It can be tricky to read the first novel in the series after you’ve read subsequent ones. There was definitely a risk that having read The Binding Room recently (book two in the DI Henley series) that the backstory shared in that would have spoiled book one. But, actually the plotting and characterisation was so absorbing (and my memory for names so awful) that I was swept along regardless. 

 

Henley is a great character, walking a line between being harsh and cynical and being engaging. I am hoping she breaks up with her husband soon though, child not withstanding their relationship seems even less healthy now that I've read both books.