I had really looked forward to reading this book however it was somewhat less engaging than the calling. May be I was distracted when reading the book, but I found the characters a bit difficult to follow and remember who they were. The "mystery" of the book seemed to be a bit plodding at times although the last 100 pages did pick up in interest. What I did enjoy was the further development of DI Micallef and Detective Wingate. It did seem a bit of a stretch that with Micallef's back problems that she did some pretty physical things during the solving of the crime. All in all a bit disappointed with this one, based on the high expectation going in. That said, I'm ready to move on and read the Door in the River. Wolfe's effort in developing Hazel's character is commendable in this book. I gained a much deeper insight into her personality and work style as a DI. What I couldn't see realistic about Hazel is that with crippling back pain that has bed-ridden her for some time, she gets up and investigate about a mannequin found in a lake. Even worse, she is able to jump to cover and kick down doors, when around 15 days back she was still lying in bed, having Andrew and his new wife that care of her. Besides that, the ending made for an interesting twist that pretty much makes it worth a read and overlooking the unrealistic part of Hazel.
What do You think about De Dwaling (2010)?
Good, but not as good as The Taken, first in the series.
—Audrey
2nd book with Hazel Micallef as Acting Chief
—nikki
