The Jigsaw Man

Inspector Anjelica Henley is back at work after being stabbed and nearly killed by serial murderer Peter Olivier, known as the Jigsaw Man, during his particularly violent capture and arrest. She knows she is not ready; she has flashbacks, nightmares and the shakes, and her marriage is going through a rough patch because of her PTSD. Her partner Rob doesn’t understand her need to get back to policing, and resents the hours spent away from him and their young daughter, and ultimately risking their lives as well.

With a title like The Jigsaw Man, this novel was always going to be a tough read. It opens with the body parts being discovered – and the visualisation of the dismemberment lingers in the mind rather too long for comfort – but what I wasn’t quite prepared for was my increasing involvement with the characters and the unrolling story. Yes, it is a bit Hannibal Lecter, but no, it is not the USA, it is definitely south London and it is obvious that the author knows her area – the nuance is quite different.

The story and the characters run with the developments in the investigation; threads are pulled in from the original killings, past coppers and civilians stalk and slide through the pages. Henley is a rounded figure, torn between home and work, exasperated by having to pair with a trainee, coping with colleagues who are friends, enemies and lovers, trying to find balance in her life; unnerved by experiences but brilliant and a bit reckless to boot. There are no bland police procedural ingredients in this story; there is heat and depth and spice, and it is darned good!