Geraldine

In the novel Geraldine by John Mead, Inspector Matthew Merry and Sergeant Julie Lukula are tasked with investigating the death of Geraldine Driver, whose body has been found on the banks of the River Thames.

As Metropolitan Police detectives they are, of course, used to dealing with the results of crimes, such as violence and murder.

But what type of crime was was this murder? Was it a hate crime linked to a spate of other hate crimes?

However, Inspector Merry is not convinced. He believes that the crime against Geraldine Driver might well have been a hate filled crime, but he isn't convinced that it's linked to the other hate crimes.

But there's a shock at the autopsy, as it soon becomes apparent that things might not be what they at first appeared to be.

Who was Geraldine Driver? Who might have wanted Geraldine Driver dead? And the manner of his death was shocking and extremely brutal indeed and was obviously filled with a searing level of hatred that was diabolical in its intensity.

The case is complicated, with links to other incidents. Merry, Lukula and their colleagues are all dedicated professionals. But can they bring the perpetrators to justice?

This is a very well written police procedural murder mystery and if you give this as a Christmas present this year don't expect to see the recipient for a while as the action will grip them from the first page onward.

It's published by the Book Guild at £8.99.