An intelligent, fast-paced plot about radical groups orchestrating a race riot is only one highlight of Waites's superb third Joe Donovan thriller (after Bone Machine
). In a thoughtful subplot, the British author suggests it's not shared beliefs that draw some to extremist organizations, but a sense of belonging and acceptance that these groups offer the lost, the displaced and the unloved. Newcastle PI Joe Donovan and his ragtag “information brokers” investigate who's behind threatening calls to a former '70s radical. The calls coincide with a Muslim student's savage murder that point to the far-right National Unity Party. But this thinly veiled white supremacist group appears to be innocent and is poised to win big during the upcoming election. Waites masterfully pulls together a cohesive story about fanatical politics filled with surprises and suspense. Fans of Mark Billingham, John Connolly and Ken Bruen will find much to like. (Mar.)
