NEVER LOOK BACK

Detectives scramble to find the connections in a series of killings.

DI Mike Lockyer runs a homicide unit in gritty South London with the help of capable DS Jane Bennett. What looks like the third in a string of remarkably similar homicides leaves Lockyer severely shaken because the latest victim resembles his daughter, Megan, who lives with his ex-wife. All three young women were raped; all had their wrists cut and their throats slashed; and all were killed in public places. At the same time, photographer Sarah Grainger is so terrified by a string of phone calls and the sensation of being constantly watched that she's afraid to leave her house. She gets no help from the police until Lockyer and Bennett get a look at her meticulous diary of every phone call and possible sighting of her stalker. From things he has said, they think he may know the identity of the murderer. Lockyer’s stress mounts further when the next victim also turns out to resemble his daughter, who’s moved in with him while her mother settles into a new relationship. Lockyer finally crosses the line when his protective feelings for Grainger jeopardize the investigation.

An excellent procedural debut with depth of characterization and plenty of suspense.