‘Stone Cold Heart’ sees the return of the inimitable DC Cat Kinsella. This is Caz Frear’s second novel and Cat was the main character in the first, although it is a stand alone for those who haven't read the previous book. Personally I enjoyed this one more than the first (only slightly) although they are both excellent.

A routine coffee collection from her local cafe, one morning, Cat is approached by Joseph Madden, who she believes is the owner, asking advice about a problem hinting that his wife is bullying or threatening him. As a detective on the murder squad (MIT) she diverts him to his local police station, thinking no more about it.

However, a young woman, Naomi Lockhart, is found dead after going to a party attended by Joseph and his wife Rachel. Now it becomes complicated as MIT investigate. Joseph has had a multitude of affairs and the inference is that this was yet another one.

DC Cat Kinsella’s character has a special appeal to me as she is not even close to being perfect with a shady background and the ending left me wanting to read the next novel. I am a sucker for a classy ending and this had it in abundance because it opened up as multitude of options for the future.

What I really found exceptional about this book was the style of writing and the way the author kept me hooked. Talented prose with clever characters combined with a complex family interaction. Brilliant.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Zaffre and Caz Frear for my ARC of ‘Stone Cold Heart’ in return for my honest review.

A must read for any fan of crime/psychological thrillers. Highly recommended.