Nothing wrong with all that – it’s in keeping with her character and the way in which her sister’s murder has not only torn her family apart, and haunted her for years but also set her on her current career path. What bothered me about this book (and I really loathe being critical because its so readable) is the fact it’s the third book in this fine series to use almost identical plot and character development to drive the story. From the moment LJ Ross’s marvellous series about aristocratic copper DCI Ryan and his close-knit team appeared, I’ve been a huge fan. One of the previous books tried to clear the force, but still we found some rotten ones in the previous book.

Despite being a long ways into a long running series, the novel was easily accessible and had a solid impact. The plots are solid, the countryside and other settings beautifully drawn and the characters – well, they’re what really make this series sing. Bamburgh was super special - I spent a lot of my childhood up there so I could picture absolutely everything perfectly. I kept thinking that the odds were astronomical that this one police station in all of England had three corrupt psychopaths as the DCS.This time the reader was well aware of who the murderer was which put a different slant on the story. The two Murder plots are interesting- but I believe that the love and connection between the main characters makes this book so enjoyable. Despite the plots becoming predictable and the characters unbelievable at times, I will keep on reading them because I feel I have already invested in the characters and quite enjoy an easy read every now and then. There is a DNA match found for the murderer linking him to a very recent abduction and failed murder attempt so Mel is desperate to be involved and find her sisters killer. But I confess to feeling disappointed that, yet again, this particular plot device and type of character was used.

When the book opens we already know from the last one that the killer of Melanie’s sister, Gemma, years ago, has left his DNA on a victim from the previous book – a Thai woman who survived brutal injuries and captivity. Whenever I read a story featuring this cast, it feels like a warm hug and visiting with old friends. Royal Mail 24™ – the aim is to deliver your parcels the next working day upon handover in the United Kingdom. Optional extra – have your items hand wrapped in brown paper packaging tied up with string and with their very own North East tourist tip. When a cantankerous old woman dies at her home in the sleepy, picturesque village of Bamburgh, DCI Ryan doesn’t think much of it—except, that is, for the small matter of it having been his wife who happened to find her body.Meanwhile, after a recent revelation about her sister, DC Melanie Yates quest to avenge her death is becoming an obsession much to the concern of those around her. With a new DCS to contend with and hundreds of cold case files to sift through, the chances of uncovering a dormant killer seem unlikely. There’s a body found near Bamburgh Castle and at first it looks like an accidental death but then Ryan realises there’s more to it.