Very, Very, Very ODD Book. Review on Last Temptation, The - Val McDermid

The title of the review may seem to tell that I did not like the book. But by saying the book is odd I did not mean so. There are two types of surprises one, which disappoints you and the other, which pleases you. Here by using the word odd I meant it was a good but not a normal book.

The book’s theme is criminal psychology. There are two stories going on simultaneously. Dr. Tony Hill is a criminal psychologist. He has left his practice because of too many ups and downs occurred during his job. There is an abnormal killer who is murdering psychologists brutally and in a ritualistic way. But he has a motive. A logical motive. Because of this killer, Tony is called back to his old job by his lover, Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Carol Jordan. Soon Tony gets involved with this murderer and starts profiling.

On the other side of the story, DCI Carol Jordan applies for a job in National Crime Squad, England, as an analyst. After a very good interview she is told that she has to go undercover to catch a very dangerous man. She undergoes a small test and passes it easily. Although she is good at being a cop she doesn’t understand why she is being sent undercover. The reason astounds her.

What is the reason? Will she be able to catch him? Can Dr. Hill help the police catch this twisted killer?

This book is really extraordinary. Many people may not have heard the author’s name but she has won some awards for her books.

The best part of the book is the portrayal of the two villains. The psycho killer kills for a reason. I call it a noble cause. The other criminal kills for money. The reader may sympathize with the first killer for some time but still a murder is a murder even if it is for a cause. The life of the psycho has led him to what he is today. This may also be true with some of the criminals we see nowadays. But the other one is ruthless. He kills for profit. He wants his job done by tit or by tat.

The action is mind blowing. I could not believe that a lady can write as well as Ludlum, Baldacci, and others. I had the impression of Agatha Christie in my mind as a lady author. The undercover situation of Carol has been described too precisely. Her feelings have been expressed in a way as if the reader was in her shoes.

I would recommend this book to everyone. I cannot say that the book will change your life but it will certainly leave you thinking.

Ratings and Comments are always welcome.