Murder In The Mountains.

 

In this latest novel from the bestselling author of The Caller and Darkhouse the discovery of the body of a murdered FBI agent near to a <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Colorado ski resort is the starting point for an investigation that brings the suffering caused by old crimes bubbling back to the surface with deadly consequences.

From the start it is clear Alex Barclay has another hit on her hands, she delivers a tense thriller that refuses to flinch from the willingness of ordinary people to cover up even the most evil acts in the name of protecting their loved ones. Blood Runs Cold is also almost certain to be a hit because Barclay introduces in the shape of Ren Bryce a central character with just the right mix of vulnerability and kick ass attitude to give her the believability necessary to sustain a long running series, it will do the novel no harm either that in the event of it being optioned by Hollywood tinsel town’s finest will be falling over themselves to play Bryce.

The strength of its leading character aside Blood Runs Cold succeeds where so many thrillers fail because Barclay gats all the mundane, but vital, things right, meaning she keeps the suspense going from first page to last and creates a convincing friction between the Sheriff’s Officers and the FBI agents on the case expressed through the cut and thrust of squad room banter.

This is an intelligent and accomplished thriller from a writer at the height of her powers.

Blood Runs Cold

Alex Barclay

Harper

373pp £6.99

ISBN 978-0-00-726844-3