The Dying Hours

Because of the freewheeling way, DI Tom Thorne handled his last case, he has been busted back to patrol.  This means working different shifts, wearing a uniform, and taking notes instead of being in charge.  When he is called to the case of an elderly couple's suicide, he suspects murder but cannot put his finger on why.  His superiors on the Murder Squad are eager not to believe him, especially his boss.  In fact they rub his demotion in  at every opportunity.  Of course this spurs Tom on to prove he is right.  He calls upon his former colleagues to help him.  They do so grudgingly, out of loyalty,  not wanting to suffer his fate.  On the home front, he is still living with Helen whom he rescued in the last book and her young son. Of course Tom's inability to share his inner life and work with her leads to squabbles and we hope growth on his part.  As the suicide/murders increase, Tom works increasingly on his own and of course makes decisions that affect the lives of the potential victims.  The last sentence in the book is a cliche, but only understandable if you have read the book.  It definitely sets up one of the storylines for the next book.  Thom Thorne is reminiscent of  Rebus (doesn't drink as much), and Morse (likes country music instead of opera).  All three like to go their own way and deal with the consequences later.