‘THE WIRE IN THE BLOOD is truly frightening.  McDermid’s capacity to enter the warped mind of a deviant criminal is shiveringly convincing… Hill, driven and disturbed, is an appealing and original character.  This is a writer who just gets better and better.’ The Times

‘the novel has the same compelling combination of sexual-political mischief and Jacobean psychological intensity that earned the author the crime novel of the year award in 1995’ Sunday Times

‘a clever and exciting thriller’ Sunday Telegraph Review

‘This is a shocking book, stunningly exciting, horrifyingly good.  It is so convincing that one fears reality may be like this and these events the awful truth.’ Ruth Rendell

‘Intelligent, convincing and compelling, THE WIRE IN THE BLOOD takes risks with plot and character, undercutting all the normal devices of thriller structure in a highly readable and deeply scary scary book.’ New Woman

‘A fresh and vigorous story which chills the very marrow in one’s bones.’ Publishing News

‘McDermid is no novice at tense thriller writing and it shows. Her handling is sly and sophisticated, weaving the mundane with the stomach-churningly depraved.’. Express on Sunday

‘This tension-filled… story, handled with verve, wit and style, never flags.’ Mail on Sunday

‘Val McDermid takes the kind of chances in practice that most other writers are only willing to contemplate in their dreams.  That’s why… she writes some of the most stimulating crime fiction out there today. … gritty, gripping and absorbing enough to make the yearly ‘top ten’ list of most mystery fans’  Mystery News, USA

‘Val McDermid writes so well intertwining investigations, building tension and keeping you totally wrapped up in the story. There are some shocking events but it remains plausible and keeps the reader truly engaged. Another terrific, gripping story from Val McDermid.’ Love Books, Read Books