The Kill Call

The uneasy relationship between DS Diane Fry and DC Ben Cooper is prevalent throughout this murder mystery, part of the author's continuing series featuring the two protagonists. At first, the body of a well-dressed man found on a moor with his head bashed in seems to be a straightforward police investigation, However, the inquiry broadens into a lot more, involving illegal horse slaughter, the conflict from supporters of the hunt and saboteurs opposing that "sport," and a look not only into the 16th century Black Plague which nearly wiped out the local population, including many of Cooper's forbears, but also events that took place during the 1960's. And those that lead to the recent past as well as the present. The depth of the look into the personalities of the two protagonists - which of course play a major role in how they go about their investigations - is insightful and penetrating, and they are always given intriguing mysteries to solve their insecurities. These are always well-plotted and read well, and the book is recommended.