wouldn’t want to invite her round my house anytime soon but you could understand how she came to be the person she was.
This is the first in the series where we see Craig in a more vulnerable light. He has always been a strong character but learning more about his history made him more relatable. I think it never hurts to see a softer side in a leading man. It was also great to see Sam play a bigger role and deal with the family drama, watching their story unfold brings a more positive light to the book.
This was yet again another great read and like its previous stories, unique in it’s own way. Nick Louth has a amazing originality, plots and characters. You can also guarantee that he will draw you in from the first chapter. These things for me add up to a great author and therefore a great 5* book.
Here to the next instalment! Keep them coming.
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