Perfect Death

DI Luc  Callanach has been called out in the early morning hours to where a body of a naked young woman has been found at Arthur’ Seat.  Not long after this, DCI Ava Turner is called out to a suicide, which is her mentor, DCI George Begbie.  He had recently suffered a heart attack.  Could that have brought about his suicide?  Pathologist Ailsa Lambert shows Turner a couple of mysterious initials on his wrist.  What’s the meaning behind them?

Not long after this an informer’s car is involved in a bloody accident, however there is no body at the scene.  When Turner checks on the informer’s business, she discovers that it has been ransacked.  The following Monday, Turner meets with Begbie’s widow and finds out that Begbie has a pile of cash stashed away in the attic?  Had he gained it by gambling or some other illegal means?

Callanach had planned on taking leave after some shocking news from his mother, however when Lambert informs him that his victim had ingested a very strong cannabis oil, and that her death could very well be murder he changes his mind about his leave.

Afterwards Callanach is called by Begbie’s informer.  A meeting is arranged, but when Callanach arrives he finds the informer dead in unique circumstances.  That same night Turner has a confrontation with a couple of rogues intent on getting something from Begbie’s house.  She barely comes out the winner.  Scratches on Begbie’s wrist convince Turner that he didn’t commit suicide.

Moments after Begbie’s funeral, Callanach is at the hospital because a doctor wants to discuss a suspicious death.  A well known philanthropist has died as a result of taking a powerful diet drug.  Having spoken to the family, the doctor is sure that the drug was administered without the victim being aware.

As the cases progress, Turner decides to switch responsibilities with Callanach in the hopes that new eyes will find solutions.  Author Helen Fields’ novel is brutal in the ferocity of the killings.  Death hovers over both Turner and Callanach, not just for themselves, but also for those that they care about.  This is an intense read, yet thoroughly enjoyable for those fans of murder mystery thrillers.