This is the fifth novel featuring Kate Branigan, the Manchester based private investigator, and probably the best one so far (which is saying something as the previous books had all been very strong). As usual, Kate finds herself investigating several cases simultaneously, carefully balancing her time and skills, and somehow managing to keep a grasp on all of them.

The principal storyline, however, which gives the book its name, revolves around the apparently mindless murder of a doctor engaged in extensive research into subfertility and IVF. She was murdered in her own home, and in the absence of evidence to the contrary the police are treating it as a case of an attempted burglary that went wrong. Among her patients at the time of the murder were Alex and Chris, Kate’s best friends, who had been referred to her for help with a baby. It is only after the murder, however, that they realise that she had been working under a pseudonym. As there are a lot of sensitivities about their treatment, Alex retains Kate to investigate further, and also to ensure that their records are safe.

As usual, McDermid develops the plot quickly, but plausibly, quickly enfolding the reader in the story. Branigan is an immensely plausible protagonist – capable, occasionally stubborn, and overwhelmingly logical, she knows her limitations, but is not afraid to push herself absolutely to them. In this outing there are additional domestic and work-related challenges that she has to address, and she takes them on adroitly ( )

This is the first Val McDermid I've read, and I am willing to try her again (particularly because I gather her fans don't think this her strongest book). The running of three mysteries in one was at first a positive for me, but towards the end...well, it gave a scattered, breathless sort of approach to it all. Can't fault her for being superficial when dealing with grave matter, because most of the mysteries I read are (I mean, they start with someone dead, and what could be more grave than that? and yet we don't expect much gnashing of teeth). I think the reason my feeling of "oh, these are shallow waters" came up was more the theme of infertility, which, to give her credit, McDermid's fearless PI does try to comprehend...but something seemed, to me, to be missing.
I'll give her another try or two and see. Love her wit, I must say. ( )

i didn't find it that funny. everyone in it was too far over the edge, branigan included. a little tiring like my wacko family who at least don't kill people. ( )

The book started funny enough but then it kind of dragged. I just didn't like the "tough pivate eye" routine too much and didn't really get into the story. I prefer Val McDermid's thrillers as opposed to her private eye stories.

Another great Kate Brannigan tale. Funny, gripping, and easy to read. What more could you want? ( )