This book grips your attention from the beginning when a plain, unmemorable woman in beige makes her purchases in a large shop. Quickly the reader is swept into the frenetic world of Detective Sergeant Bev Moriss as she grapples with a series of rapes in Highgate by a rapist nicknamed 'the Beast of Birmingham' by the media. Bev continues her investigation of the rapes unofficially when she is moved to another high profile case - the disappearance of a baby. Both these investigations are emotionally draining and though Bev's combative personality seems to thrive on conflict this is at a huge personal cost. She has other private and professional problems to further complicate her life.
Maureen Carter's characters are totally convincing in their flawed humanity whether demonstrating unpleasantness or attractiveness. The police demonstrate the prejudices, strengths and mistakes that add colour to the tale. The story develops well with the reader, even though privy to more information than Bev possesses, finding the unrolling of events perplexing. The climax is doubly shattering and very chilling.
-----------------------
Jennifer Palmer
Maureen Carter has published 2 previous books about Bev Moriss - Working Girls and Dead Old.