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Publication Date:  April 24th 2014

When a vagrant—the Walking Man—finds a dog wandering alone with the words "HELP US” written on its collar, he’s sure it’s a desperate plea from someone in trouble and calls on Detective Inspector Jack Caffery to investigate. Caffery is reluctant to get involved—until the Walking Man promises new information regarding the childhood abduction of Caffery’s brother in exchange for the detective’s help tracking down the dog’s owners. Caffery has no idea who or what he is searching for, but one thing he is sure of: it's a race against time.

Is it really Book 7 of the Jack Caffery series already? Yep it would seem so and the first thing I want to say about this one is - for me it was the best one yet. Part of the "Walking Man" series within the series, as always it featured compelling characters, a dark and violent mystery and some truly shivery moments.

Somewhere a family is in trouble. We know this, we also know that its possible their one hope is Jack Caffery, a man who does not know they exist. With her usual trademark build up of tension, Mo Hayder takes us on a twisted journey towards an unknown outcome.

The first part of this novel totally freaked me out. I mean REALLY. Dark dreams, not wanting to be alone in the house, jumping at every sound - freaked out. And to be honest even as things became clearer and the story took shape that feeling never really went away. Sublimely creepy throughout, perfectly constructed to keep you on edge, this was one of those tales that will wake you up in a cold sweat weeks later and wondering what the heck you were dreaming about. Yep. One of them.

I love the writing style of this author, it flows off the page and into your psyche without missing a step - and Jack Caffery, as always, is right at the heart of it, developing more with every novel, coming into focus and living with you for the entirety of the reading experience.

One negative for this reader - Flea. Where was she? But to be fair, those of you who follow this series will understand her absence - Jack had to take this portion of his journey alone. And I gulped at the ending.

Brilliant brilliant writing. Inventive, fascinating and disturbing as ever, Mo Hayder is right at the top of the game when it comes to terrific Crime and Psychological thrillers.

Wherever Jack goes next I'm heading there with him...

Happy Reading Folks!