Inspector John Madden is sent by Scotland Yard to investigate a shocking murder in the quiet Surrey village of Highfield. Five people were killed in all, and the police have little to go on. The initial surmise of a robbery gone tragically wrong is soon dismissed; the circumstances of the murder are unusual, bizarre even, and it is apparent that the murders, not robbery, were the goal.

There seems little chance of a quick resolution to a case in which there is little evidence and no logical motive or suspects. The only possible witness is a young child, too much in shock to be of any use and fiercely guarded by the local doctor, Helen Blackwell.

Madden and his superiors become convinced that this murder is one of a series of similar killings, and the pressure mounts to find the madman before he claims even more victims. Helen Blackwell introduces Madden to a distinguished Austrian psychoanalyst who offers insights into the character and habits of the killer. She also introduces Madden to possibilities he never imagined his life offering again.

There has been a lot of “buzz” about this book since its U.K. publication earlier in the year, and for once experience has exceeded expectation. River of Darkness is excellent; gripping suspense, heaps of atmosphere, and compelling, believable characters. This was a book I didn’t want to put down. While the subject is dark, the darkness is counter balanced by the sense of healing that Madden, damaged by his experiences in the war, finds with Helen Blackwell. All in all, a most satisfying read.

--Jeri Wright