This fourth book in the DIs Ryan and Roy Wilkins series finds the two with a new DCS, the striking and ultra-cool Wainwright. She has big ambitions and isn’t about to have them derailed by the Wilkinses—who, she’s been warned by her outgoing predecessor are, respectively, not to be given responsibility under any circumstances, and a posh and self-satisfied fashion plate needing more experience “at the wet end.”

When, on DCS Wainwright’s first day, the incoming cases are a murder right in the center of Oxford, and an old man gone missing from his home, she chooses to give the latter to the Wilkinses. But when the old man, a retired linguistics professor is found dead, soaking wet, and splayed out in his pajamas and dressing gown on the lawn of a hotel miles from his home, it’s clear this is no simple case of a wandering elder.

One of the pleasures of this series is the mix of the police procedural and the personal and inner lives of Roy and Ryan. And in this new book, we find that all is not as it first appears with DCS Wainwright and some witnesses and suspects. The plot is deliciously twisty, as new clues are discovered that lead to shifts in perspectives.

This series is a real find that ought to be dramatized. I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to read the books in order, so just grab one and read!

*The Wilkinses* is a hilarious and unpredictable detective story with two very mismatched detectives. Ryan Wilkins, in his baggy trackies and neon puffa, is a mess of chaotic energy, while his partner Ray, looking all polished in a navy blazer, thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread—despite being kind of a hot mess too. When they’re handed the “simple” case of a missing professor, things take a wild turn with a body showing up in the weirdest place. Their investigations may be chaotic, but they somehow get results. It's a fun, quirky read that keeps you guessing—and laughing—at every turn!

Thames Valley has a new Superintendent - DCS Wainwright young, charismatic and ruthless, charged with pushing through big reforms. Her in tray is full of problems and at the top of the pile is the problem of Wilkins and Wilkins! Decent read! This book had a shocking who done it twist that I didn’t see coming! It also had suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, and a shocking ending! The story was interesting, it wasn’t my favorite of the series but still worth reading! I would recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!