SHOCKING CRIMES by Michael Hambling

 4* Frankly, I'm shocked that Sophie has mellowed, become a bit more PC and polite towards her subordinates. Book 1 made me turn away in shock, disbelief and disgust.

Maybe Sophie's had a dressing down or two between book 1 and this one. I wouldn't know as I've not read the others, but tbh, once I started reading and recognised her name, I dug out my previous review and my heart dropped. But, I was pleasantly surprised that there was a tale worth reading, although, goodness, at times I couldn't keep track of what the detectives seemed to deduce from very little. And, is it a prerequisite now that there has to be a token lesbian cop in UK cop tales? Nothing wrong with it, and tbh, it's pretty accurate, but why hint/drop something if you don't grab the bit and in with it? And what's with the sisters-not-really-supporting-sisters thing between Sophie and Lydia? 

The tale is convoluted. With respect, some of the things needed weeding out for clarity. I'm not sure all the jumps were believable but overall, the tale was interesting enough for me to read it in a couple of hours. 

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure. 

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