The Smiling Man by Joseph Knox is the second mystery in the Detective Aidan Waits series. The detective has been assigned to nightshift duty due to previous problems with drug abuse and temper control. His senior partner is Sully Sutcliffe, who is putting up with him until he either quits or gets fired. Nothing good is expected from Aidan Waits. The pair are called to answer a break-in alarm at an empty hotel in Manchester. Upon investigation, the detectives find an unconscious security guard and a dead body in one of the rooms. The body was dressed in clothing without labels, his fingerprints and teeth had been removed and the corpse was smiling. The identity of this man seems impossible to establish. Aidan Waits, who is expected to self-destruct anyways, takes on the case with great interest and drive. There are numerous characters in this book but the story is fascinating to follow. You will never be able to predict what is on the next page. I also look forward to reading Sirens, the first in the series by Joseph Knox. Pick up a copy of The Smiling Man and settle in for a great read. Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.