Although this book was not what I was expecting when I picked it up, it was still an excellent thriller. It is one of those books that, if you read the blurb, you think you know what will be coming - but you would almost certainly be wrong. The book takes a different direction from what it appears to be (I don't want to give too much detail so I don't spoil the twists for those who have not read it yet). The female characters, although sometimes unlikeable, were very well-written; the male characters were, for me, a little less convincing - but not enough to spoil the story. The plot moves at a steady pace and keeps you intrigued. This is a thriller rather than a straightforward murder mystery but, nonetheless, still an excellent read. Highly recommended.