I wasn’t sure what to expect from a new author and series. I liked the descriptions of Edinburgh as I have been there. The characters were very interesting and well developed such as detective Ian Hamilton, his aunt Lillian, detective inspector, Crawford, Sergeant Dickerson and young Derek, as well as Ian‘s brother Donald. The plot had plenty of twists and turns and with the two sets of brothers, the identity of the serial killer/strangler wasn’t obvious at first. He really was a psychopath and yet his brother, raised by the same terrible father, took a different path. There were parallels between Ian and his brother and their upbringing as well. Ian Hamilton is a great protagonist, and really works hard to find the killer, though it took a long time to find him and the body count was high.

The only part I didn’t like was the strangler getting off on the thought of killing another victim. Too much detail for me. ( )

I literally read this novel in one day because I could not put it down.

I loved it and can not wait for the next book in the series! Hopefully the wait wont be too long!

Detective Inspector Ian Hamilton aided by Detective Sergeant Dickerson along with a few other interesting characters are on the hunt for the "Holyrood Strangler" a serial killer that is stalking the streets of 19th century Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is made up of New Town, a wealthy enclave of easy-living residents and Old Town where the poor, downtrodden and criminal element live and this story encompasses both in such a well written way that you can almost reach out and touch it.

The story is told from various points of view, from the killer, victims, and from the Inspector which adds to the immersive layers throughout and also encompasses some back story as well as the hunt for the serial killer.

The characters are portrayed in such a way that makes them believable and human.

If you are interested in historical mysteries and the development of police ideas and procedures, this is your new favourite book of 2017!!

An amazing start to a series and I will definitely read more as the series continues.

Congratulations Carole Lawrence on a perfect debut novel. ( )

Keeps you guessing

Great characters and plotline. Highly recommended for anyone who likes a murder mystery with a heart. Will definitely read more in this series. ( )

A good story ( )

1881, Edinburgh and Stephen Wycherly walks up Athur's Seat to meet his blackmailer, not knowing he will never return.
On examining the the body Detective Inspector Hamilton determines he has been murdered, and so the hunt is on for the Holyrood Strangler, aided by Detective Sergeant Dickerson.
A well-written mystery with good developed characters. An excellent start to a new series which I look forward to reading.
A NetGalley Book ( )