About the Book

Widely recognized as one of our finest crime writers, with numerous accolades and legions of devoted readers worldwide, internationally bestselling author Val McDermid is back with the latest installment in her series featuring psychologist Tony Hill and police detective Carol Jordan. In Insidious Intent, Tony and Carol are on the hunt for a serial killer who forces the duo to confront their most haunting moral dilemma so far. In the north of England, single women are beginning to disappear from weddings. A pattern soon becomes clear: someone is crashing the festivities and luring the women away—only to leave the victims’ bodies in their own burned-out cars in remote locations. Tony and Carol are called upon to investigate—but this may be the toughest case they’ve ever had to face. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Paula McIntyre and her partner Elinor must deal with a cruel cyber-blackmailer targeting their teenage ward, Torin.

Impeccably plotted and intensely gripping, Insidious Intent reaffirms Val McDermid’s place as Britain’s reigning Queen of Crime.

Praise

“One of crime fiction’s most eminent writers returns with another intricately plotted thriller. Psychologist Tony Hill and former detective Carol Jordan confront moral dilemmas as they hunt for a predatory serial killer” —Entertainment Weekly “Best New Books”

“A highlight of novels written by Val McDermid is the tight control she maintains over her complex plots that are enhanced by believable and complicated characters….McDermid brings something special to the table as she shows in her latest novel….The intense plot moves briskly. McDermid keeps each twist believable… The author’s expert exploration of the human experience has never been better.” —Washington Post

“The 424 pages just flew by to a very shocking conclusion . . . You mustn’t skip this one. When you read it, you’ll understand.” —Deadly Pleasures

“McDermid puts both her characters and the reader through the emotional wringer with Insidious Intent… It’s both a terrific individual read and a culmination of ongoing character arcs throughout the books. McDermid is a maestro still at the top of her game, and adroitly balances shock and inevitability as events for beloved characters take a dark turn.” —Mystery Scene

“The narcissistic, controlled killer is engaging quarry and McDermid’s procedural details are as on point as ever. . . The final twist is both shocking and fitting, a must-read for series fans.” —Booklist (starred review)

“DCI Carol Jordan is tested to the max by the Wedding Killer . . . McDermid . . . rais[es] the heat in agonizingly tiny increments, until she’s ready for a finale guaranteed to leave you reeling.”—Kirkus Reviews

Awards

Shortlisted for the 2018 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year