Requesting this book, I did not realize it was the third in the series, and unwilling to start a story three books in, I read the prior two books so that I was up to speed on character relationships and backstories. This was a wise move because so much of the story, while centered around police procedurals, is tied to knowing and appreciating the long-term players.

This installment was my favorite, so far, and it was a bit more fast-paced than the previous slow burns. Visually, the story was terrifying and unique, rich with particulars, and unfortunately heartbreaking. It was almost akin to a modern day Sherlock, with a little less quirk but plenty of personality. The overall story is quite heartbreaking, especially if you’re a parent, but it is written with such care and sensitivity that you can’t help but want to seek justice for the victims.

As a fan of reading stories set in the UK, and mysteries, this definitely scratched that itch and I look forward to future additions. ( )

Don’t Scream by Margaret Murphy is the third entry in the Detective Chief Inspector Rickman series but reads well as a standalone. DCI Rickman and his partner Detective Constable Hart are at the scene of the brutal murder of a teenage mother and her baby is missing. It soon becomes apparent that a serial killer is preying on young women. This is an enthralling police procedural that transports the reader into an investigation like no other, with a team of detectives dedicated to finding a baby and a cruel killer. This will take them to a home for neglected and abandoned children, to an organized crime boss and his thugs looking for his stolen money and drugs, and to office politics among senior members of the police force, etc. Margaret Murphy is a skilled writer of thrillers and her novels never disappoint. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a challenging mystery that leaves you wanting more. Thank you to Joffe Books, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. ( )