Considering this is the first book in what is to become a series, it is an outstanding debut. Introducing two characters (Jordan/Hill) which come fully developed and leap from the pages as if they have been around forever, it does not just rely on the chemistry of these two personalities. The plot is excellent with a wickedly malicious adversary causing mayhem in the seemier side of Bradfield in the most imaginative ways I've read for some time. In the bloated genre of serial killer themed books, this rises far beyond most of its ilk and is a breath of fresh air and creativity in its field. I didn't think I would enjoy any other crime fiction as much as Rankin's, but i'm happy to say, McDermid has proved me wrong.