Excuse me while I collect my jaw off the floor again. All that sizzling chemistry plus a compelling mystery is why I keep coming back for more. Jane Casey, you've really delivered, especially after giving us that cliffhanger epilogue in the last book.

DS Maeve Kerrigan and the team investigate the locked hotel room death of Ilaria Cavendish. Meanwhile DI Josh Derwent is in trouble and Maeve, going against his orders, is determined to help as Josh's personal life is scrutinised.

I devoured this book with its well-paced action and plotting. Jane Casey delivers a masterclass in building tension as action switches between the mystery and Josh's ordeal. I felt like I was reading a movie. The twists and turns of the hotel mystery had me constantly guessing.

This book also takes the 'will they, won't they?' between Maeve and Josh, and raises it to 'can they?'. It's messy and angsty, but its very much in keeping with them. For Maeve, she must decide what makes her happy. For Josh, its feeling like he deserves happiness and giving himself permission to prioritise it over others. A big highlight was seeing Luke and his close relationship.

If you're new to this series, I think you'll enjoy it better if you at least read The Reckoning (#2), The Stranger You Will Know (#4) and The Cutting Place (#9).

A thoroughly gripping and compelling installment of a very addictive crime series. Bring on book 13!

Massive thanks to Harper Collins UK/Hemlock Press and NetGalley for the ARC.