The new book, as disturbing as it is compulsively readable, continues to add new levels to the psychological thriller -- something that McDermid seems able to do in every new book. A star footballer has been murdered in the city of Bradfield. Shortly after, an explosion rocks the town's football stadium, wreaking mass carnage. In the current climate of fear regarding home-grown terrorism, it is inevitable that suspicion falls in this direction – but is money -- or something else -- involved here? Such as a bloody working out of some kind of revenge scenario against the football team? Needless to say, this is quite a different case from those that Tony Hill and Carol Jordan have previously been involved with, and the customary relationship (swinging between confrontation and admiration) is worked out with all the rigour that we expect from McDermid. Of course, this is an author who always has more fish to fry than the simple exigencies of the crime novel, and astringent commentaries on many aspects of British society are provocatively incorporated here (always, though, inter alia -- never at the expense of a forward-moving narrative). If you're a fan of the Wire in the Blood TV series, you should do yourself a favour and investigate the original novels – such as Beneath the Bleeding. They offer a considerably more involving experience

This is the first book that I have caught... I'll read it over the next couple of days then release it back from the location I picked it up from.... The Ministry of Health library.

A great thriller - very dry British writing.

I picked this book up from the MOH Bookshelf because it looked so much my sort of book and I know I've enjoyed other books by this author.
It was a cracker! so many different elements, such a good plot and finely drawn characters. The constant difficult interaction between the police at different levels is so interesting - given the huge public discussion of policing here in this country just at the moment it is very relevant.
Books with psychological advisers to the police have always intrigued me and the additional elements now with so much computer aided sorting of possibilities is really fascinating.
Loved it. Val McDermid is certainly getting better and better. Want more.

RELEASE NOTES:

Taking this book with me to Christchurch where I'm meeting several BC friends, any one of whom might be tempted by this delightful book.

If not then it will end up in one of CHCH's OBCZs.
Travel safely super book.

I got this book from SherlockFan at a meetup we had while she was in Christchurch.
Other people seem to have liked this book so I will give it a try.

I liked this book. It was a bit slow during the first half but quite good later on.
The background on some of the characters didn't go very deep which left a few questions.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good crime/mystery.
I will have to check out another one by this author.