Book Review: All Fall Down

M. J. Arlidge's previous efforts featuring DI Helen Grace have been largely hit-and-miss for me, but I am glad I picked up All Fall Down. Not only has Grace evolved into a fascinating character battling her own demons, the plot is a riveting ride from start to finish that pauses never for once, with Arlidge peppering the narrative with clues and red herrings aplenty. All Fall Down cleverly reworks familiar genre trappings to tell the story of a killer who's on a murderous rampage and gives it a high-octane sheen that makes it a propulsive read. The plotting is skilled, as is the sleuthing, and the method to the well-choreographed madness is revealed in a convincing, if well-telegraphed, climax. A smart, thrilling, relentless exercise in tension building that's thoroughly enjoyable.