Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book, but not what i wanted
Review: I did not enjoy this book half as much as i have enjoyed her previous books. However, that does not mean it is a bad book. It is actually a very good book, one that i expect will appeal to many people. But it is not what i was expecting, nor what i was looking forward to, and hence i am disappointed. The basic plot goes thus: Carol Jordan is sent to Berlin on an undercover covert operation to trap an evil traffiker in both drugs and humans. Her bosses think she will be able to handle it. During the job she will be almost completely cut off from everybody, and will feel very alone. Her peril's are increased when the actions of her superiours put her in mortal danger. Alongside that, psychologists are being murdered on the contient. Murdered horribly, with no apparent motive. It is when an ex colleage of profiler Tony Hill's is found slain that he takes it upon himself to investigate the killings. The emotionally tangled pair must both tackle their own monsters with little help from anyone else and both of them, Carol in particular, will face great personal danger. It is a very well written book, that is undeniable. However, i cannot say that it is as atmospheric as "A Place of Execution" or as scary and original as "Killing the Shadows", but it is thrilling in a hard-edged way. But... ...McDermid concentrates far too much on Carol Jordan's side of the book, and not nearly enough on the serial killer aspect of the plot, which is what she is known for, and what she does best. As such, the serial killer nit about the psychologists getting killed seems underdeveloped and at times just incidental. Instead of the tense serial killer novel we expect, we are given a novel mainly about the criminal underworld and undercover policing. Many people will greatly enjoy this aspect of the book. And if so, i cannot reccomend it highly enough to you. But, if you are expecting a nice meaty serial killer novel, reasses your beliefs quickly, because it is not what you're going to get. Actually a very good novel, just not what i was expecting. I would have preferred more emphasis on Tony Hill's aspect of the book, but we don't always get what we want, and this book certainly displays Carol Jordan's full abilites.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I don't know what the one reviewer of this book is talking about. This book is terrific and I loved it! Could it be this writer is selling more books than her? It''s a thought. And in my opinion what other reason would another writer slam another one? Too much of that nonsense goes on on this site. I think it is an unfair for anyone to do to another writer! Shame on you guys!
Rating: 
Summary: Convoluted
Review: I listened to this audio book becuase it was lying around. It wasn't inspiring or enlightening. Too many characters and plot twists leave the reader wondering who is who and what is going on. It would have been more interesting if it was real. As one who hasn't read any other books by the author, my viewpoint stands in a vacuum. The ending seems trite and fumbles for closure.
Rating: 
Summary: Vastly disappointing.
Review: If you have any affection for Tony Hill and Carol Jordan as created by Val McDermid, don't read this book. I read "The Mermaids Singing" and was enthralled, but this one was a big disappointment. The plot involving the serial killer is shallow and seems tacked on. The real plot involves Carol, her relationship with Tony, and a sting operation that is completely unbelievable. The ending is a depressing let-down. Overall, the book is a big mess. Avoid it.
Rating:
Summary: Solid Entry in the Hill-Jordan Series
Review: McDermid carefully reminds us of the atrocities committed during the Nazi era in Germany in this, the latest release for the Hill-Jordan series in the U.S. As opposed to many writers in the serial-killer/police procedural genre, Val McDermid consistently paints vivid, if disturbing, psychological portraits of the diseased mind responsible for the crimes committed in her novels. Her psychological material is carefully researched and propels the plot along at a brisk pace. Her writing continues to soar above most of her peers, and the relationship between the two protagonists keeps the reader coming back for book after book. Well done!
Rating:
Summary: Solid Entry in the Hill-Jordan Series
Review: McDermid carefully reminds us of the atrocities committed during the Nazi era in Germany in this, the latest release for the Hill-Jordan series in the U.S. As opposed to many writers in the serial-killer/police procedural genre, Val McDermid consistently paints vivid, if disturbing, psychological portraits of the diseased mind responsible for the crimes committed in her novels. Her psychological material is carefully researched and propels the plot along at a brisk pace. Her writing continues to soar above most of her peers, and the relationship between the two protagonists keeps the reader coming back for book after book. Well done!
Rating:
Summary: one of our best writers working today
Review: McDermid is the author of several series including one with serial killer profiler, Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan first introduced in the superb THE MERMAIDS SINGING. This current book is the third one in the series. Two storyline threads interweave themselves into this compelling plot. Carol is offered the bone of a possible promotion if she would agree to an undercover assignment. The assignment concerns getting to know and possibly date a criminal in Germany who imports illegal immigrants from Asia, as well as, drugs. She is to gain his confidence and set him up for arrest. Of course, if her cover is blown, her life will be in imminent danger. At the same time, a serial killer is murdering psychology professors in Germany. The killings are done in a particularly gruesome manner. Tony Hill is on the trail. Val McDermid is a superb storyteller. She succeeds in creating full rich characters that illicit a great deal of empathy with the reader. The parallel plots work quite well together and greatly heighten suspense to the degree that the book simply cannot be put down. This is another strong recommendation for one of our best writers working today.
Rating:
Summary: A literary masterpiece!
Review: Of all the Tony Hill/Carol Jordon books, this one is my personal favorite. The flirtation between Tony and Carol is at its peak (well, as far as the three books that have been released in the U.S. ....), and one of the two crimes being solved is one that really makes you think...at least it made me think! :)
There were several moments where McDermid's usual dry sense of humur made an appearance; having this exact sort of thing laughable myself I find her style irrisistable.
There is a pretty major surprise at the end of this book, and it is best to have red the two prior books in the series before starting on this one.
Also, a brief warning to future readers: I foud the beginning of The Last Temptation to be confusing and rather boring, so much so that I almost put it down, I'm embarrassed to admit, but I'm very glad I didn't...and you'll be glad you didn't, too!
Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: Smashing success. Carol Jordan entices Tony Hill to join with Dutch and German Detectives to try and capture a serial killer that drowns his victims then scalps their pubic hair for his collection. Not one to avoid the grisly, McDermid provides plenty in this fast paced thriller-mystery that follows two stories, Jordan's attempt to con a notorious drug and human smuggling crime boss in Germany and the serial killer who moves between Holland And Germany with ease to dispatch his victims. Jordan and Hill seem to have overcome their personal problems that kept them apart in previous mysteries but a vicious twist at the end portends a troubled future for them. Excellent plotting and character development. A joy to read.
Rating:
Summary: Smashing success
Review: Smashing success. Carol Jordan entices Tony Hill to join with Dutch and German Detectives to try and capture a serial killer that drowns his victims then scalps their pubic hair for his collection. Not one to avoid the grisly, McDermid provides plenty in this fast paced thriller-mystery that follows two stories, Jordan's attempt to con a notorious drug and human smuggling crime boss in Germany and the serial killer who moves between Holland And Germany with ease to dispatch his victims. Jordan and Hill seem to have overcome their personal problems that kept them apart in previous mysteries but a vicious twist at the end portends a troubled future for them. Excellent plotting and character development. A joy to read.
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