Gripping

The Shadow Carver by Nadine Matheson is a gripping contemporary psychological murder suspense that I just couldn’t put down. It is the fourth book in the Inspector Anjelica Henley series and can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, recommend reading the books in numerical order for character and storyline progression. Though each book deals with a new crime, there is one storyline that is running throughout the books. As this book ended, we are perfectly poised to pick up the thread in book five – and I cannot wait!

Once more we join inspector Anjelica Henley and her team as they chase a very gruesome serial killer or killers. It appears to be vigilante justice but who is the mastermind? Is there a mastermind?

The law enforcement team are relentless in their pursuit. We also witness personal relationships and office politics. There are personality clashes and jealousy over friendships. We see the back stories and families of some.

Family is important. Not just personal family but the police family too. They have each other’s backs. When one of their own is hurt, everyone picks up a piece of guilt.

Nadine Matheson has created another complex plotline which is extremely well executed. It is definitely not a book for the faint-hearted.

I think the whole Inspector Anjelica Henley series would make a fantastic television series – but I am not sure if I would be brave enough to watch it! Or if I would be peeping from behind a cushion!

I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

A word of caution: there are scenes in this book that those of a sensitive nature will not like.

JULIA WILSON