Wildcard Wednesday Cold Sacrifice by Leigh Russell

 Although this is technically a murder mystery, this book although harrowing in  places is actually easy to read. I do however, have mixed feelings on the circumstances of DS Ian Peterson’s private/married life though. This complex situation, with so many unspoken issues that I personally wouldn’t want to comment on them.

The part about the interaction between the youngsters and the police made me roll my eyes. After this it was good, although not all nice, to read the gist of that a police officer is only human after all. This would, I hope, would bring comfort to someone else if they have the same or any reaction to a dead body. I cannot believe that he would be worried about his wife especially after finding a murder victim, still a phone is important. This part, strangely, made me smile.

It is good that I very quickly find out why this book has the title it has and it is a brilliant, clever idea for a murder mystery. I like it a lot, love it even.

This book is quite easy to read, a bit gruesome in places, but this is about murder so it is to be expected also it is written/described/detailed really well which makes this a good book. You do have to concentrate on some of it as it does get a bit technical in some places, but however, this adds to the story and does not ruin it for me.

I don’t agree with the situation but I do like the way the husband reacted to/took the news of the victims murderis described in this book. This part is well written, although, I do think the husband should have been taken for a formal identification of the body. However, again if dental records are enough this must be ok with/for the police.

I know that all the evidence points to a person being guilty, but I do not believe he personally did it. There may, however, be a connection although I could be very wrong.

I am finding this story a strange one. I do have to question why he needs an alibi? As I don’t think he is guilty, however, reading on will reveal more information about the case.

I know there is an investigation in this book but I am confused, I however, think I know who did it, but there is still the question of the alibi? Still to work out. I actually feel sorry for Della as she is almost an innocent person caught up in, sadly, greed. This book is confusing, it may all be solved however, when the Will is read out. As why would he go on about being rich when it is actually mentioned that someone else will get the house and all.

I love how the investigation is being carried out by the police officers but I don’t like how the suspect has a quick answer for every question. I mean not how it is written, that is fine and good/well written, but within the nature of the story line only as it makes it harder for the police to solve this case.

I don’t like reading as to how Della got and still is caught up in all the mess with alibis and the money. This does prove that you can never be sure and truly trust someone not to involve someone else. I do like if not agree with the quick thinking as to the amount of money involved though.

I like how cleverly it is written that alibis and the rest are all worked out to look simple and easy. I don’t like so much how it is now all unravelling. I don’t agree with or condone the lying, but it just goes to show nothing is so/that simple.

I like the subtle reference to the Julie Roberts and Richard Gene film. Although, the title of it isn’t mentioned it is obvious which well known film that is meant.

Although the dinner party didn’t exactly come across as positive it is nice to read of the lighthearted and supportive break from the case, even if sadly, it is just as it is mentioned just a front/act for family.

We all know that Joyrides can escalate into a bigger issue sadly, this time only a post mortem will determine the truth. I am glad that everyone is ok though, well the ones involved in the incident at the time that is.

This book, sadly, strongly highlights that a police officer is never off duty, whether it is their day off or not. After reading that it is Ian’s day off and where and what he should be doing makes, to me, reading the next part of the investigation harder to read.

I know that I don’t know how the police operate when it comes to investigating crimes like these murders, but surely if there were more there would be ‘Missing person’ reports or the like. This is not a criticism but I do have to question whether Polly’s query was necessary.

Again, with me not being up with police protocol, surely, I would think, they would need a warrant to search the unit?

The part about the leader and the warrior is so well written that as much as I try to find clues as to who they are it gives nothing away.

I hate that, despite the nature of this book, this story has taken a dark turn although I am glad things didn’t escalate and he was stopped before someone got hurt. I, at this point, don’t know how they are going to solve this case, despite finding the important object.

There are two issues that I find interesting, one, I can see why someone can get done for ‘Wasting police time’ and two, I am glad Eddy is innocent and how easy it was to find out that fact, also Ben needs to be taught a lesson against lying. 

I don’t like that Ian is torn between his job and his wife. It is not nice to read of his predicament.

As I don’t know how an investigation works in real life, I don’t know if the police can access a Will of the deceased by murder or not? I do still believe Henry is innocent although, again, the Will could actually help to clear him properly. I hope this book mentions the Will soon or at all.

I am seriously beginning to realise, I really should have a while back, realised that the/a Will is not important, but then again, this idea makes this case confusing and I have still to find out who is behind the ‘Sacrifice’. Then we solve the murder. This is a good but strange and clever book. 

Poor Joey. I want to read on to find out what happens next but sadly I have to wait as it jumps to another part of the story.

Oh this is good the police have only gone and given him an alibi. This is amusing to read that they have achieved the exact opposite of what they had wanted to. And yes, I do think there is a link to the three. What? That is the mystery.

I don’t like that Bev has been let down again but poor Candy. Although, I do understand that Candy may have required medical attention but there must be a thin line between checking and disturbing a crime scene. Two issues I don’t agree with/L have to question one, Why didn’t they search further for Candy’s son and two, I didn’t like that Ian thought a social life wasn’t important. Ok yes, murder means someone is worse off but I will say you can still live while you are alive/can.

How can I explain this? First it is not the case Bev has no faith in Ian to solve it is the case of Bev finding out the information about the little boy that upset her. I would say that as she isn’t in the police force, she would be more affected by the situation and two yes, Ian is somewhat hardened to the case, but it doesn’t mean he has no feelings and I am not saying that all police officers don’t get over emotionally involved in a case, as it depends on the person. As realistically well this is covered, I don’t agree that the case won’t get solved and Ian should have more faith in himself. Also Ian did misunderstand Bev, that is what I believe. Now it is good that Bev understands. I also like the partly good news but we all knew from reading this book that he was safe, but there is an awful issue to deal with making this bittersweet. Well Shelley got a shock and I suppose it was a good idea however convenient to take Joey to the police station.

I love reading about the ‘Profiler’ part, the author who wrote this book knows the story as well as the ending so the, I would only describe as a, recap is good. Also I have often wondered when I have seen  other detective mystery programs or reality police programs like ‘Murder She Wrote’ with Angela Lansbury and ‘Crimewatch Roadshow’ with Rav Wilding where they both highlight where the criminals have gone wrong. I think to myself ‘Well people/criminals have the potential to almost learn how to carry out the perfect murder and now the profiler has said as much. I like that this is highlighted. The poor women, all of them.

I don’t like that the understanding Bev doesn’t last long and the mood of this part of the book has changed/changes very quickly. Also before this change with no warning we read about the ‘Monks’ and now Bev’s job. The change in direction gives this book a different, well simply put like someone else has written it and it is another, style of writing. However, clearly there is only one author and it is clever that an author can combine styles.

I think I know what happened. Yes, I knew it but this is a confusing book/story/mystery 

overall.

Thank you for reading

Sandra