Reviewed: 02 November 2024

The Solstice

by: Matt Brolly

A Detective Louise Blackwell Thriller - Book 7

Rating: (4/5)

The story picks up several months later than Book 6. DI Louise Blackwell is returning from an extended maternity leave.

From day one of her returning things are hopping. DI Blackwell handles it all - “mom guilt”, new DS, interdepartmental difficulties, oh and a murder (or two). As she investigates she struggles with what she really wants to do. Did I mention that she’s also up for promotion?

Some favorite characters from early books make a brief appearance. Thomas is his usual supportive self. As is her boss Robertson.

The case was interesting and a little twisted. The story had a somewhat satisfying ending. Only somewhat because we were left with a bit of a cliffhanger.

Happy Reading!

Release Date: 17-September-2024

British, Read-and-Listen, Mystery, Female-Led, Thriller

Plot Summary

As the Summer Solstice nears, who will be the next target? A dark thriller from the bestselling author of the DI Louise Blackwell series.

In a cave near Weston, potholers discover what they think are human remains. The bones are identified as belonging to Hugo Latchford, a boy who went missing a decade ago, and whose parents belonged to a quasi-religious cult masquerading as environmental activists. It’s not long before rumours that he was sacrificed in a midsummer ritual resurface.

Returning to duty from maternity leave, DI Louise Blackwell finds herself leading the investigation, soon discovering that Hugo’s parents are still alive and the cult very much still active.

As she begins to fathom the ghoulish depths of the group’s pagan beliefs, new mother Louise is profoundly disturbed by the case. And with the Summer Solstice fast approaching, she’s faced with the terrifying prospect that the group might be preparing for their next sacrifice…