I received this book for free through Goodreads' First Reads program.

This is the fourth book in the Theodore Tate Christchurch Noir Crime Series by Paul Cleave. I have not read the other books in the series. The author did a good job of giving you enough information that reading the other books was not necessary.

Tate and his ex-partner are referred to as the "Coma Cops". The action takes place 6 months after the previous book. Tate has been reinstated as a cop. Schroeder is no longer a cop. He has a bullet lodged in his skull that has removed his feelings.

Nasty criminals and alleged criminals are being killed. It appears that their victims are being helped to get their "five minutes alone" with them. We rapidly learn who the real killer is. The book chronicles the killers thoughts and actions and the police trying to solve the case.

I find the books theme to be about moral ambiguity. Who is truly evil and who is truly good? Most people are cheering on the five minute killer. The cops are having a hard time going after someone who is seemingly good and getting rid of criminals.

This is well-written, gritty noir style crime thriller. I felt that some of the plot was not that believable. The reinstatement of Tate as a cop was one point I had a hard time with. It does, however, complete the moral ambiguity theme.

Recommended for those who like their crime thrillers gritty and a bit violent. Three and a half stars.