“Our leading pathologist of everyday evil.” The Guardian

“This is a disturbing, high-tension book, unstinting in its portrayals of psychological distress. One of McDermid’s finest, which is saying a lot.” The Times

“THE TORMENT OF OTHERS has a thoroughly modern brutality. It is a tribute to the power of Val McDermid’s imagination that she makes the novel seem so believable.”The Telegraph

“It’s hard to know what to praise first here: the impeccable plotting or the sharp social relevance of the narrative (a McDermid speciality). Most of all, though, it’s the relationship between her two central characters that makes THE TORMENT OF OTHERS work so well. This is a real, adult relationship; complex, combative and nuanced.” The Daily Express

“Val McDermid’s THE TORMENT OF OTHERS should carry a warning: ‘Beware: don’t start reading this unless you have an uninterrupted 24 hours.’ Bound to bring new lambs to her slaughter.” Bookseller’s Choice, The Bookseller

“Beautifully constructed, impeccably written story…this fresh, imaginative psychological thriller should help win the author many new fans in the US.”  Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“McDermid is unusual in her ability to keep the suspense high while constructing social mysteries that are far-ranging in their implications…McDermid brings to her mysteries an unusual capacity for compassion, both for victims and for the detectives whose lives are shattered tracking down the killers.”  Booklist, Starred Review

“There’s a new queen atop the BritCrime throne, and it’s Val McDermid…Her playing out the strings of terror and suspense is masterful…McDermid’s plot is superb, her characters vivid and deeply etched and her sense of place is first rate. This book is scary as hell. You will likely stay up deep into the night, racing to finish TORMENT OF OTHERS.”Hamilton Spectator

“There are some terrific twists … and some excellent writing from an author who is building a formidable literary reputation” Scotland on Sunday

“Val McDermid, as ever, is adept at engendering irresistible suspense, as the fearsome attractiveness of the ever more benighted and bloody predicament works its effect on the reader. We are brought face-to-face with blood-soaked bedclothes and worse, and led by the nose through the seedier parts of Bradfield.” TLS

“The Kirkcaldy-born crime writer has delivered a powerful and disturbing novel about the very measure of evil… Val McDermid is an intelligent, supremely talented novelist and, with this latest tale, she is writing at the height of her power. It may not be comfortable, it may be neither pretty nor pleasant, but it is utterly compelling” Glasgow Herald

“This is a densely written and rewarding crime thriller. McDermid’s recent TV exposure has certainly not altered the dynamic way she weaves her storytelling spell” City Life

“A clever, compelling plot, fully drawn characters, masterful writing and a perceptive view of the dark side of humanity make this another winner for McDermid.” CrimeSpree

“McDermid’s plot is superb, her characters vivid and deeply etched, and her sense of place is first rate.  This book is scary as hell.”  Edmonton Journal