Lazy Bones
Tom Thorne series, No. 3
by Mark Billingham
Tom Thorne of the London Metropolitan Police is all out to investigate a homicide in a
seedy motel room. The man was strangled and violated. Thorne learns that the man was a
convicted rapist who had been recently released from prison after serving his time. A
second recently released rapist is discovered in the same condition, leading Thorne to
believe these are serial revenge killings. Some of the police believe the victims deserved
their fate, but Thorne is committed to justice for the victims. Although Thorne is having
problems with women and coping with his father's Alzheimer, he continues to search for
the killer. All evidence leads him to suspect that the killer has inside information as
to when rapists are being released from prison. His pursuit brings him uncomfortably
close to his fellow officers.
The story is superbly plotted. The structure alternates chapters between the anonymous
killer and Thorne and the police. The characters are compelling and Billingham explores
the lasting effects of childhood trauma. The portrayal of police work is excellent, detailing
the relationship of the problems of the police and how these problems affect their lives.
The plot is extremely effective, with sufficient red herrings to keep the reader guessing
until the startling climax. |
The Reviewer |
Barbara Buhler |
Reviewed 2005 |
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