Police lieutenant Milo Sturgis is now in a position where he can pick his own cases, so when notified of a double homicide not far from the restaurant where he is dining with his best friend Alex Delaware, they decide to take a look.
The two victims are found in a Mustang convertible; both have been shot and from their appearance and positions, they were a courting couple. So is this a chance killing or something more sinister?
Although the young man is quickly identified as Gavin Quick, a student, the identity of the young woman is not so easy. For one she is wearing expensive clothes, too expensive for a student and her Jimmy Choo shoes rather rule out a prostitute. So who is she? As the day pass and no one of her description is reported missing she remains a mystery,
When Milo and Alex visit Gavin’s parents Sheila and Jerry Quick they learn that Gavin had previously been in an accident resulting in trauma to the head, for which he had been visiting a therapist . The therapist is one Mary Lou Koppel, someone who Alex has encountered before and who did not leave a good impression. Alex also turns up a previous killing of not dissimilar MO. Whilst Milo and Alex are pondering the significance of this, a further murder takes place. Surprisingly, they meet with resistance from all sides - Gavin’s father, Gavin sister, and the therapists. Could they all be hiding something? But what? As the investigation continues, they unearth more suspects that only adds to the confusion.
I know I have missed one or two books in the series, but it would appear that
Alex no longer works - well, apart from assisting Milo. He doesn’t ever seem
to have a patient. We learn more in this book of his new love interest, Allison
Gwynn. Robin still pops in which upsets Alison somewhat. Personally I don’t
like either of them much. To me they add nothing to the story, which is an excellent
entry in the series. Full of mysteries that the two protagonists slowly unravel.
Jeff Harding is as usual on top form, turning a reading into a dramatisation
so distinctive are his different voices, they all come alive. Brilliant as always.
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Lizzie Hayes