Awesome story. Can’t wait to read more from this author!!!

The body of a woman is found in her bathtub and D. S. Roy Grace assigns the case to Temporary D.I. Guy Batchelor. Roy Grace's personal life with his son Bruno also features in the story. I felt something was not quite right with Bruno, but it was only hinted at. I am thinking maybe a thread for the next book?
The plot moved along at a good pace with twists and turns that kept the suspense up to the end. Brilliantly written with well developed characters, I enjoyed all the books in this series and although you can read just one, I recommend them all.

A hairdresser is found dead in the bathroom of a rented flat that may or not be a love-nest/refuge from her violent husband.

Is she killed by her husband?

Is she killed by her lover? Who is the mysterious lover?

Is she killed by the man sending her abusive texts?

Once again Grace is heading the investigation whilst juggling a demanding home life. Grace has to go to Germany to bring the son he knew nothing about back to Brighton. Luckily the boy is bilingual but in the letter Sandy left she alluded to Bruno having some problems. What could she mean?

The issue I had with this book is when Grace brings Bruno home and then just leaves the day to day caring of Bruno to Cleo. He explains to a fellow officer that they need to bond. You yourself have just met a son that you didn't even know existed. His mother has just died, I would think you would need to bond with him. I would also as the wife be pointing it out but no, Cleo the dutiful wife just goes along with it. Is it me or am I just not as passive as she is?

I still love the relationship between Grace and Branson and the sarcastic comments between them.

There is also one other thing that is bothering me about this book and that is the "product placement"
I feel there is some deliberate advertising of products encroaching into the Grace novels.
The specialist wine shop in Brighton
The menswear designer from New Orleans which is mentioned several times.
The car descriptions. Not just saying Audi but a full blown description of it which just seemed odd.
Maybe I am just too sceptical but is there a reason for this?

Overall a good solid read but not as engrossing as some of the previous outings.

(For some reason my link to my goodreads is not working for this title)