Book dossier

A Place of Execution

by Val McDermid

Essentially a police procedural, this book poses serious questions about habeas corpus in a murder trial where the death penalty is exacted. Brilliantly conceived and written, the plot itself is not as impressive as the characters who people the narrative. Set in two time periods, the '60s and the '90's, the terrifying twist at the end is worthy of anything the Greeks dreamt up in their nightmares.