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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 Book

Avon/Harper Collins
June 2005
Paperback
006056086X
Suspense
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Barbara Buhler
Reviewed 2005
NOTE:
© 2005 MyShelf.com