The Torment of Others by
Val McDermid
pbk out March 05
(HarperCollins)
at £6.99
The fourth in the Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan series; where quirky, criminal
profiler Hill assists police detective Jordan in tracking down serial killers. After a
devastating conclusion to the previous case (The Last Temptation) Carol Jordan is
unsure whether she can face returning to work. But her colleagues want her back,
they have several unsolved cases, including that of two missing children, and Carol's
old boss persuades her to say yes. The discovery of a murdered prostitute in the red-
light district of Bradfield prompts a new investigation. The scene matches exactly a
series of previous killings - which ended when impeccable forensic evidence led to
the conviction of Derek Tyler, who has remained mute since his incarceration. Are
the police dealing with a copycat killer? Hill thinks not but can he get Tyler to talk?
Meanwhile the police set up a dangerous undercover operation to try and trap the
murderer.
Bestselling Manchester author McDermid is an expert storyteller but pulls no punches
in dealing with the monstrous acts and mechanics of torture and murder. Stomach-
wrenching and detailed. Convincing and intelligent writing which is especially good
on the interaction of the diverse personalities. Hill and Jordan, and the rest of the
team continue to engage our interest and affection - if you've seen the successful TV
adaptations you'll note how closely the portrayals are to the characters in the novels,
and be hard pressed not to see the actors' faces as you read the book.
Manchester Evening News 19.6.04
(
Cath Staincliffe
author of the popular Sal Kilkenny mysteries and the series creator of TV Blue Murder)
The Torment of Others by
Val McDermid
