From the moment I picked up this book and read the first chapter I was hooked and struggled to put it down. This is the first book I have read in the DCI Matilda Darke series and, even though it is the fourth in the series, I don't feel like I had to have read the previous three to understand the characters, their relationships and their backstories. It was written so well and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, with the final few chapters full of excitement and unexpected turns. Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel and will be making a conscious effort to purchase and read others in this series and by this author.