Amazon Product Description:

Twenty years ago John Costello's life, as he knew it, ended. He and his beautiful girlfriend, Nadia, became victims of the deranged 'Hammer of God' killer who terrorised New Jersey City throughout the summer of 1984. This murderer went after young courting couples in an attempt to 'save their souls'. Nadia was killed by the first blow of the hammer. John survived, but was physically and psychologically scarred to an extent that few people could comprehend. He withdrew from society, hid in his apartment and now only emerges to work as a crime researcher for a major newspaper. Damaged he may be, but no one in New Jersey knows more about serial killers than John Costello. So, when a new spate of murders starts - all seemingly random and unrelated - John is the only one who can discern the complex pattern that lies behind them. But could this dark knowledge be about to threaten his life?

Brilliant!!

I love Ellory's novels & haven't been disappointed yet. I love the fact that he invents new characters for each of his novels as it seems to keep it exciting & fresh. He had obviously undertaken a lot of research for this novel based upon serial murderers and the way the story was pieced together with Irving and Costello was addictive! I just didn't want to put it down. It kept me guessing until the end - what more can you ask from crime fiction???

Highly recommended but for now its going to reside in my permanent collection.

Passing on to a book reading friend in need of new material and as I am having a bit of a clear out due to moving in the summer. I know she will either read or pass onto others to enjoy :-)