Rating: 4 out of 5.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

I really enjoy this author’s work and this book series, but this is my least favorite book in the series so far. I didn’t find the mystery as compelling as in past books, and there seemed to be a lot of filler and repetitiveness to the story.

Jr. barrister Daniel Pitt is asked to identify a man that’s been murdered in a bad part of town. He has no id, but Daniel’s card is in the man’s coat pocket. As the police describe the man and coat, Daniel fears that it’s his friend and colleague that hasn’t shown up to work yet. It is indeed one of Daniel’s colleagues, but not his friend Toby. Fearing that a scandal could ruin the law firm’s reputation, Daniel and Toby begin searching for clues to solve the murder. Their managing partner seems to know more than he’s telling them, but with his daughter out of town studying and his failing memory, it’s uncertain how much help he will be. Their search will take them to seedy brothels and have them rubbing elbows with powerful and corrupt people. Their efforts are blocked in multiple ways, and danger lurks everywhere.

While I still like Daniel, and the supporting characters, there was just something amiss about this book. Perhaps it was because his usual sidekick, forensic scientist Miriam, is not with him for this mystery. Or perhaps it was because the subject matter was rather blah. The characters seemed to spin their wheels a lot in this book and go over the same questions over and over again. The constant inner dialogue and self doubt started to really annoy me half-way through the book. Daniel had made such strides in his skills and confidence since the first book, and this time he seemed to slip back into his old ways a bit. While it may be more realistic, I didn’t enjoy it.

Even with those minor criticisms, I still liked the book and still enjoy reading this author. I will definitely check out the next book in the series when it is released, and I encourage you to read this book in the meantime.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Ballantine Books. All opinions are my own.