James Oswald has stepped up his game on the second book featuring Tony McLean. Did not see the villain coming this time.

This book delves into McLean's history and the circumstances surrounding the murder of his fiancee 10 years ago. I liked that in the telling of his history his obsession with his job wasn't due to Kirsty's death. He is and was that driven. This book takes us through the festive season and I found myself feeling both sorry and annoyed at him, sorry that he is alone and would rather work during Christmas and annoyed that he felt the need to drag him team in as well, although in saying that they didn't protest much. He has built a team that seems either driven, as alone as he is or extremely loyal to him.

There is still the supernatural aspect of the story and it would seem that it's going to be a different form of evil each book instead of an evil that has to regroup after each story. I also like that while McLean is still a bit dubious of the whole supernatural he doesn't judge those who consider it a part of their lives. McLean is still at the point where he thinks he can explain the mysterious goings on. I also liked that he couldn't seem to hold his temper in regards to Dagwood. (DCI Duguid)

These books are so quick to read and thoroughly entertaining.