THE BOY IN THE WALL by Jeffrey B. Burton

 4* A good 3rd book in this series that didn't have me adrift, despite my not having read the 2nd.

As ever, the cop/dog-behaviourist duo solve a case that puts them both in danger. This was a tale particularly well done because of the twisted 'grandson' of a person who'd been wronged decades before. The twisted part was sadly believable, as was the indoctrination that led to the tragic events, as was the person doing the indoctrination. I couldn't really blame her, tbh, but she seemed willing to risk her family for her need for revenge, which made her cold-blooded and selfish. When the reveals come, it's clear that several family members and generations have suffered because of her naivety and immaturity. It wasn't all her fault but she had the chance to start life over again at 16, but chose to become emotionally unavailable to her nearest and dearest, leading to the storyline. 

Her revenge was hurtful and pointless. She hurt innocents and would've taken the life of a 5yo had Dog-Boy not been around to thwart that. Yes, I got her need for revenge, but why so many generations on? Why not revel in the 'grandsons' and 'daughter' that she did have?

The dovetailing was good. The cop seemed to be getting there pretty quickly but her instincts failed her until the absence of a cat gave her the eureka! moment she needed. It wasn't badly done but I was a bit surprised she didn't see through the act in front of her. The ochestrator's revenge ultimately backfired, whereas I suspect she could've found welcome, acceptance and love from the objects of her vengeance. 

The books ends satisfyingly enough, and with a potential bonus for Dog-Boy 🤞🏼

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Severn House, for my reading pleasure. 

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