Marilyn Stasio
Writing in a style that accepts no boundary between morbid and merry, Lovesey proves that the traditional puzzle mystery is always a bit of fun and games.
— The New York Times
Publishers Weekly
British author Lovesey deftly blends suspense and humor in his excellent ninth whodunit to feature Peter Diamond (after 2004's The House Sitter). Diamond, a detective superintendent in Bath, though still traumatized by the murder of his wife, finds himself the object of amorous attention from two women, one an admirer who sends him anonymous letters. The curmudgeonly but astute sleuth also finds himself again at odds with his superior, Assistant Chief Constable Georgina Dallymore, when his investigation into the separate hangings of a woman and her one-time partner suggests that both were murdered, contrary to the ACC's belief that they were victims of a murder-suicide. Fighting to devote precious time and resources to the inquiry, Diamond soon discovers evidence of a history of similar crimes and suspects the serial killer will strike again. While the solution isn't Lovesey's trickiest, its ingeniousness amply demonstrates that this classic series is still going strong. (June)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Kirkus Reviews
Inspector Peter Diamond, three years a widower, gamely accedes to a lady's advances. How's this for a cute meeting? Peter Diamond runs over costume researcher Paloma Kean's groceries in a parking lot and insists on paying, and she reciprocates with an offer of dinner. Paloma, a divorcee, seems smitten with the burly, cantankerous detective, and her son Jerry, a religious fanatic and hospital volunteer, doesn't object. But romance must take a back seat to the latest scourge of Bath, an unknown serial killer who likes to hang his victims from high, very public places. The first to be found is Delia Williamson, followed by her ex, Danny Geaves. But digging by the Murder Squad turns up a prior couple, the Twinings, two years back. Then Jocelyn Steel is strung up. If the pattern holds, her missing husband Martin will be next to go. As if that's not work enough for the bone-tired Diamond, smash-and-grab robbers are looting the stores and half of his squad is reassigned. Worse yet, Paloma's son comes under suspicion, jeopardizing the new romance. Lovesey (The Circle, 2005, etc.), master of the switchback twist, has several in store here, but savvy readers may find them a notch or so below his crafty best.
