A new instalment for D.I Barton makes this the fourth book that I have loved! A Ross Greenwood book is always such a treat. Let’s have a peek at the synopsis before I tell you what I thought.
It’s hard to live when you think you deserve to die…
When a tired old inmate is found dead in his cell, the prison is obligated to investigate and so DI Barton attends. The men he interviews have been convicted of some of the worst things a human being can do, but it appears likely that the death was due to natural causes.
When the house of the dead man is burgled and that crime is followed by a suspicious fire, Barton desperately needs to speak to his widow, but she’s nowhere to be found.
In the space of twenty-four hours, everyone he wants to talk to has vanished. Then he receives some post which makes him believe he could be the next to disappear.
Barton’s investigation goes full circle, through a series of brutal murders, back to the prison, and all signs are pointing to the fact that he’s made a terrible mistake.
There’s a violent killer on the loose, who wants everyone to learn that some people deserve to die.
Another fast-paced, gritty crime thriller that is very easily read as a standalone, but I would advise anyone to read in order, just to understand the characters better and get the fuller picture.
The story is told from two angles, one from the police and the other is from the perspective of an unknown narrator. I felt this increased the intrigue, as I was attempting to work everything out, including the identity of the narrator. This author is excellent at building the tension as the book develops. I must say I was kept guessing all the way.
As always Ross Greenwood has written an addictive story that brings characters that aren’t all nice. Some of them are terrible and the crimes, well just pick up the book you will soon see. I love that this book brings not just the police angle but also a prison angle. The experience of the author’s time working within the prison system gives us an authentic story.
We also see a bit more of Barton’s personal life in this book and his colleagues too. This is great for me as it gives the book an even more rounded perspective.
I loved the fact I couldn’t quite work out what was what in The Cold Killer, that is what gives Ross Greenwood the edge over other crime I have read.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Ross Greenwood for the copy of the book.
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