Cold Murder, by Jeanette Taylor-Ford. A Review

Cold Murder, by Jeanette Taylor-Ford. A Review

This is the first book I’ve picked up by Jeanette Taylor-Ford, but after reading Cold Murder, I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Della Downs and her sidekick, Ben Curran of Derbyshire police, are asked to investigate when the body of a man is found pegged out on the grass on the coldest night of the year, right next to an exclusive cul-de-sac named Gladioli Close. The man, one of the rich residents, is naked, and it is soon discovered that he died of hyperthermia.

Della is a quick witted, experienced and intelligent officer who has a somewhat awkward relationship with her DI. As the investigation gets underway the team is shocked to find that the vast majority of the residents of Gladioli Close have long been engaged in a convoluted computerised program of sexual shenanigans. A high tec version on the wife swapping theme. As Della digs into the backgrounds of the residents, she uncovers evidence connected to another murder investigation that had been conducted some ten years previously.

Suspects are here in abundance, but who amongst them really wanted to see the back of Darren Holbeach? I won’t go into too much detail as to the how’s and why’s as I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of what is a complex, but highly readable murder story.

Five stars from me, and I look forward to reading more about Della, Ben and the rest of the well-drawn characters in this book.