Deep Freeze

Ackroyd and Thackeray #8

by Patricia Hall

Yorkshire newspaper reporter Laura Ackroyd and DCI Michael Thackeray are finally trying their hand at living together after years of carrying on a tumultuous affair. Though they care deeply for one another, each seems to constantly have one foot out the door, reluctant to allow their personal relationship to interfere with intense professional ambitions that often conflict.

Neither is surprised when their new domesticity proves complicated as they end up investigating the same controversial case---the fatal shooting of a young teenager outside a women’s health center and abortion clinic in town. Tensions in Yorkshire are running high anyway, because the tragedy coincides with the visit of a notorious American right-to-lifer, and the vicious murder adds fuel to an already out of control fire.

Ackroyd and Thackeray must use their vastly different investigation styles to find the truth about what happened to the young victim, and before they are finished they just might be forced to work more closely together than they ever have before.

Patricia Hall’s Yorkshire mysteries are highly praised both for her intricate and authentic procedural style and for the engaging and complicated relationship between Ackroyd and Thackeray. In Deep Freeze, Hall once again delivers a tense, emotionally involving, superbly plotted, and suspenseful mystery.

Genres: Mystery

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2002

About the author

Patricia Hall is the pen-name of journalist Maureen O'Connor. She was born and brought up in West Yorkshire, which is where she has chosen to set her acclaimed series of novels featuring reporter Laura Ackroyd and DCI Michael Thackeray. She is married, with two grown-up sons, and now lives in Oxford.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time edition I have. Mine is Allison & Busby 2001.

[Gary Van Cott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was the poorest book in this series so far. The plot was not plausible and there were loose ends at the conclusion. Kevin Mower was falling apart and Ackroyd and Thackeray were a loggerheads for most of the story.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as some of the others by this author.

[Linda Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

English murder mystery. Insp Thackery and Jaournalist Ackroyd team together to solve the double murder at an abortion/fertility clinic. Good.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely not the best mystery I've ever read. Interesting concept, but somewhat confusingly written. The end reads like she ran out of energy. I do like the reporter and detective.