The bromance between Tom Thorne and Phil Hendricks is one I look forward to every time I pick up a Mark Billingham book. And I'm happy to report this book didn't disappoint. ( )

4.5 stars.

Time of Death by Mark Billingham is another brilliant installment in the Tom Thorne series. It is another well-written novel with a clever mystery to solve but it is the intrigue surrounding Tom's girlfriend Helen Weeks that makes it such a riveting read.

In this latest outing, Tom and Helen are on holiday when she learns the husband of one of her childhood friends is a suspect in the kidnapping of two teenage girls. Helen insists they cut their vacation short so she can support her friend and Tom tags along to keep her company. Of course, he cannot resist poking around the investigation and although his input is not appreciated by the DI in charge of the case, Tom continues to pursue the leads he uncovers. He is also growing increasingly concerned for Helen since she has been out of sorts since their arrival in town but she remains tight-lipped about why she is so upset.

Helen abruptly left her hometown twenty years earlier and never returned. But when Stephen Bates, the husband of her old friend Linda, is arrested for the kidnapping of Jessica Toms and is a strong suspect in the disappearance of Poppy Johnston, Helen is compelled to lend her support. Their relationship is a bit strained but this could be due to the circumstances of their reunion. However, as the story progresses, it becomes obvious that something from their childhood is responsible for the increasing tension between them.

While Helen is busy with Linda, Tom continues his off the books investigation into the girls' disappearances. When Jessica's remains are discovered, Tom becomes convinced that Stephen has nothing to do with the crimes despite the overwhelming physical evidence against him. Tom's close friend, medical examiner Phil Hendricks joins his investigation and the two men begin to piece together a viable scenario for how the killer is manipulating the evidence to frame Stephen for the crimes. Once their suspicions are confirmed, it is just a matter of time before Tom uncovers the identity of the real killer, but will he be able catch him before it is too late?

Time of Death is an absolutely outstanding addition to the Tom Thorne series. The mystery is fast paced and nearly impossible to solve. Although it is easy to narrow down the suspect list, red herrings and misdirects effectively mask the perpetrator's identity for much of the story. Mark Billingham keeps the series fresh by taking Helen and Tom out of their element but it is the addition to Helen's story arc that really makes Time of Death stand out from the previous novels. Her revelations are heartbreaking and learning the truth about her past gives her character added depth. It will be interesting to see what comes next for Helen and Tom in both their personal and professional lives and as always, I am eagerly awaiting the next release in the series.
( )

Tom Thorne and Helen Weeks are supposed to be on holiday in the Cotswolds when an old schoolfriend's husband is arrested for abducting two young girls. Helen feels drawn back to her home town to support her friend and Tom can't help himself from sticking his nose into the investigation, which doesn't go down well with the local police as Tom thinks they have the wrong man. Interesting characters and very clever plot before the villain is finally unmasked. ( )

On a short holiday with her partner Helen Weeks reads about a girl who has gone missing in her hometown of Polesford. Poppy is the second teenage girl to disappear in a couple of weeks and it's headline news. The police have got a suspect and Helen realises it is the husband of her closest childhood friend. Helen insists on returning to support her friend but it also stirs difficult memories, why she left Polesford and doesn't keep in touch. Meanwhile, Helen's partner Tom Thorne has a gut feeling that the police have the wrong man and when the body of the first girl turns up he is even more convinced.

I have not read any of Billingham's books before and am aware that there is a long series and complex backstory. Enough of the background is given here to give understanding and allow this book to be read as a standalone. The storyline is actually very believable, pertinent to recent events and engrossing. Although I'd sussed the perpetrator by halfway through there was still enough to keep guessing. The writing is tight and as most of the characters are well-known to fans it is well-edited. A solid and entertaining thriller from a quality writer. ( )

This is the 11th Tom Thorne novel. I have read at least 1 before.
Thorne and his girlfriend police officer Helen Weeks are on holiday meant to be taking it easy.
They end up visiting a town called Polesford this is where Helen grew up.
Two teenage girls have been kidnapped. Helens old friend Linda is married to the chief suspect.
Thorne and Weeks are convinced he is innocent.
One of the girls body is discovered.
Thorne digs deeper. There is a few red herrings and revelations along the way.
Eventually Thornes detective work pays off.
Spoiler alert *****
2nd girl is rescued it was the ex copper Trevor Hare who is the culprit. ( )