This is book number three of the Norfolk Coast Investigation Story’s series which I suggest to read in chronological order as some of the plots develop throughout the series. There is a cliffhanger in this one so be warned. The books follow Detective Sergeant Kate Brannon and her girlfriend Gina Temple as Kate solves different crimes and Gina manages to get into trouble along the way. This is a very, very slow-burn romance that advances through the series but each book deals and closes a specific crime.

In the previous books Ms. Bramhall dealt with difficult issues such as drug trafficking and eutanasia. In this book she touches the problem of terrorism and goes beyond its obvious result of life loss and destruction. The author presents some paradoxical consequences of counter terrorism investigations that make the reader wonder about what is ethically acceptable in the fight against terrorism. Can anything be tolerated in the name of justice? Is there any justification for life loss even in the name of a greater good?

I would have given this book a 5+ star rating except for the twist at the end that is hard to believe. Hence, I dropped half a star. However, don’t let this deter you from reading it and the whole series as all the books are seriously good.

A thought provoking mystery with a bit of romance at the side. 4.5 stars.

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.