MAY BE A FEW SPOILERS
This is my first Diana Hunter Mystery though it's obviously not the first one in the series. Based on all the rave reviews, I was expecting more from this novel. In the beginning interactions between the main characters are over-stated. For example: "she barked", "she growled", "she snapped", "She glared at him", "she hissed". These reactions to her partner are evident throughout the storyline and a bit over the top. If these characteristics are intended to set the mood, they have done so but with a negative reaction. It was hard to warm to Diana and while I felt like the author wanted us to get to know her and (her partner) Peter better, their personalities were somewhat flat and one dimensional.
They presumably are on a case to find the killer of a man who is beheaded and his fingerprints are seared off. With these clues and I assume the "tox" screen on the victim, Diana immediately knows the identity of the killer, has had past experience with him, and gives an interview designed to draw out the killer--'Surgeon' (as he is known in police parlance). Though he failed to destroy Diana during their first encounter, she is convinced that he won't miss the opportunity to try again. The original headless victim is none other than 'Surgeon's' mentor, Garibaldi.
A hint at a political hit courtesy of potential Islamic terrorists seems to be off the table as they focus their attention on capturing 'Surgeon'. So while there appeared to be some serious investigative work and situation assessment necessary, this line never really goes any where. Instead Diana sets herself up as bait to draw out 'Surgeon' and her ploy works. By now half the book is over without much action and what appears to be a rocky relationship among various agencies as well as amongst Diana's own team. Not knowing Diana or Peter's backstory is troubling as it would seem more attention on the political targets and the terrorists would be central to the investigation, instead all future paths forward depend on getting 'Surgeon'. The story takes an interesting twist when Diana is abducted by 'Surgeon'. Her capture by 'Surgeon', at first appeared sloppy on their part, but we later learn that Diana's team had it all worked out, even without the complete knowledge (by her partner) of all aspects. Her time spent in captivity, as she undergoes a planned discussion is designed to ensnare 'Surgeon'.
After Diana is hailed by her work partners as a champ, she is suddenly confronted by 'Surgeon' again. It would seem, though the reader is never informed how, 'Surgeon', after being used by the CSIS and others to gain information, has somehow escaped and is waiting for Diana at her apartment. One would think his escape would draw forth an APB and that Diana and Peter would be the first to know. Diana reflects once she arrives home, that the outside of her apartment is dark and she will need to get this situation fixed. It never occurs to her that there may be cause for concern that her bodyguards are missing and the lighting outside has been eliminated. The finale is somewhat anti-climatic as its Diana's terrier that attacks 'Surgeon' (biting his ankle) and distracts him enough and this gives Peter time to shoot and wound and eventually capture the assassin.
This book just left me uninspired. I didn't feel close to any of the characters and in fact, found myself not particularly liking Diana, the heroine. The way the ending was written, it appears some of the issues will likely be resolved in future novels. I will leave that to the many fans of Alison Golden.
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