This second book in the DI Anna Gwynne with the MCRTF at Avon and Somerset is an abosrbing and well-written police procedural. Along with other members of her team, specifically DCs Justin Holder and Ryia Khosa, their unit looks at cold cases hoping that some fresh insight will bring closure. The old case they are working on is a child murder; Rosie Dawson had been kidnapped in 2008 when she was 10 years old. When her bones were found demonstrating a horrific murder story, the squad can't help but wonder if a recent abduction, that of Blair Smeaton from Ediburgh, could be related.
Although I typically like to read book of series in order, there is quite a bit of backstory within so that you could read it as a standalone if you like. In fact, I'd actually forgotten much of the first book anyway by the time I got to this one, and I was able to follow along just fine. The details of the investigation take the reader along as the squad reinterviews witnesses and reviews specifics about Rosie Dawson's case. Once they find that, indeed, there is a tenuous link between the old and new, the action gears up as suspects and persons of interest are examined. This particular story involves crimes against children involving the Dark Net and pay per view torture so not for the squeamish.
Again, Anna has an unlikely colleage in the imprisoned Harvey Shaw -- who seems to know the mind of a serial killer. And, could it be, that there is romance in the making for Anna?
Great characters (that I want to know more about) and lots of interesting information about the detestable underbelly of the Dark Web make this one that any fan of police procedurals won't want to miss. I can't wait for #3 in the series! Anna is growing on me, though some things about her I still find rather annoying!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
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