Another solid entry to the ever-readable St Mary's chronicles. As is always the case, it is difficult to review whilst avoiding spoilers.

The cliffhanger at the end of book three is neatly resolved although some may, like me, be left wishing for a more intelligent solution and your subsequent level of engagement with the whole book will hinge on how you view this.

Putting that to one side, though, and what we have is another rapid-moving, tightly-plotted story with some wonderful dialogue from the central characters. Max is at her wise-cracking best. For the first half at least.

The second half is less pacy but the story is still a compelling one and those who have stuck with the series this far will find much to enjoy.

I am looking forward to February's fifth installment as I have a grown to like these well-crafted characters and I do hope Jodi is able to keep the level of interest high.