Meanwhile, after a recent revelation about her sister, DC Melanie Yates' quest to avenge her death is becoming an obsession - much to the concern of those around her. This time the reader was well aware of who the murderer was which put a different slant on the story. Nothing wrong with all that – it’s in keeping with her character and the way in which her sister’s murder has not only torn her family apart, and haunted her for years but also set her on her current career path. There’s a body found near Bamburgh Castle and at first it looks like an accidental death but then Ryan realises there’s more to it. What bothered me about this book (and I really loathe being critical because its so readable) is the fact it’s the third book in this fine series to use almost identical plot and character development to drive the story.

Anna, DCI Ryan’s wife, has all of DCI Ryan’s CID team at a masquerade party taking place in the King’s Hall at Bamburgh Castle which is being held to support the archeological dig at the castle when Chief Constable Morrison introduces the team’s new DCS - Andrew Forbes. the murderer was never caught and Mel has never given up trying to find who murderer her sister: she feels guilty for having taken her out on the night of her death. Mel has become obsessive since some DNA recently surfaced that matched the DNA found on her murdered twin’s body in 2007.She studied undergraduate and postgraduate Law at King’s College, University of London and then abroad in Paris and Florence.

DCI Ryan’s North East Ever thought of retracing the footsteps of DCI Ryan and DS Phillips in the North East of England? every so often it makes sense, but it feels like every book has been based off of this plot for some time now. Optional extra – have your items hand wrapped in brown paper packaging tied up with string and with their very own North East tourist tip. The ending is dramatic and there is always the thought that she may not be able to avenge her sister but could end up dead herself.But as Melanie delves deeper into the secrets of the past to uncover the truth, she soon realises it lies much closer to home.