This was a pretty good mystery that I mostly enjoyed. One thing I really liked was the way the tale would jump to the point of view of the murder victims just before they were murdered. The reader doesn't know these victims' identities until after the bodies are found. We just follow their final moments as the killer approaches. This made for some creepy scenes that added to the suspense. I did guess the killer's identity even though there are a few red herrings. I felt there were times the protagonist was somewhat repetitious and didn't quite come off as the experienced detective that he was supposed to be. However I do think this series has some potential so I will likely give the 2nd book a try.

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This is not a fast paced whodunit

The story starts with the Walkers moving to Cumbrian after a convict is released from prison under the guise he is innocent and had vowed to 'get even' with Walker for his part in his imprisonment (and is mentioned another time and that's it for this person and not a major player in this story)

So the story goes that now there is a serial killer in the town and many secrets will come out about the townspeople -- but it just drags on and on about the same things over and over

I think everyone in this town is alcoholic as they drink at the drop of a hat even the detectives wife (who also has a secret)

I did like the book although I would consider it a mild read as it doesn't have a 'thrill' to it just a mystery
It did keep me reading but I had to speed read most of the pages after page 200 as it drags out the investigation by going back to each person over and over, as the secrets come out it isn't anything shocking

It reminds me of noir movie of the 40's or 50's era where the talk is stilted and corny and you can picture them in costume of that era along with a top hat, ha

This is book 1 and if I get a chance I'll read book 2 just to see where it goes

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