After a promising young journalist’s suicide is called into question, DCI Lawrence Forrester and DS Rebecca Palmer must investigate who else might have had a hand in his death.
Among those close to him, there seems to be no shortage of possibilities, from the stepfather he clashed with over money to the women he mistreated, and the friend whose secret he was threatening to share. But there is also evidence to suggest he had uncovered a much bigger story than those he reported for his local paper.
And what of the quirky artist who was, by all accounts, the last person to see him alive?
Sadie Gordon Richmond works as a subeditor — possibly the only job where you can find yourself legitimately consulting a map of Middle-earth and watching videos of armadillos during the working day. She lives in London with her partner and their cats, but dreams of one day setting up home in north east Scotland. You can follow Sadie on Instagram @sadiegordonrichmond_author and Facebook.
Once again, I was immediately drawn in to another excellent story from Sadie Gordon Richmond. And whilst her books are always reliably absorbing, they can all be read standalone. It’s not just that the author can write such captivating plots but the rhythm of the writing is so very well paced that I am always made to feel part of the journey with her two detectives as they undertake a new murder investigation. And it is also the relationship between the lead detectives, DCI Lawrence Forrester and DS Rebecca Palmer, that nails the London series as one I so highly recommend. And so to book 4 in the series. When an ambitious journalist is found murdered, the investigation uncovers a victim who, whilst generally well liked, was also ruthless in his pursuit of a story and those he did not agree with, that left many not as enamoured with him. And given the numbers of those none fans, the story sure does throw a wealth of twists and turns, less than reliable statements from those interviewed and all resulting in the hunt for the murderer becoming an ever-elusive chase. I am just relieved that in finishing Shadow Lines, my enjoyment of this excellent crime series can continue to be rewarded – there are plenty more to absorb me.
This fourth book in the Rebecca Palmer series had me gripped and guessing until the very end. All three of the previous books were outstanding but this fourth takes the series to a new level. While I especially enjoyed getting to know more about Leighton, it's the plot that really shines in this book. Richmond is known for not giving away too much too quickly but this one takes the reader all the way to the very end concluding with a real twist. Cannot wait for the fifth book!
The head detective leadership is pretty bad. I'm glad I have not had to work with someone of his personality. Other characters seem more real except for Rebecca's issue with her old boyfriend. Both of these tend to detract from the storyline that was a bit weak in who the villain is.