Birdman

A body has been found near the Millenneum Dome.  DI Jack Caffery of the Area Major Investigation Pool with his superior, Detective Superintendent Dave Maddox,  have been dragged out of bed to investigate.  DS Fiona Quinn tells them that an amateur autopsy has been performed on the body.  Hours later Maddox calls Caffery and tells him that four more bodies have been found.

A new DI on the team plays the racist angle on the serial killer, but Caffery doesn't buy it.  The autopsy reveals that the culprit is a necrophileiac.  Later a witness remembers an incident which could be crucial, she tells Caffery.  Someone arrested by the new DI also points out that he had taken a couple of the victims to the same place.

When the prime suspect takes his own life, everyone thinks that the killing spree has come to an end.  However, another victim appears, and is clinging to life.  Caffery comes to the realisation that there were two involved in the murders and mutilations.  Now he just has to figure out how to catch the remaining criminal.  As he investigates further, he determines who the culprit wants the victims to look like, and realises that she might be in trouble.  However, she is now missing.

Author Mo Hayder is excellent at creating rising tension as she draws her murder mysteries to a conclusion.  I have been a fan of hers ever since I picked up the first book I read of hers.  "Birdman" leaves the reader wanting more of this fine author.