It is a department dominated by Italian officers, most of whom are family and has the advantages and challenges that brings.
1969 in Holloman is slow-paced living, but the discovery of two emaciated and emasculated male corpses speeds and sharpens the activity in the department.
Encounters with very ''definite'' and sharply portrayed characters in the theatre world, and the mental health and prison fields, challenge both personal and professional attitudes and behaviours.
McCullough moves the tale at a compelling pace through several neatly positioned possibilities and in the process gives insights into lives and motivations of the perpetrators and victims and the police.
Delmonico and his deputy, Delia Carstairs, work both in tandem and counterpoint to eventually unravel some cleverly devised atrocities and bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.
This is a worthy offering for fans of the pair.
- Willie Campbell is a Dunedin educator.
