Schaffhausen, Joanna

This fifth “Ellery Hathaway” mystery continues the story of the complex main characters well known to series fans. Newcomers might feel the lack of background from previous series installments.

What starts as a basic police procedural becomes much more as the plot twists and turns, leaving readers uncertain about whom to root for right up to the end. Will appeal to fans of Meg Gardiner, Bryan Gruley, and Brian Freeman.

There is no neat ending here, which leaves room for more books in the series. A great read, recommended for true crime fans and mystery lovers alike.

Winner of the Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition, this debut thriller occasionally strains credulity, notably in Hathaway's keeping her past hidden, and seasoned mystery readers are likely to spot the perpetrator before she and Markham do. Still, it's a nice diversion for readers with a taste for serial killers. [See Prepub Alert, 6/12/17.]