Ceecee's Reviews > The Close

4.5 rounded up
Maeve Kerrigan #10

DS Maeve Kerrigan and DC Georgia Shaw observe the body slumped half in and half out of the BMW sports car in the hospital car park. The victim is Dr Hassan Dawoud and after extensive enquiries his killer remains elusive. As if a hard to solve a murder isn’t enough the team are instructed by the Mayors office to look into the death of a vulnerable adult, Davy Bidwell, discovered in a derelict house in Acton. Davy’s family believe Judy Thwaites, who Davy lodges with for a few days, is exploiting vulnerable people. An undercover operation is planned and DI Josh Derwent insists Maeve works with him on this. So the pair arrive at Jellicoe Close, West Idleford as a couple and dog sitters for a very lively pooch! Such a cute dog!

There’s so much to praise in this immersive novel. First of all, Derwent and Maeve! I love the sparky banter, some is very funny and well, I won’t spoil it for readers but it is crackling with tension! These two are such great characters and the pages are never dull when they’re on them. Georgia really grows on you in this one too.

Secondly, it’s a fantastic portrait of the neighbourhood and the neighbours, it becomes clear that something very dark is lurking at its heart. At the very least this lot are harbouring secrets, the dynamics are certainly intriguing and yet it’s obvious there’s more……. Maybe it’s a conspiracy or is it pure evil? Josh and Maeve are closely observing them all and it’s a fascinating unfolding situation with some startling discoveries.

Thirdly, this novel has multiple layers and yet it all blends together with the tentacles of the surveillance operation spreading far and wide into areas that are truly shocking. The pressure, including high pressure, builds on several fronts building in intensity. The tension at times is sky high, there are creepy claustrophobic moments which raises the hairs on your arms and sends prickles down the back of your neck and spine. The revelations are such a surprise as your suspicion antenna has twitched in other directions - well played! I love the ultimate end, I’m so intrigued and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that number 11 is underway as my breath is baited!

Finally, I haven’t read all the series but I have read the last few and although it’s not vital to have read number nine it does help you to understand some of the things that are mentioned in this one. This is another cracking read from Jane Casey and one I can recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins/ HarperFiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.