The first of the Trial and Retribution series by Lynda La Plante focuses on the brutal murder of a young girl. The book examines the work of the police in trying to solve this gruesome and tragic murder, while those same police are making it difficult for themselves to solve the case by meddling with the evidence. The book reads well, it is simple but intense, with a honest tone and true horror. This is now also a tv drama, which is also very good, and the television production does complete justice to the book. This book is a nightmare, it is the dread of every parent and the fear in every child when they look at a stranger. It is recommended reading for those of you who like a thrilling mystery.