The fact that the entire story essentially spans three months with the action taking place in about three days is a crucial element. The perpetrator, who is a potent mix of evil and intelligence, is simply running out of time to accomplish what he set out to do but the amount of devastation that follows in his wake is just amazing. Definitely gives a new meaning to diabolical. A letter of apology for doing nothing and standing by basically letting a horribly violent event happen and then for twenty one years staying mute basically unleashes the fury of a man whose entire family was eternally changed in a matter of moments.

There is no better motive than revenge and this man is out to exact his after twenty one years. Somehow Dr. Lucy Trask, Medical Examiner, is an integral part of this grizzly series of murders but detectives J.D. Fitzpatrick and Suzie Mazzetti can't figure out the connection and unfortunately neither can Lucy. In her job as ME, Lucy has seen some horrific which has decidedly left her more guarded in her own life, but nothing could really prepare her for these. They have been mutilated and scarred. They are definitely sending a message but why is the killer purposely leaving them in Lucy's path? Is she to be a vehicle for passing along the message to the rightful party or is the message for her?

Lucy's life has been less than perfect but she can't think of anyone who could be out to scare her. J.D. and Suzie know their job is to ferret out this killer as fast as they can as the bodies pile up but the pieces seem so fragmented that the solution is just beyond their reach. However they quickly realize that Lucy is in eminent danger and although she is at first reluctant to heed their warnings the killings are getting closer. Somehow her past is catching up with her. Having left her home and parents years ago, Lucy feels she is an accomplished and independent woman and as such is reluctant to revisit anything or anyone even remotely connected with the town filled with sad and frightening memories. But as her relationship with J.D. grows, she begins to realize that even with his unerring protection there is great danger lurking and it is putting everyone she holds near and dear in jeopardy. They are all in a race against the clock.

You will not find any spoilers in this review. This story is a fast paced murder mystery that will keep you turning pages. If you are not already a fan of Karen Rose than you will be after reading this book. Important to know and remember -- Karen Rose does not waste words. From the first page she leaves clues for the reader as though the reader is one of the investigators and challenges them to solve the crime before the cops do.

Book Summary

The next addictive thriller from the uncomparable bestseller Karen Rose

When forensic pathologist Lucy Trask stumbles across a mutilated body by the chess tables in her local Baltimore park, its face so badly damaged it is unrecognisable, her sole concern is that it might be her old school teacher Mr Pugh. When the corpse is identified, Lucy is shocked to discover that the victim is actually another man from her past. Who killed him and why his skin is burnt with the number '1' is unclear but it's evident that someone is demanding Lucy's attention. The discovery of a second branded body raises worrying questions: how many more lives may be at risk before the killer's final message is revealed? And can Lucy solve the killer's gruesome puzzle before their thirst for revenge is complete?