Another body discovery--that of a homeless woman with her face and hands removed by her killer-adds to Jane's workload. The subsequent investigation uncovers tentative ties between this murder and the one at the convent. Leprosy rears its ugly head, and secrets are uncovered that someone will go to any lengths to cover up...even murder. Isles' ex-husband, Victor, enters the picture with his own suspicious connection to the case. To complicate the picture, Jane discovers that she is pregnant from her tryst with the elusive FBI agent, Gabriel Dean. The struggles of both Isles and Rizzoli to balance their tough professional acts with romantic drama are satisfying and add to the enjoyment of the novel.

This story has a complicated, multi-layered plot, with compelling characters that fans have come to love. The action is fast and exciting...just the thing for a winter weekend read. I have become addicted to Tess Gerritsen's suspense stories. She definitely has her own style, and her characters' karma comes through with clarity.