This, the fourth in the Lacey Flint series is almost totally set on the river Thames in London. Lacey has left the police having taken the decision to join the Water Police after a scary event in Like This, For Ever. Hoping for a more tranquil life Lacey is missing her old boss Mark Joesbury who has gone undercover but enjoying living on a boat on the Thames as part of the riverboat community.
Don’t expect a gentle start to this book, the first corpse appears within pages, found by Lacey, there is some seriously scary episodes with crabs and Lacey has taken it upon herself to take up the dangerous occupation of swimming in the Thames every day. Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen the Thames and I would not dip my toe in it let alone think it was a good spot for swimming! It isn’t long before a link is made between this body and some previous unidentified females and as it appears likely that the corpse was placed for Lacey to find, she has seemingly got herself drawn into a murder investigation despite her change of career. So Lacey is back working with Dana Tulloch in a somewhat more supportive relationship than the previous novel.
As always in Sharon Bolton’s writing there is a wealth of fascinating characters, and in this novel, Lacey’s neighbours are at the heart of it as the deftly drawn characters make an instant impact. There is also an ongoing mystery of who Lacey really is and why does she regularly visit her friend and convicted serial killer ‘Toc’ in prison. The book has a map on the first page, something I love, and the fantastic description of Deptford Creek where the majority of the book is set had me visualising the empty warehouses, the old pumping station and marinas as well as the more familiar landmarks of London.
A must read for Lacey Flint fans, the twists and turns up to the high standard expected from Sharon Bolton and the ending perfectly poised for the next episode. This is one series that I would suggest reading in order because the layers added to the chief protagonist each time are an addition, rather than an aside to this series without ever taking over the main plotline.
I was delighted to receive a free copy of this book from the publishers, Random House UK, ahead of the publication date of 8 May 2014.
Lacey Flint Series in order
1. Now You See Me
2. Dead Scared
3. Like This, For Ever
Read my reviews including that of the short story featuring Lacey Flint; If Snow Hadn’t Fallen here
This sounds great, but I will take your advice to read in order. More to add to the TBR list!
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🙂 Sometimes it doesn’t matter too much but I read the first two in the wrong order and I feel I would have appreciated them even more if that hadn’t happened!
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More items for my TBR list. Thank you, Cleo. Sharon’s books are spot on for my new bookshelves.
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This is at the top of my TBR pile and I can’t wait to get stuck in 🙂 I love Sharon’s books.
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This is just as good as all the previous ones so enjoy!
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A third of the way through, so just skimmed your review (I know you don’t do spoilers but just avoiding having my own view influenced). Delighted you enjoyed it so much though – it’s looking good so far… 🙂
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You can come back and read it properly once you’ve done your review, I skim read reviews when I’m actually reading the book too as it is hard to get another reviewers views out of my head. Luckily I’m ok if it is beforehand as I have such a bad memory 😆
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Haha! Me too! Before or after is fine – it’s only during that can be tricky. 🙂
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I’m definitely with you on not fancying a dip in the Thames, but I like the sound of this series! The Thames has such a rich history (and I bet there are some secret passageways!!) that it is a great setting for thrillers!!
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Yes it is amazing to think a river shaped the history of London so much… and of course they’ll be plenty of secret passageways 😉
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This is another book the human would love to sink her teeth into- (and I’d love to nap on)! Great post! *(purrs)*
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I hadn’t heard of this series. That’s great it gets better and the character develops throughout.
-Lauren
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I’d say the characters were well formed from the beginning but now with life they are changing subtlety to which all adds to the mystery… it is really clever how they don’t take over the story but they do add the right amount of background to the current crime!
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This sounds good. I’ll add the first book n the series to my list. I do like a strong and smart heroine.
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Oh she definitely fits the bill for you 🙂
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I love Sharon Bolton’s books. I don’t think I’ve read more than book 1 and 2 in this series, I’m a bit behind. Swimming in the Thames seems like a pretty bad idea. Brr.
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Not my idea of fun, tidal, cold and dirty plus boats that need to be avoided. I do enjoy this series and the mystery of Lacey!
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I keep meaning to try this series. Alas, I haven’t gotten around to it yet.
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It sounds like you have the same problem as me; so many books you want to read there isn’t time to fit them all in!
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