I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of Dead Time, the fourth novel to feature DCI Michael Lambert of the Met.
Lambert is settling back into an uneasy home life with his wife Sophie and adopted daughter Jane when he gets a call to go to a flat in Hampstead where a man has been electrocuted in his bath. It all points to suicide except for the index card with two words printed on it, DCI Lambert. Despite the brass's misgivings Lambert's boss, Glenn Tillman assigns him the case, arguing that the killer wants him involved. Separately, DCI Sarah May, Lambert's ex girlfriend, is investigating the daring escape from custody of Peter Saunders, a member of The Manor paedophile ring whom Lambert imprisoned a year earlier.
I thoroughly enjoyed Dead Time which is an action packed, high octane thriller which carries on with the same theme as the previous novel, Dead Embers, so while the Dead Time works as a stand alone the reader will get more from it having read Dead Embers first.
The Manor is a nebulous association of depraved paedophiles with members in high places and a strong desire to protect its members. Fortunately for the reader the novel is not interested in the paedophilia, only the protection which involves harming Lambert. The plot is well conceived and an exciting read as Lambert suffers blow after blow but always manages to rally and push the case forward. Most of the twists are real surprises so the novel held my attention throughout.
As the novel is a thriller, rather than a procedural characterisation is not its strongpoint. Sarah May does a lot of running and otherwise follows Lambert's suggestions. Glenn Tillman is an enigmatic man of uncertain temper and mysterious sources of both information and manpower. The most developed character is the protagonist, Michael Lambert, a smart man burdened with guilt over the death of his daughter, Chloe. It makes his relationship with Sophie problematic and dysfunctional and not very convincing.
Dead Time is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.