Review: Murder mysteries do not have to be set in America to be slick.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 5, 2012
I have read a number of fictional books where the author has technical experience of the area at the centre of the story and often, whilst their specialty has been well described, the rest of the tale is neglected, or perhaps does not shine so brightly.  In light of this I approached Andrew Barrett's book with some trepidation.  I need not have worried.From the start, the book was beautifully paced, carrying the reader through the technical details of the science of forensic investigation.  I was impressed how a junior member of the team was used as a focus of explanation that allowed the author to outline the key procedures that underlined the plot.But don't for one minute think that this is a porting of a dry text book.  The characters are well drawn, which enabled me to empathise with them well.  Add to that a view of the seedier side and the nightlife of Wakefield and you have an intoxicating mix that floods over the reader.  The plot itself is well developed too and although I guessed the identity of the murderer about 2/3rd of the way through, it didn't detract from the enjoyment of the journey.  I did, however, get completely surprised by the final plot twist.