Arrived some time last week from Better World Books (used), while I was out of town.

I continue to enjoy this series. This is number 4, and in it we are treated to more of an investigation into Vera and her sergeant, Joe Ashworth, filling out their characters and perspectives. Clearly Ashworth appreciates Vera's talents but is less than pleased at the demands she makes on him, seemingly without thought.

At the same time I got the sense that Ashworth's marriage was not made in heaven after all. His wife complains about the demands of his job and he is none too excited about all the drudgery associated with small children. He loves the children but is happy to leave the tough stuff to his wife.

But to the case! Vera finds the first victim, in the steam room of a health club she recently joined. She swims, more or less, and then relaxes in the steam room. However, when she found a body in there she could hardly suppress feelings of excitement. Investigating murders is what makes her tick, what gets her going, and even though she has revealed that she does have a heart, she really gets off on the chase. As usual, there is no lack of suspects and, as usual with Vera, the killer just might not be who you expect. I came close, but no cigar.

Inside the box!