I've read all Natasha Cooper's books, and had much pleasure from every one of them. They get better and better, both on re-reading, and as each new one appears. This latest, 'A Greater Evil', is the best yet. I found it absolutely riveting, and had to ignore all external interruptions and just go on reading until I reached the end. Trish has developed into a truly strong character, yet manages to combine compassion and generosity with her intelligence and understanding of the weaknesses of the human condition. Her home life with her young brother, David, and partner, George, avoid all the obvious pitfalls. Trish and George have learned to co-exist, rather than dominate or be dominated.
More specifically, the legal plot is excellent, since it has that wonderful gift of informing the reader about a subject on which this one is totally ignorant (in this case structural engineering, which sounds dull, but isn't a bit). The many intriguing subplots surround characters appearing in other books, their relationships and misunderstandings framing the deep characterisation that is so important in Cooper's novels. And, of course, there are also echoes back to Cooper's more distant writing past - and if you've never read a Daphne Wright novel, do so now!
Best of all, I didn't even guess who dunnit! And this is really unusual for me. In fact, the person I wanted to be guilty wasn't. Ah well. You can't have it all...
I enjoyed this book so much that it's hard not to overdo the enthusiasm. Read it, is all I say.