Her lover and police partner saves the life of Detective Sergeant Kate Power when he pushes her out of the way of an oncoming vehicle. His valiant effort leaves Robin dead. A distraught Kate cannot display her grief at her devastating loss because Robin's widow and children legally own that right. Unable to cope with the memories and refusing to work with the individual who caused the failed operation that led to Robin's death, Kate, using the excuse of caring for an elderly relative, transfers to Birmingham.

Her great-aunt Cassie moves into a senior citizen community while also giving her house to Kate to live in though it needs plenty of repairs. Between the renovations and adjusting to her new law enforcement job, Kate has little time to think about Robin though she has been stuck in the office since arriving in Birmingham. Unable to resist and fighting ennui, Kate begins her own inquiries into the case of the sexual assaults on two small boys and the alleged murder of one the lads.

This is an engaging English police procedural that works on two levels. The investigation is top rate and hooks the audience from the moment Kate dives into it. As fascinating is the deep look into the mourning by Kate, the "other woman" who cannot let her grief be known to anyone. Thus readers obtain a deep character study inside a strong detective tale as the opening gamut of what has the potential to be a fine series.

Harriet Klausner