Just about as good as these things get.

Inspector John Madden, a damaged WW I vet, is sent to investigate a mass murder, and through good detective work, and a real feel for humanity, does the needful.

There's some edge of your seat stuff that goes on, but for me the success of a thriller, or mystery novel is the humanity. Are we dealing with real people here, is the protagonist likable, and does he grow. I'm also a real sucker for redemption narratives.

Rennie Airth puts it all together: the crimes are horrific, the plotting is edge of your seat, the characters are real, the obstacles are plausible, the milieu is accurately rendered - and, there's a love interest. Does it lead to redemption? Well, some redemption stories get you there, some don't. Find out by reading this good book.

On to book two: The Blood Dimmed Tide (is there redemption here?)