"The latest Detective Superintendent Thomas Lynley case"

Detective Superintendent Thomas Lynley has retreated to Cornwall to try to forget the senseless death of his wife. After six weeks of solitary hiking along the rugged coastline, Lynley's grief has dissipated just a tad but the pain still bites deep.

Although he isn't looking for something to take his dire thoughts in a new direction, the DS stumbles upon the body of a young man at the bottom of a cliff. Did he fall, jump, or was the man purposely pushed off the edge?

The understaffed local constabulary could use a little help figuring out what caused the victim's fall and an investigative diversion like this might be exactly what Lynley needs to snap him out of his present funk. It becomes even more imperative that he get involved when the local authorities consider him a suspect in what appears to be a murder.

Although he has resigned his former Scotland Yard position, his name still carries some clout. As Lynley seeks to clear his name and steer the locals in the right direction, he realizes he is dealing with a devious and deadly adversary who isn't in the least impressed with his "London" credentials.

If you enjoy lengthy reads, this 725 page novel should keep you occupied for at least a couple of weeks. Elizabeth George is an expert when it comes to spinning a mesmerizing mystery and this is certainly one of her better efforts.

Reviewed by Bob Walch
Posted May 26, 2009