From Booklist
Armstrong's latest is an enjoyable blend of police procedural and international thriller that fans of either subgenre will appreciate. British DCI Roger Hayes faces a particularly nasty case when the bloodied body of elderly antiques dealer Lulu Starewska is found, her face destroyed by acid and her throat cut. To add to the horror, Lulu's cat has also been doused with acid. Hayes' investigation reveals that the intensely secretive Lulu, originally from Russia, apparently had no relatives and few friends. The lack of information about her makes the case difficult, but things take more nasty turns when Lulu's antiques gallery burns down, her loyal assistant is killed, and the nine-year-old son of Lulu's protege is kidnapped. The trail leads Hayes to Moscow, where even the answers he finds are clouded in mystery. Another solid entry in Armstrong's long list of successful crime novels.
Emily MeltonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
